Halo Halo: Keeping Your Cool

Halo Halo:  Keeping Your Cool

DID U KNOW that Japanese migrants introduced Halo Halo in the Philippines during the pre-war years? 

Halo Halo was then called Mitsumame which had mongo beans as main ingredients. 

Later, it became Kakigori with more mongo, garbanzos and kidney beans. 

Supply of shaved ice was not a problem as the Insular Ice And Cold Storage Plant was located at the southern end of Puente Colgante Bridge, which is now known as Quiapo Bridge.

For one (1) cent or isang kusing, u could have a small bowl full of sweet dessert. And Filipinos liked Kakigori. 

At this time, life had been good for most Pinoys. It was a time which some historians refer to as "the best of times."

Japanese businessmen enjoyed brisk sales and, as a result, their stores were turned into big refreshment parlors. More kiosks were opened.

But with the crushing defeat of the Japanese Imperial Army in World War II, these Japanese migrants fled the country for fear of retaliation.

Business-minded Pinoys saw an opportunity, took over of what was left by the Japanese and added ingredients like macapuno, sweet banana, ube, langka, gulaman, etc.

The rest is history.

-KONTED

Halo Halo is the most popular iced dessert in the Philippines. It is available throughout the year with demand peaking during the summer months.

Chowking's SuperSangkap Halo Halo

Like the mami noodles, siopao and siomai, Halo Halo is a fast selling item at Chowking.

You don't wait long for your Halo Halo to be served.

Chowking's Milky White Halo Halo

Kirsten's favorite is Chowking's Milky White Halo Halo.

Pizza Hut also serves its own version of Halo Halo.

Halo Halo at Buddy's across Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Q.C.

Mang Inasal's Pinoy Halo Halo

Hands down, Razon;s Halo Halo is the best Halo Halo in the Philippines.

Razon's Junior Size Halo Halo

The regular size and the junior size

My balikbayan friend from Burnside, Victoria in Australia misses Razon's Halo Halo so much that he always asks for both the regular size and the junior size.

Elsa's Halo Halo: Norzagaray's Pride

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The Classic Banana Split

The Classic Banana Split

            It is summer.  The day is sweltering, with temperature rising sometimes to 39 degrees.  Perspiration drips down the nape, wets the forehead, arms and the lower back. It is, most of the time, unbearable. While the distinguished William Shakespeare, in his sonnet Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer's Day, had praises for the joys that summertime brings, he expressed dislike for the discomfort one feels when the hot sun comes out:  "Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May...And summer's lease hath all too short a date...Some time too hot the eye of heaven shines..." Shakespeare was writing then in Warwickshire. What if he were in Manila? He would be condemning the daily scorching heat !!

March, April and May are summer months in the Philippines. (VWgraphic; caption is mine)

Temperature rises drastically in summer. (survivalismphoto; caption is mine)

Extreme heat pushes the body beyond its limits (roadsports)

           But, then, man rules the world; he is supposed to take dominion.  He wisely adjusts to his environment. He thinks of ways to beat the heat.  And this includes availing oneself of refreshment delights that bring the body temperature down. And what comes to mind is the classic banana split. And no other refreshment parlor serves such delicious summer treat but Icebergs. 

Icebergs' outlet along Katipunan Avenue Extension in Quezon City

It is merienda time.

Exterior part of the refreshment parlor

Blown up photos of summer delights make you crave for more.

Best sellers, too.

Food counter and station

          Banana split, introduced in 1904 by an apprentice pharmacist in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, is a confection with scoops of ice cream added to a banana that has been cut lengthwise. Whip cream and syrup enhance the taste with a cherry placed attractively on top. It is served usually on a boat-shaped dish.  While this summer treat is an eye catcher, it is also most pleasing to the taste buds. 

Icebergs' Classic Banana Split at  P178 per order. The ice cream flavors are strawberry, vanilla and mango.

The Classic Banana Split was introduced to the public in 1904 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania by an apprentice pharmacist named David Evans Strictler.  The price then was 10 cents.  Strictler was working at Tassel's Pharmacy. With the success of the Classic Banana Split, Strictler bought the Pharmacy and renamed it Strictler's Pharmacy.

Fish and Chips for P220

A way to beat the summer heat

           At Icebergs, aside from the classic banana split, there is the Oreo Chocolate Split. And the Castaway Split and the Mango Bongo Split. Icebergs also offers the towering Parfaits such as Choc o Bana Tower, Mango Peach Tower and many more. Sandwiches and other rice toppings are also available.  Beat the heat this summer.  Try Icebergs' refreshing and cooling delights. And be as cool as a cucumber. 

- Konted

There are other banana splits available.

And other refreshment delights.

These are best sellers too.

Fresh fruits are added.

Icebergs' bottled peanuts for take out.

Barquillos for the sundaes and banana splits.

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