By Janice Lozano
Vancouver, BC – Filipino-Canadian vocal powerhouse Raymond Salgado, best known as a fan-favorite finalist on Canada’s Got Talent (2023), is set to take the mainstage at ASAP 30, one of the Philippines’ most iconic and longest-running variety shows – now celebrating its 30th anniversary in a landmark event in Canada.
Salgado’s inclusion in the ASAP 30 lineup is more than a performance — it’s a full-circle moment.
“Tofer reached out about this opportunity,”
Salgado shares, “and it’s funny because that same week, my dad was daydreaming about how one day he would love to see me on ASAP with the biggest stars in the Philippines.”
Performing alongside Sofronio Vasquez, Salgado will take on Vasquez’s now-famous rendition of “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman – a performance expected to be an emotional highlight of the show.
“I feel so blessed to be a part of a special moment in history that I am never going to forget,” he says. “Being asked to perform is truly an honour. This is really about representing our community.”
Having been singing since the age of 11, Salgado has built a massive online following of over 5 million followers across platforms. His breakout on Canada’s Got Talent was just the beginning of what he calls “a HUGE milestone,” and ASAP 30 marks another powerful step in his ascent as an international artist.
“These are people I grew up loving in the household, and I finally get to meet and share a stage with them,” he says. “It’s festive! One of those ‘I made it, Mom and Dad!’ moments.”
Salgado emphasized that representation and faith are central to his performance and purpose:
“Representation is a vital thing, and to be able to honour that is something I never thought could happen. I grew up with big dreams, but sometimes other people would tell me otherwise. It was artists like Darren Espanto, Regine Velasquez, and Martin Nievera who gave me the inspiration and courage to pursue mine.”
Looking ahead, Salgado sees a bright future for the Filipino music scene in Vancouver and beyond:
“There’s an incredible amount of talent here — artists who blend Western influences with deep Filipino roots. I hope to play a role in that growth by being a bridge – someone who brings our stories and sound to a wider audience while inspiring others to believe that their voices matter.”
When asked about dream collaborations, Salgado quickly points to fellow Filipino-Canadian star Darren Espanto:
“He’s been a force since his Next Star days, and I’ve followed his journey ever since. He’s incredibly talented and a huge inspiration.”
Above all, Raymond Salgado is approaching
ASAP 30 with deep gratitude.
“This opportunity is a stepping stone in the right direction. It’s something I’ll be telling people about for generations. I want to thank the producers for giving us this stage — and especially my family for supporting me every step of the way. I hope to make you all proud.”
Catch Raymond Salgado live at ASAP 30 this Saturday, where he’ll join a lineup of global Filipino talents in a celebration of culture, music, and community.
ReyFort Media 
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