Sofronio Vasquez ‘greatly’ honored to sing national anthem for Sona 2025

July 28 ------ Sofronio Vasquez is grateful for the chance to sing the national anthem at President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona), saying it is “personally and professionally” a “great honor” for him.

The US-based singer, who is the first Filipino to win the championship on “The Voice USA” season 26, was tapped earlier this month to lead the singing of the Philippine national anthem at the Sona.

In an interview with RTVM on Sunday, July 27, Vasquez said he was overwhelmed by the opportunity to honor the country through his performance. “I was overwhelmed because it’s a rare chance and it’s an honor to sing in front of the president, just to honor the country, and it’s televised. So all of the people, even the world, will watch this momentous event,” he said.

Vasquez — who will sing “Lupang Hinirang” a cappella — said he traveled from the US to the Philippines for the performance, which “boosts my self-esteem” as a performer. “Personally and professionally, it’s a great honor. It boosts my self-esteem, recognition, and worth as a performer and professional singer,” he said. “I would technically say that I’m a professional singer because they invited me to sing in front of the president for a very specific and very important matter, which is the State of the Nation Address. We get to appreciate his work, and it makes me happy. This is not only a reflection of his accomplishments but also a reflection of my accomplishments,” he continued.

When asked about the significance of the national anthem, Vasquez said it has something to do with its “powerful lyrics,” which gets in touch with his fellow countrymen. “Even kids know how to sing it. [Since I’m] given the chance to be the flagbearer to sing the national anthem, I think it’s a calling that we have to be particular about our emotions. We have to respect, understand, and of course, share the simplicity of the Filipinos because Filipinos are very simple, but we are very hardworking, ambitious,” he said.

Source: inquirer.net