MANILA -- Local celebrities and singers could not hide their pride on Wednesday after Sofronio Vasquez was crowned the winner of the 26th season of "The Voice" in the United States.

The 32-year-old singer, who first rose to fame as one of the "Tawag Ng Tanghalan" contenders on "It's Showtime, garnered the most number of votes to claim the grand prize of $100,000, as well as a recording contract.

READ: Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez wins 'The Voice USA'

Ogie Alcasid, who is one of the regular hurados or judges of "Tawag ng Tanghalan," said they shouted in joy in the studio when Vasquez was announced as the winner.

"Extreme pride. Lahat kami dito, nagsisigawan kami nung manalo si Sofronio. Tumayo nga yung balahibo. Sabi ko, ang galing!" said Alcasid.

"We're proud of him because of yung perseverance niya. We're proud of him because he's one of our own. He's a Filipino singer, musician. Nandun na, nakasama na yan doon," he added.

Alcasid is confident that there is a bright future for Vasquez, who is the first Filipino and the first Asian to win The Voice.

"Lalo na he has the backing of The Voice coaches. What a feat, what an honor, what a privilege for him. Nakaka-proud," he said.

Karylle, another TNT judge, was not surprised at Vasquez's victory.

"I knew it," she said. "I'm so happy. Sofronio is is one of my favorites from Tawag ng Tanghalan. We've always known that the Filipino talent is world class so it's time to support the music that they put out there. Not just the contest pieces, but their whole journey as an artist."

Meanwhile, TNT judge Gary Valenciano emphasized that Vasquez's journey to the top took time, effort, patience and perseverance.

"That's a lot of hard work. There was no guarantee na aabot siya sa ganito. He just took the risk, took the courage, believing that he could get somewhere and this is that somewhere that he gotten to," he said.