Oh man, the holidays can get so craze…but I have to admit, that it is a joyful time. Maybe it’s our own nostalgia for the time or maybe it’s the forced coziness we feel watching Holiday commercials and movies. Whatever it is, it latches its claws into you and you have no choice but to enjoy it. Am I right? Why are you looking at me like I’m crazy?!

Ok anyways. I really did have a lovely holiday session with friends!

CHRISTMAS EVE: I spent a traditional “Nochebuena” with my Filipino friends who cooked a feast (from scratch)! Masarap (Filipino word for “delicious”)! Seriously. Karl Justin and Erik outdid themselves and I was more than happy to enjoy every ounce of it! Check out the spread!

KARL gave me a nice gift!

This dish is Lumpia.

It’s sort of a fresh spring roll, lightly fried (the one time of year I’ll eat fried) and full of delicious things. These were made Vegetarian.

This dish is Bringhe (pronounced ‘bring hay’)

This is a delicious dish that originated from Pampanga, the place where Karl and Erik’s family are from. It’s similar to paella – but instead, this dish is wrapped in banana leaves so the rice gets crisp without sticking to the pan. I wish I could send you all a bite of this, it would just melt in your mouth.

These are called Paradada’s.

They were made with a special Filipino bread, with the middle scooped out a potato and crab mixture went into the center. It was then pan seared! Let’s just say that I ate enough for all of you reading…

This is Sinigang.

A Filipino stew or soup known for its savory and sour flavors.

Filipino Lecheflan.

Need I say more? Karl made this from scratch, like everything else. It’s like flan, but way creamier and heavenly. I don’t eat dairy, but I did take an ever so small bite. Let’s just say, I dream about this bitch all the time!

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New Years Eve: I rang in the New Year with my manager and dear friend Jonny Shipes. After I picked him up, we went to a grown-up dinner with friends and then danced the night away with friends like music industry legend Sylvia Rhone.

JONNY SHIPES & VASHTIE

FLORENCIA & JOHNNY FAMOUS

HARRY MCNALLY, BOBBY WALTZER, NICK POE, SCOTT WILLIAMS

JONNY SHIPES, ME and SYLVIA RHONE

MAX, NIKO SCOTT & SANSHO SCOTT

SANSHO SCOTT & MISTER MORT

JOHNNY FAMOUS

The fellas enjoying the moment!

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HAPPY 2013 YA’LL