Marcos to Vasquez: 'You made us proud'
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday hailed «The Voice USA» grand winner Sofronio Vasquez for bringing immense pride to the Philippines, saying his win cemented Filipinos' talent in music.
The president and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos welcomed Vasquez during a courtesy call at the President's Hall inside the Palace.
Vasquez made history as the first Filipino and Asian to clinch the title, an achievement the president said not only made waves in the music world but also brought recognition to the country.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomes Sofronio Vasquez to the Palace. PHOTO BY MARK BALMORES/PPA POOL«We are all so happy. Finally, we are recognized. You are not just the first Filipino but first Asian [to win The Voice USA]; that is a huge thing. That's quite hard,» Marcos told Vasquez.
«We must thank you because you have made Filipinos known; we are again gaining the spotlight because of you,» he added.
Marcos, a self-professed music lover, even joked about declaring Vasquez's winning day a holiday in the entire archipelago.
AdvertisementDuring the meeting, Vasquez recalled his audition journey up to the grand finals.
He shared that he works as a dental assistant in the US, and he also used to sing on cruise ships before becoming a celebrated Filipino singer.
Vasquez serenaded the First Couple and the rest of the audience during the courtesy call with The Beatles' song «Imagine» and his winning song, «A Million Dreams.»
«I've heard that 'Imagine' is one of your favorites,» Vasquez told the president before launching into a soulful rendition of John Lennon's classic, much to the delight of the first couple.
AdvertisementAfter witnessing firsthand Vasquez's singing prowess, the president said in jest that he would never sing again, pointing out how flawless Vasquez's performance was.
«If I cannot learn how to sing that way, I will not sing again,» he said.
In an interview after the meeting, Vasquez said he was thankful because he was able to meet Marcos despite the latter's tight schedule.
He also bared plans of releasing a single within the first quarter of the year and to continue honoring Filipinos with his music.
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