Award-winning tenor Sofronio Vasquez has been chosen to sing the Philippines’ national anthem at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, Malacanang said on Tuesday.
Vasquez, a Filipino pop singer from Misamis Occidental and now based in the United States, is best known for being the first Filipino and first male Asian winner of American talent competition, The Voice.
Before his international success last year at Season 26 of The Voice, he competed in the second season of Tawag ng Tanghalan in 2017, finishing as a finalist.
Vasquez later returned for Tawag ng Tanghalan’s all-star edition in 2019, where he placed third.
He has since performed on both national and international stages and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most distinguished vocalists.
In a statement, the Palace said choosing Vasquez to lead the national anthem “reflects the administration’s intent to blend tradition and excellence in this year’s SONA ceremony” and is “a tribute to Filipino talent and national pride.”
The singing of the national anthem is a key ceremonial element of the SONA as it sets the tone for the President’s yearly address before members of Congress, government officials, foreign dignitaries, and Filipinos.
This is Marcos’ fourth SONA, where he is expected to outline his administration’s key accomplishments, policy priorities, and plans to improve the lives of Filipinos.
