Photo credit: PCO

Malacañang has announced that internationally acclaimed Filipino tenor Sofronio Vasquez will lead the singing of the Philippine national anthem at President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

Vasquez, a native of Misamis Occidental and now based in the United States, rose to global fame after becoming the first Filipino—and the first male Asian—to win The Voice in its 26th season. His powerful performances and signature vocal style captured international audiences, but his musical journey began much earlier on home soil.

Before his breakthrough abroad, Vasquez was a finalist in the second season of Tawag ng Tanghalan in 2017. He later returned to the spotlight in the show’s 2019 all-star edition, securing third place. Since then, he has performed on prestigious stages both locally and internationally, earning recognition as one of the country’s most accomplished vocalists.

This year, Vasquez’s selection to open the SONA with Lupang Hinirang is more than a ceremonial choice—it carries symbolic weight. The administration’s decision highlights a blend of excellence and national pride, recognizing both tradition and the exceptional artistry of Filipino talent on the global stage.

The singing of the national anthem has long been a defining moment in the annual SONA, setting the tone for the President’s address before lawmakers, government officials, foreign dignitaries, and a nationwide audience. Vasquez’s powerful voice is expected to bring added resonance to this year’s opening.

As President Marcos delivers his fourth SONA, he is expected to reflect on key milestones of his administration while laying out the country’s path forward. In many ways, Vasquez’s presence at the ceremony mirrors the story of Filipino resilience and rising potential—an introduction to a speech that aims to speak to the nation’s future.