Summertime in the Philippines has always been associated with the halo-halo. Its sweet and brightly-colored ingredients along cold shaved ice make it a welcome respite from the heat.
Pronounced as “halò- halò” from the Tagalog word “halò,” meaning “mix,” its very name gives away how to eat the dessert: by mixing it. Traditionally, a spoon is used but—for the more adventurous types—there is the fork! Some stick with the spoon until the last drop but other resort to drinking it when all there’s left is melted ice.
But melted ice isn’t the only thing that makes it popular in the country.
History
While such a dessert has fit perfectly to the Filipino taste, it didn’t originate in the country.
The exact beginning of the halo-halo is shrouded in mystery. Different sources claim that Japanese prostitutes who retired here introduced it while others say that the Chinese traders and businessmen helped spread it. It’s no wonder that Asian countries from the Far East to the South East have similar desserts.
Having such simple ingredients that could be switched in order to fit one’s tastes is a reflection of the Filipino’s adaptable and enduring spirit.