Sofronio Vasquez’s next stop: L.A.

‘Showcasing the Filipino community to the world.’

“This concert represents something really meaningful – it’s Sofronio’s opportunity to share his artistry with Los Angeles in a way that honors both his incredible journey and the community that supports him,” said GodZella International’s Zelle Ochoco-DeVilbiss, who is co-producing “The Voice Winner: Sofronio Vasquez Live in Los Angeles” on October 11 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium with Overture25 Productions’ Dr. Jerry Dayao.

“This is even more special since it is at the Pasadena Civic,” said Dayao. “Many greats have performed here. Sofronio is next.”

Ochoco-DeVilbiss said the best experiences happen when you combine thoughtful planning with genuine heart. “That’s exactly what we’re bringing to this production.”

While “The Voice Winner: Sofronio Vasquez Live in Los Angeles” is the duo’s second production, a follow-up to their sold-out New York show with the Philippines’ new international singing sensation, they are experienced executives known to bring passion and commitment to excellence in entertainment.

Ochoco-DeVilbiss, the founder and CEO of GodZella International, brings over 20 years of Fortune 500 executive experience and a proven track record as an entertainment producer. She has led diverse international teams and created transformative experiences producing world-class  cultural events.

Dayao, the founder of Overture25 Productions, brings over two decades of senior healthcare executive experience. He is involved in several active projects related to entrepreneurship and AI in research. Both of them believe in the extraordinary talent of Sofronio after his historic victory on NBC’s “The Voice,” the first Filipino and Asian artist to win the coveted syndicated contest.

Sofronio performing with the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra. Photos by Rick Gavino and Marc Pijuan

This partnership represents more than just concert production, said the duo. “It’s about showcasing the Filipino community to the world and breaking cultural barriers in the entertainment industry.”

On what both saw in Sofronio that inspired them to headline their first concert under their production companies, Ochoco-DeVilbiss remarked, “It actually started with a conversation between two friends who have incredible admiration for Sofronio’s talent. Jerry called me with this idea of producing a concert, and I’ll be honest, my first response was, ‘But I don’t know how to produce a concert!’ Jerry’s response was so simple yet so powerful, ‘If other producers can do it, we can learn how to do it.’

“That spirit of possibility is exactly what we saw in Sofronio. There are moments in life when you witness something so profound that you know you’re in the presence of greatness. Watching Sofronio on ‘The Voice’ was one of those moments. Here was this artist stepping into his purpose and claiming his space on the biggest stage in America.

“As the first Filipino and Asian to win, Sofronio wasn’t just singing. He was opening doors and showing millions of people around the world that their dreams matter. When I heard him pour his heart into ‘Crying’ and lift spirits with ‘If I Can Dream,’ I knew this was bigger than entertainment. This was about representation that actually changes lives, and we had to be part of that story.”

Dayao stressed, “Sofronio doesn’t just perform. He connects. When I watched him on ‘The Voice,’ I saw someone who could reach out and touch your heart. The millions of views prove people felt it, too. They saw hope, authenticity, and proof that dreams are real.

“Standing in that historic venue in New York, Town Hall, surrounded by centuries of musical history, watching Sofronio connect with every person in that room – it was extraordinary,” Ochoco-DeVilbiss recounted when she and Dr. Jerry watched their debut New York concert production unfold as producers.

“How often do you get to produce a show in Times Square on a Saturday? Seize the opportunity!” added Dayao.

Concert producers Zelle Ochoco-DeVilbiss and Dr. Jerry Dayao with New York community leader and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis (center)

On why the producers think Sofronio appeals to so many people, Ochoco-DeVilbiss said, “Sofronio has this remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life because his artistry comes from a place of genuine authenticity. When you listen to him sing, you hear someone who understands the power of storytelling, who knows that music can bridge differences and bring people together. What moves me most is how he carries himself with such grace and humility, even as he represents hope for so many people who feel underrepresented.

“When families see him succeeding on the world’s biggest stages, when young people see someone achieving what was once thought impossible, something shifts. They begin to see their own potential differently. That’s the kind of impact that extends far beyond entertainment.”

Ochoco-DeVilbiss flew from the East Coast to watch Sofronio perform as a guest performer of the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra in the recent  “Ode to Summer” concert at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles.

“That moment at the cathedral was truly special,” she enthused about witnessing Sofronio being mobbed by admiring audience members during his numbers. “Watching that audience surround Sofronio with such genuine love and enthusiasm – it was beautiful to witness. What struck me most was how naturally he connected with everyone there. Sofronio has this gift of making people feel seen and valued, and in return, they give him their hearts.”

Tickets to “The Voice Winner: Sofronio Vasquez Live in Los Angeles” are available at Ticketmaster.



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