Senate Resolution No. 264

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Sofronio Vasquez upon the occasion
of winning Season 26 of "The Voice"

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
dedication and commitment of individuals who distinguish themselves
through excellence in musical competition; and

WHEREAS, Musical competition provides an opportunity for individuals
to exhibit their outstanding skills to an audience, thereby giving them
a sense of pride in their hard work and efforts; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Sofronio Vasquez upon the occasion of winning Season 26 of
"The Voice" on Tuesday, December 10, 2024; and

WHEREAS, The hard-working 32-year-old, Sofronio Vasquez, has
overcome many obstacles and challenges in his life; navigating his
journey from a one-room house in the Philippines, he attended dental
school, settled in Utica, New York, and achieved his greatest victory on
the television show, "The Voice," to fulfill his dream of lifting his
family out of poverty; and

WHEREAS, Sofronio Vasquez grew up on the island of Mindanao in the
Philippines where he and his family lived in poverty although both of
his parents held government jobs; music was ever-present in the Vasquez
household and a source of hope and inspiration; and

WHEREAS, After finishing school, Sofronio Vasquez opted to attend
dental school to provide for his family financially; additionally, he
entered singing competitions to earn a little extra money; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 10 years ago, Sofronio Vasquez entered the
Filipino version of "The Voice"; unfortunately, he did not qualify for
the show; upon finishing dental school, he decided to sing for an
American audience; and

WHEREAS, Sofronio Vasquez obtained employment on an American cruise
ship in the Caribbean, performing all musical genres seven nights per
week; the generosity of the Americans, yielding a lucrative income,
influenced him to live in the United States; at the University of
Buffalo, he discovered a program for international dental students; and

WHEREAS, On a tourist visa, Sofronio Vasquez travelled to Utica, New
York, in April of 2023 and worked as a dental assistant for an oral
surgeon for approximately one year; his father now deceased, the money
he earned would be sent to his mother so she could have a better life in
the Philippines; and

WHEREAS, When Sofronio Vasquez learned that "The Voice" was
accepting virtual auditions, he applied in August of 2023 and finally
received a response the following February; that month he performed for

his blind audition, and all four coaches turned their chairs within only
nine seconds; and

WHEREAS, The trip to Los Angeles for the audition turned into a
six-month stay as Sofronio Vasquez survived round after round on the
show; the prize of $100,000 and a recording contract were what he needed
to financially care for his family and bring his mother to the United
States to start a new life; and

WHEREAS, This humble, yet talented, performer dropped to his knees
when his name was announced as the winner of the season; Sofronio
Vasquez is the first Asian to win "The Voice," and he looks forward to
the day that his mother joins him in living the American dream; and

WHEREAS, Sofronio Vasquez's achievements stand as a proud testament
to what hard work and dedication can accomplish, illustrating excellence
and achievement; he is known as friendly to everyone, treating them like
friends and neighbors, not as mere fans; his humility and gratefulness
keep him grounded and focused on the dream he had since his days in his
home country; he is an inspiration to so many people who may have
endured the same hardships; for that, he is truly a winner; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Sofronio Vasquez who serves as a role model, exemplifies
the goal of continued excellence, and brings great pride to his
community and the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sofronio Vasquez.