Halo-Halo: A Mix of Many Things

On a hot afternoon, few treats are as refreshing as halo-halo. Its name comes from the Filipino word "halo," meaning "mix," and that is exactly what it is: a mixture of many ingredients. A typical serving begins with sweetened beans, jackfruit, nata de coco and sweet potato at the bottom of a tall glass. Shaved ice is piled on top and drenched with evaporated milk. The dessert is often crowned with leche flan, ube halaya and a scoop of ice cream. Each region and even each family may have its own version. Some add pinipig, or toasted rice flakes, for extra crunch, while others include corn or sago. Before eating, people stir everything together so that every spoonful has a bit of each ingredient. Many say that halo-halo reflects Filipino culture itself, which blends influences from different parts of the world into something uniquely its own.