Sometimes dreams are not loud, but like soft and hidden notes, they are heard only by the heart that refuses to surrender. Sofronio Vasquez knows this melody of life so well. From trying his luck in “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” to owning the spotlight in “The Voice USA,” he finally reached a triumphant chorus in his journey.

Kapamilya Update gives us a look back at how Sofronio took his first leap toward becoming a global champion, with “It’s Showtime”’s TNTserving as his stepping stone.

Sofronio joined the singing competition during its second season in 2017, representing Misamis Occidental. His impressive talent earned him a spot in the finals. Although he didn’t win, Sofronio finished in 7th place, while Janine Berdin took the crown that year.

After that, “It’s Showtime” opened more doors for him to showcase his singing prowess. He became part of the all-male group TNT Cove, alongside fellow TNT graduates Christian Bahaya and JM Bales.

Sofronio gave his dreams another shot at TNT when he joined the All-Star Grand Resbak–an edition where past TNT contenders who didn’t win were given another chance to compete with each other and fight for the championship–in 2019. He ended up finishing in third place.

But he’s not the type who easily quits, proving that rejection is just a redirection. Fast forward to 2024, and he shocked everyone when he auditioned for “The Voice USA Season 26.” In the show’s format, contestants who pass the Blind Audition round get a chance to be mentored by a coach, and he chose to be part of Michael Bublé’s team.

He brought immense pride to his kababayans back home when he emerged as the season’s grand champion, making history as the first Filipino to ever win the competition.

When Sofronio returned to the Philippines almost a week ago, his first stop was the “It’s Showtime” studio, where he received a grand homecoming. He got emotional during his reunion with his “It’s Showtime” family and the TNT champs, some of whom had even been his trainees when TNT hired him as a vocal coach. His friends from TNT thanked him and expressed how proud they were of their coach, and how happy they were that Sofronio never forgot where he came from.

During his hero’s welcome on the show, Sofronio couldn’t hold back his tears, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for the support he’s received from his Showtime family and the fans who have been with him since day one of his journey.

“Gusto kong maging champion,” he used to whisper to himself. And now, having achieved it, he hopes to inspire other aspirants too. “Never stop dreaming,” he says as part of his message to those who are also chasing their own goals in life.