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(From left) Gary Valenciano and Sofronio Vasquezjili no.1. Images: Facebook/Gary Valenciano, Instagram/@sofroniovasquez

If there’s anyone who has seen Sofronio Vasquez‘s potential as a true champion, it would be Gary Valenciano, who was among the judges of the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” (TNT) segment of “It’s Showtime” where the former competed in 2019.

Vasquez was named the winner of “The Voice US” Season 26.

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Speaking to reporters, Valenciano praised Vasquez for his resilience despite having lost the competition, saying this was evidently just a stepping stone for him.

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“There was always this smile on my face whenever I saw him moving up the ranks. Kapag sinabi kong proud ako sa kanya, parang understatement ‘yun (When I say I’m proud of him, it feels like an understatement). Sofronio is a reflection of the many who had countless times endured winning and losing,” said Valenciano.

Valenciano recalled the time when Vasquez finished third runner-up on TNT, where he noted that the latter was “more of a vocalist than a singer.”

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“It sounds the same, but it’s not. A singer is someone who can sing and who can use the talent of singing in different ways. But a vocalist uses that too and becomes a storyteller, and that is what Sofronio is,” he further added.

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“Even if Sofronio didn’t win it all, a true winner and a champion like him. Losing is a part of what makes a true winner, a winner. You don’t become a champion unless you learn how to lose,” he said.

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WATCH: While expressing his delight over Sofronio Vasquez’s victory in “The Voice” season 26, Gary Valenciano noted the difference between a “singer and vocalist” as he pointed out that Vasquez has the qualities of a vocalist.

“In principle, [the fund] is already approved. We are looking for the funding source. There are several options … but I cannot disclose details about it yet because I am not sure,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told reporters in a mix of Filipino and English.

Valenciano was one of the judges when Vasquez… pic.twitter.com/UxBF71OPeO

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 12, 2024

Sofronio’s growth

Valenciano also noted that Vasquez had grown a lot as a performer since competing in TNT. “I’ve heard and seen how he started. Iba ang pagkanta niya (He sounds different compared) five or six years ago. He has matured with all the ups and downs in life.”

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“That’s what completes who you really are, and that is the completing factor in a chapter of his life,” he continued. “From here, who knows what’s going to happen next? It can only get better.”

When asked how Vasquez’s win would set the tone for OPM, Valenciano said “The Voice” season 26 winner represents how much “hard work” is crucial in one’s success.

“OPM for me is Original Pilipino Music, but Sofronio is Pinoy. In a way, he’s still representing OPM. But today, the structure of music has changed. Wala nang structure (There is no structure anymore),” he said. “Before, you had to sound or come out a certain way, and radio stations were ordered by the government to play at least four OPM songs an hour. It was implemented but not really strictly. It’s not the case now.”

“If you come up with good homegrown music and the next thing you know, you see the people singing your song from beginning to end. And it’s hard work. Kasi baka akala ng iba, gusto kong maging Sofronio (Other people think of wanting to be Sofronio). But that’s a lot of hard work,” he continued.

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Valenciano added that Vasquez’s journey is an example of people who used their hardships to evolve into a better version of themselves.

“There’s no guarantee he would reach this point. He just took the risk, believing that he could get somewhere. And that’s the somewhere that got him. Nakakataba ng puso (It warms my heart),” he said. “It says a lot about him and those who can really use kung anong pinagdadaanan nila sa labas (what they’ve been through) to be storytellers through their voices.”

Vasquez, who was raised in Misamis Oriental, is now based in Utica, New York. He shared in multiple interviews that he was originally planning to pursue dentistry, but moving to the US reignited his passion for music.

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