Sofronio Vasquez III delivers stirring National Anthem performance at SONA 2025 opening
• Sofronio Vasquez III, grand champion of The Voice USA Season 26, delivered a "rousing and flawless" a cappella rendition of "Lupang Hinirang" at the opening of President Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address
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• Vasquez's historic win as the first Filipino and male Asian on The Voice USA made his selection for the SONA a significant tribute to national pride and excellence
• The US-based vocalist traveled back to the Philippines specifically for the performance, emphasizing his profound honor and the boost it gives to his career and self-esteem
• Vasquez views the national anthem as a "calling" for all Filipinos to unite, regardless of their differences, reinforcing its power to foster national identity at a pivotal state event
In a moment that resonated deeply across the nation, Sofronio Vasquez III, the distinguished grand champion of The Voice USA Season 26, delivered a rousing and flawless a cappella rendition of the Philippine National Anthem, "Lupang Hinirang," at the ceremonial opening of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, Monday, July 28, 2025.
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The powerful performance set a patriotic tone for the significant legislative event.
The performance by Vasquez, who made history as the first Filipino and first male Asian victor on the prestigious American talent competition, was a highlight of the SONA's initial proceedings.
His selection for this prominent role had been officially announced by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on July 15, signifying the administration's intention to integrate both tradition and excellence into this year's address while celebrating Filipino talent on a national platform.
Prior to his performance, Vasquez had openly expressed his immense gratitude and honor for the opportunity.
In interviews, he articulated the profound personal and professional significance of singing for his homeland. "Personally and professionally, it's a great honor," he conveyed to Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), adding that it significantly boosted his "self-esteem, recognition, and worth as a performer and professional singer."
The US-based vocalist had specifically traveled back to the Philippines to fulfill this national duty, underscoring the weight he placed on the performance.
Vasquez's journey to international recognition began within the Philippines, where he first gained prominence as a finalist in "Tawag ng Tanghalan" in 2017 and later secured third place in its all-star edition in 2019.
His subsequent triumph on "The Voice USA" in late 2024, achieved under the guidance of global music icon Michael Bublé, propelled him onto the international stage, earning him both accolades and a record deal with Universal Music Group.
The singing of the national anthem is a solemn and enduring tradition at the opening of each SONA, serving to unite attendees and the viewing public in a moment of shared national identity before the President's address.
Vasquez reflected on the anthem's powerful message, describing it as a "calling" for all Filipinos to unite, regardless of their differences.
"When you sing it from the heart and when you get to honor the country, God, the people that's going to be listening, I think it's challenging but it's gonna be worthwhile," he shared, capturing the essence of the patriotic performance.
Earlier this year, in January 2025, Vasquez had paid a courtesy call to President Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in Malacañang, where he also had the opportunity to showcase his vocal prowess.
His acclaimed rendition of "Lupang Hinirang" at today's SONA not only marked a personal milestone for the artist but also served as a vibrant testament to the global reach of Filipino talent, adding a memorable moment of national pride to the annual address.
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