Concert Highlights: Yesung's 'Unfading Sense' in Manila | ABS-CBN

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Concert Highlights: Yesung's 'Unfading Sense' in Manila

Concert Highlights: Yesung's 'Unfading Sense' in Manila

Alex Cruz

 | 

Updated Jan 09, 2024 10:43 PM PHT

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Yesung at his Yesung at his 'Unfading Sense' solo concert in Manila Photo from PULP Live World


K-pop superstar Yesung serenaded his fans at the New Frontier Theater last January 6 as part of his 'Unfading Sense' concert tour. It is his first-ever series of solo shows and he has already made stops in Seoul, Jakarta, Taipei, Nagoya, and Osaka.


Yesung debuted with boy group Super Junior in 2005. Yet, the renowned main vocalist has shown that he still has a lot more facets to his musical artistry even after close to two decades of performing on stage. Filipino ELFs (Super Junior’s fandom name) were privy to this other side of Yesung as even the stage, lights, and LED screen were designed to match the ebb and flow of his songs that evening.




Yesung in Manila: the Super Junior member in his solo concert titled Yesung's 'Unfading Sense' solo concert in Manila was presented by PULP Live World. Photo by Grace Libero


To kick off the feels that night, Yesung started with “Scented Things,” the title track from his Unfading Sense mini album, followed by a performance of “Forenever” and “Silhouette.” Backed by his amazing live band, Yesung was able to bring out the best in the songs with his powerful yet soothing vocals, never succumbing to the guitars, the drums, or the keyboard.


And from the start, it was clear that even the short videos that played in the background were part of his overall performance. The clips of galaxies, crashing waves, trees, and cherry blossoms inside a circular “window” were cleverly curated to evoke a sense of melancholy that gave even greater emphasis to Yesung while he was on stage.

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Not to mention, it looked really great in photos and videos so Filo ELFs couldn’t help but take countless snaps of him from start to finish. Ironically, though, during his first ment, Yesung subtly reminded fans to not use their phones so much as to not strain their eyes, a joking reminder from Yesung to just enjoy the night with him and his music.



Yesung in Manila: the Super Junior member in his solo concert titled

Yesung in Manila: the Super Junior member in his solo concert titled


The concert continued with more songs from his “sensation series” of albums (Sensory Flows, Floral Sense, Unfading Sense) which he released last year.


Unlike the music he made with Super Junior, his personal discography leaned more toward the moody side of things. But the night was never too dour as Yesung always made sure to make fans laugh during his ments, chatting it up with the crowd and talking about things like jokes that don’t translate well from Korean to English and future tech that would allow him to just insert a gadget on his tooth so that he can speak Filipino instantly.


Yesung also shared that the concert was the first time he stepped out this 2024 and that he specifically got a haircut to please the Filo Clouds (his fandom's name); they made sure to make him feel loved by complimenting him and shouting 'pogi!' (handsome) in unison.



Yesung in Manila: the Super Junior member in his solo concert titled

Yesung in Manila: the Super Junior member in his solo concert titled

Yesung in Manila: the Super Junior member in his solo concert titled


The audience reciprocated the love by singing along to his songs and vibing to Yesung as he effortlessly performed track after track like “Moment” and “It Has To Be You.”


The ELFs also prepared a tribute video that showcased how far and wide Yesung’s fans are in the Philippines.


Yesung in Manila: the Super Junior member in his solo concert titled


A nice highlight during his concert was when Yesung talked about his dogs and how they were already growing old. He also talked about how his fans grew old along with him and how much he really tried his best to keep his looks for them, sacrificing a big chunk of his youth.


But despite years of familiarity with each other and even though Super Junior just recently came back during the latter part of 2023, when Yesung asked whether the ELFs wanted him to come back soon to the Philippines, there was only one answer to be heard, and that’s the unfading sense that we’ll probably see him sooner rather than later.


Yesung in Manila: the Super Junior member in his solo concert titled

Yesung in Manila: the Super Junior member in his solo concert titled



Lead photos from PULP Live World and by Grace Libero


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'The Voice' US Season 26 Winner Sofronio Vasquez Continues to Reach for the Stars

'The Voice' US Season 26 Winner Sofronio Vasquez Continues to Reach for the Stars

Grace Libero

 | 

Updated Feb 24, 2025 06:15 PM PHT

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Sofronio Vasquez, as photographed by Dix Perez


In January, we talked with Sofronio Vasquez online, fresh from his historic win at The Voice US Season 26. At the time, he experienced a distinctly Filipino homecoming—warm, full of heart and sincerity, a hero’s welcome. 

Among his stops then was a visit to ABS-CBN, where he had many memories as a “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” contestant on the noontime show It’s Showtime. We chatted via Zoom while he was in Star Magic head Lauren Dyogi’s office. A little over a month later, he was back on the premises of ABS-CBN not as a guest or a visitor but as a full-fledged Kapamilya and a Star Magic artist. 

A few days ago, Sofronio also announced his concert tour this year, which will have stops in North America, the UAE, and Australia.


On Sofronio: Ensemble by Griffin Malazarte


Sofronio has come a long way, thanks to his voice and passion for achieving his dreams. But no matter how far he’s come, nothing beats the feeling of being home. And in his new home, a new family is excited to welcome him as he embarks on a new adventure in his career.

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The Voice US Season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez is officially a Star Magic artist, marking his launch into a whole new universe where he can reach for more stars. We can all look forward to his series of concerts and endorsements, among other things the network and his new management are planning and working on with him. 

Before he skyrockets further into stardom, we take a moment to find inspiration from his life and career. Let these quotes from Sofronio remind us all of what makes one truly a winner—it’s that winners never quit and that they are oftentimes those who’ve encountered obstacles but chose to keep going. One’s definition of winning also varies. For Sofronio, the opportunity to step onstage and sing from the depths of his heart is a winning moment in itself.


 

“Appreciate life in its simplest form. As a family, we value simplicity.“

Coming from a humble family background in Mindanao, Sofronio has come to appreciate the simplest joys in life. As a kid, he enjoyed playing outside, recalling candidly, “’Yung natural na pagiging squatter na bata. Kumbaga, when you go out, minsan nga hindi pa nga po ako nakakapag-underwear at naka-tsinelas lang, tumatakbo-takbo. And then kapag tumataasyung tubig, tumatalon kami sa dagat.” 

Connecting happy memories with living in humble circumstances may be preposterous to some. But then again, happiness and the feelings of joy and contentment vary from person to person. For Sofronio, happiness means being with his family, and he feels blessed enough to have one that’s loving and supportive.  




“Sing your heart out... At the end of the day, it's just you and the music. Music moves us all.“

Music has been part of Sofronio’s life ever since he was a kid. His father’s love for music rubbed off on him. “Namulat ako sa pagmamahal sa music when makikita ko si Papa na kumakanta-kanta, kasi Papa really sings,” he told Metro.Style. Imagine a traditional Filipino family where karaoke is a staple—that picture rings true for Sofronio’s family. He was also active in extracurricular activities in school, reinforcing the growing passion for music that he was nurturing then. “Alam mo naman kapag public school ka nag-aaral, minsan lahat ng mga estudyante maglalabanan ng per section. Kumbaga namulat rin ako ng maaga sa ambition. And that ambition is music,” he shared. 

Singing is a rewarding, fulfilling hobby or profession. But there comes a point when the art of singing goes way beyond self-expression and self-fulfillment—it becomes a performance where it’s no longer just about the voice but also the facial expressions, the rhythmic movements of the body, and the emotions conveyed. During his time as a Kumu livestreamer at the height of the pandemic, when it was extra challenging to perform, Sofronio realized that every performance matters. It’s so easy to scroll up and down to skip a creator’s content on social media, so he knew he wouldn’t catch people’s attention and make an impact if he performed with zero sincerity. For Sofronio, singing must come from the heart because that’s the best way to a listener’s or viewer’s heart. 

In an interview back in 2021, when Sofronio won the Metro Man x Kumu cover campaign, he reflected, “Nagugulat lang talaga ako kasi hindi naman ako iyakin na tao, pero there are just some reasons na nagpapaiyak sa akin... Every line na kinakanta ko, naalala ko lang lahat ng mga nangyari, ’yung overwhelming support, ’yung paniniwala nila sa sakin, grabe talaga. Ang sarap palang maka-touch ng hearts through music.“




“I always go for manifestation. I manifested winning The Voice US every day.“

They say “If you can think it, you can do it.“ If you think you'll win and tell yourself that repeatedly, winning is not far from happening. Enter a competition or an endeavor with a winner’s mindset, underscored by a healthy mix of confidence and positivity. Sure, there may be some percentage of luck in that equation, but believing in yourself takes up a more significant portion of the pie chart. 

Na-manifest ko ’yun every day. Naririnig ko sa sarili ko, ‘The winner of The Voice Season 26 is Sofronio,‘” he revealed. 




“Before I was announced the winner, I already won before I won.“

When asked about his favorite song that he performed on The Voice, Sofronio said that more than his winning song, “A Million Dreams,“ it was his duet with coach Michael Bublé, The Miracle's “Who's Lovin' You.“ It was this moment that made him feel he was already a winner. 

Kasi pangarap kong makakanta and pangarap kong magkaroon ng moment with him,“ Sofronio said. “And, from the blind auditions, sinabi niya, you and me to the top tapos nangyari. Grabe. Grabe talaga.“ Sometimes the steps along the way make for winning moments, and the title, award, medal, or trophy serves as the cherry on top. 




“It really pays to be humble. They inspired me, and I inspired them. I want to keep that cycle. Be humble always.“

One thing about fame is that it can easily get to one's head. But humility is something Sofronio always reminds himself of. One humbling moment he had recently was when he returned to the Philippines after winning The Voice US and performing on It's Showtime's stage, where he once stood as a “Tawag Ng Tanghalan“ finalist. 

“It gave me a whole definition of humility... Me being so emotional on that stage is just a representation of me being grateful na, finally, 'yung pinaghirapan mo, na-recognize ka nila, and na-inspire mo sila,“ Sofronio said. “Naisip ko din naman na sobrang na-inspire ako by them being so inspired by me. So, kumbaga, ano lang siya, chain. Na-inspire nila ako, na-inspire ko sila.“

With the recognition and attention he's been getting, he said, “Totoo, honestly, itong atensyon na nangyayari sa'kin, ang bilis makapagpalaki ng ulo.“ So, it is important to him that he surrounds himself with people who have the best intentions for him and will ground him. Sofronio added, “Sinasabi ko nga ito always, if you see me on street or if you see me somewhere and you felt na medyo yumayabang na ako, please remind me, kasi ayoko maging ganu'n.“ 




“We have to learn every time... I am always open to learning.“

One must always make room for improvement, learning, and growth. Every day can be a chance to learn something new. Others may think winning a prestigious competition such as The Voice US is already the peak. It is a peak, yes, but life is a continuous process of learning that allows one to retain momentum. When one puts a stop to learning, things can spiral down quickly. And Sofronio knows this. Learning excites his competitive spirit. 

“I need to practice more. I need to learn more,“ he remarked. How can we learn? By listening. During The Voice, his coach Michael Bublé taught him how to edit, telling him, “It doesn't mean you can, you should,“ as he referred to song choices. Because he listened to his coach's suggestions, he eventually landed the top spot in the competition. This willingness and openness to learn will especially come in handy as Sofronio gears up for upcoming projects, where being collaborative is key. 

Kung pagalitan mo ako, at nagkamali man ako, thank you,“ he said, showing his appreciation for constructive criticism. 




“As cliché as it sounds, never stop until you reach that goal.“

And because learning continues, new goals are inevitable. Besides, Sofronio is not one to rest on his laurels, too. As someone who has joined many competitions, which didn't always end with him as the winner, he has learned to keep going. He always looks forward to his next goal, whether he passes something with flying colors or not. As Aaliyah's “Try Again“ lyrics go, “If at first you don't succeed, then dust yourself off and try again.“ Sofronio also embraces the same outlook. There is no harm in trying or trying again. He was courageous enough to take one more bold step, so look where his feet and voice had taken him.  


Catch Sofronio’s Kapamilya Dream Come True signing LIVE tomorrow, February 25, 5PM on the following platforms: Star Magic’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel, and It’s Showtime’s Facebook page.

Photography by Dix Perez

Creative direction by Chookie Cruz

Sittings editor: Grace Libero-Cruz

Styling by Macky Combe

Fashion coordination: Aida Patana

Grooming by Peps Silvestre

Videography by Pat Buenaobra

Special thanks to Star Magic and POLARIS

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