For The Voice USA Season 26 champion Sofronio Vasquez, food is more than sustenance — it’s memory, comfort and identity when he’s off the recording studio.

During the grand opening of Siklab Maison, the brand’s largest branch yet, Vasquez shared that even while building his career in the United States, Filipino cuisine remains at the heart of his daily life. The launch of Siklab, he explained, wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a way to help Filipino food “step up” and gain the recognition it deserves. It was a poignant reminder that no matter how far his career soars, his cultural roots remain firmly intact.

Among all Filipino dishes, kare-kare holds a special place in his heart. It’s not only his favorite to eat — he can cook it himself. During the pandemic, when life slowed down and creativity took new forms, he even sold biko in the Philippines, embracing tradition by cooking it bila-bilao, savoring both the authentic process and the nostalgia it evoked.

When he’s in the US, it’s often the simplest yet hardest-to-find dishes that he misses the most. Gising-gising, in particular, tops his list, since the key ingredient — green beans — is difficult to source abroad. To stay connected to the flavors of home, Vasquez turns to YouTube and TikTok, discovering recipes and rekindling culinary memories through digital communities.

While his palate remains deeply rooted in Filipino tastes, his career continues to reach global heights. Vasquez has collaborated with some of the industry’s most respected names, including Michael Bublé, who produced two of his Christmas songs, “Maybe This Christmas” and “Grown Up Christmas List” and David Foster. He revealed that new songs written and produced by Bublé himself will be released soon.

Vasquez also announced a new EP featuring nine tracks — mostly classic covers alongside three original songs written and produced by Bublé. This January and February, he is focused on growing his streaming platforms, laying the groundwork for a broader international audience.

Despite his rising stardom, he remains refreshingly candid about stage nerves. He admits that performing in front of fellow Filipinos carries a unique pressure — a mix of pride, expectation, and the desire to represent his roots well.

Balancing heritage with ambition, comfort with challenge, Sofronio Vasquez’s journey is a flavorful mix of passion, culture, and music. Whether he’s standing on a world-class stage or cooking a dish that tastes like home, he never forgets where he comes from — and invites fans to savor the journey with him.