Sofronio Vasquez is finally releasing an EP to be produced by none other than his “The Voice US” coach Michael Bublé.
During a media huddle to promote his upcoming concert “BRAVO! Manila” with Bituin Escalante and Jed Madela, The STAR asked what he and the Canadian hitmaker were cooking up given their recent photos together.
The first Filipino and Asian to win “The Voice US” revealed, “I’m excited to share that Michael Bublé is producing my EP.
“Nagawa na namin yung ibang songs, but I think based on our last conversation, ang unang lalabas is a Christmas song. It’s a duet with me and him, and we’re doing an English-Tagalog version.”
The holiday collaboration with Bublé marks a new career highlight for Sofronio. “Nakakatuwa lang talaga because I did my part writing Tagalog lyrics for the first time,” the Mindanaoan singer said.
“With the help of the musicians and songwriters in Manila, I consulted them because I’m not really that good at (Tagalog lyrics). But I really tried. So we loved it and kasama yun.”
He said the song will likely be released before the ber months kick in — “probably before September.” Along with the Christmas duet, he hinted at more songs, including one collaboration with David Foster and another Paul Anka. “For sure, he’s (Bublé) going to announce it on his social media.”
“Meron pang isang song na isusulat talaga ni Michael Bublé for me. But (again) tapos na kami mag-record nung Christmas song, so I think that’s the first song that we will release.”
Sofronio is hoping he can one day perform with Bublé live in Manila. “Alam mo excited na rin siyang kumanta talaga dito. Sabi ko sa kanya, the last time you were in the Philippines was I think (at the) PICC (show). So hopefully, he comes here again,” he shared.
“And he said, when we do something — kasi kinukulit ko talaga siya, ‘Mag-guest ka naman sa ibang concert ko’ pero ayaw niya talaga — (he said) I want when I come there it has to be very particular and magical for the both of us. It’s going to be big for sure.”
He also did a separate EP recording in New York with Star Music’s Jonathan Manalo dedicated to the Philippine market. “I’m grateful to Star Music because they sent Sir Jonathan Manalo to New York. We recorded original songs there. I’m excited kasi sabay-sabay na rin ‘yan. Ang dami.”
Meanwhile, the media huddle, which was squeezed into the US-based artist’s tight schedule in the Philippines, was also an opportunity for Sofronio to talk about the upcoming show he’s headlining with Bituin and Jed. Titled “BRAVO! Manila,” it’s happening on Aug. 23 at The Theatre at Solaire and they will be joined by the Manila Symphony Orchestra.
When asked about his most unforgettable bravo or standing ovation moment — taking off from the title of his show — Sofronio recalled recently performing both the American and Philippine national anthems.
“Nakakatuwa kasi nakita ko how proud Michael Bublé was (when I performed the US national anthem). Nakita ko paano niya ako pinagyabang kasi vinideo siya. Pinapakita niya yung performance ko sa mga executive producers ng ‘The Voice,’” he said.
“When he gets the chance, talagang pinagyayabang niya sa executive producers. Sabi niya, ‘Tingnan mo ‘to, this is how he performs. Look at this guy, he is so hungry for opportunities.’”
Another notable moment for him was singing the Philippine national anthem during President Marcos’ 2025 State of the Nation Address last Monday, July 28. “It was a bravo moment kasi isipin mo naman, sa dami ng singers sa Pilipinas, they took time to invite me. Fly me on business class tickets, kinuhanan ako ng hotel, just to sing for that specific event. Ano naman ginawa ko sa mundo, ‘di ba?”
The singing champ is fully aware of the assumptions that come with such a high-profile performance. “And I realized, sometimes, it’s not really political. People would say, ‘Ah, kumanta yan kasi ganito yan.’ No. You have to realize, when you’re given that chance to sing the national anthem, it has to be for our country, not for the political application.”
Other more recent and standout performances were in the US, including a successful show at the heart of Broadway, specifically at The Town Hall in New York City. “Sold out kami kahit kalaban lahat ng Broadway shows.”
Sofronio is now preparing for a bigger concert in the States. This Oct. 11, he’s set to perform at a 3,000-seater venue in Pasadena, California. It’s the same stage where “America’s Got Talent” and Filipino-American Jessica Sanchez’s golden buzzer moment happened.
He said, “Trial lang ulit. Kung mapuno, maganda. Kung hindi, sana natuto ako. I’m a person who just keeps trying.”