Flying has always been a part of our lives, whether through the many journeys we’ve taken or through the dreams we had as children. I remember once aspiring to be a superhero who could soar through the skies. In second grade, I even tried to “fly” from one monkey bar to the next, only to end up with a broken arm. Let’s just say my childhood dream of being a “flying” superhero had a rather rough landing.
As time has passed, the idea of flight has become second nature to me, and I’ve come to enjoy the rush of it. We all dream of flying at some point, but there are times in life when we feel more like bees. After all, as the saying goes, there’s no way a bee should be able to fly.
And yet, somehow, they do. Just like the bee, which defies the “laws of aviation” to soar, its flight serves as a reminder that determination can break through barriers. This spirit of resilience is embodied by Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez, who has truly mastered the art of flying like a bee.
A million buzzing dreams
“I now believe in the power of manifestation,” Sofronio shares. His journey to becoming the first Filipino and Asian winner of The Voice US has been anything but easy. Sofronio has competed in numerous contests to reach this point. “To be called the winner of The Voice Season 26 feels like a full circle moment,” he adds. “It gave me the confidence and the boost I had been looking for the longest time. I will forever hold it in my heart.”
Having gained popularity through his time on Tawag ng Tanghalan, Sofronio’s experience in the Philippines helped shape the artist he is today. And for him, it was a learning experience that he forever holds dearly in his heart.
"It has prepared me so much. I learned to be patient and to persevere because I really wanted my music to be heard,” he expresses. “I used all of my failures as fuel, and each one pushed me to try again and again until I finally became a champion.”
Years after becoming a grand finalist and vocal coach on Tawag ng Tanghalan, Sofronio took a leap of faith and auditioned for The Voice US, stepping beyond the Philippines for the first time.
During his blind audition, Sofronio was taken by surprise when all four coaches turned for him. He described it as an “autopilot moment,” where the overwhelming reaction of the coaches left him in awe. Despite the excitement, he had to remind himself not to panic and stay focused. It was still a performance, and he had to ensure he delivered it just as confidently as the chair turns that had solidified his place.
“As each round passed and my coach, Michael Bublé, picked me as the winner, it felt like I was stacking another block of confidence,” Sofronio shares. “It helped build the foundation of belief that I could make it. I was very conscious of everything around me, but telling myself ‘I’ve got this’ was more of a thought than a priority.”
He adds that the pressure never really went away, but with each victory, it became easier to silence the doubts and focus solely on the music and the competition.
“The journey wasn’t about proving others wrong; it was about proving to myself that I could do it, despite the challenges and the years of setbacks,” he quips. “Every performance, every round, just reminded me that I was in the right place at the right time.”
For Sofronio, it was about reclaiming the confidence he had worked so hard to build throughout his career. His journey was a great nod to persistence, to the idea that sometimes, you have to keep pushing forward—like the bee defying the laws of aviation—until you soar.
Above all, try
And that bee? He happens to be from Misamis Occidental in Northern Mindanao. When asked about the message his victory sends to aspiring singers, especially those from the Philippines and Asia, Sofronio humbly reflects on his journey.
He advises others to “dream big, do the hard work, and keep improving,” adding that this advice is for anyone, whether from his hometown in Mindanao, the Philippines, or anywhere his story reaches. He believes that if you show God that you’re deserving, He will grant you your dreams. Sofronio also emphasizes the importance of valuing one’s time, and when given the opportunity, “show it off.”
So, what’s next for Sofronio Vasquez after winning The Voice? Much like the relentless bee that keeps flying despite the odds, Sofronio is determined to continue striving and working for music. He shares, “After winning The Voice, I will continue to strive and work for music. With the help of the right people, I’ll make sure I can sustain this gift of opportunity for a long time.”
Just like bees working together in a hive, Sofronio plans to reach out to others who share his passion, hoping to build a community that supports one another. “I’m looking forward to more milestones,” he adds, “and I can’t wait for everyone to celebrate those with me.”
Just as the bee doesn’t stop flying, Sofronio’s flight to greater heights is only just beginning. His journey mirrors the way flight becomes second nature after a while, much like how, over time, the thrill of soaring becomes an instinctive part of who we are. We all dream of flying, and in many ways, we imagine ourselves achieving the impossible. Yet, there are moments in life when we feel more like bees—against all odds, struggling to take flight.
With every performance, every step, he moves closer to achieving even greater milestones—showing us that no dream is too big, and no challenge too great. Like the bee, Sofronio’s wings will continue to carry him toward new horizons, and his flight will inspire countless others to do the same.
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Photography & Creative Direction by Rxandy Capinpin
Art Direction by Joe Andy
Words and Interview by Jacob Santos
Styling by Macky Combe
Grooming by Jaya Estrelon
Content Editing by L.A Bendaña
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