LUCIFER is the perfect monicker for this oppressive summer heat wave. With temperatures rising to an all-time high, it is essential to find ways to cool off from the brutal heat. And of course, beating the hellish weather is best done in the company of awesome people. I mean why be miserably hot alone when you have the option to laugh it off with friends, right?
The other day, my friends and I were happy to discover that our favorite halo-halo joint, By Clarkie, moved to a new and better location in Lane 101 along Masterson Avenue, Uptown CDO. They said goodbye to their “trapal” stall by the highway and have a new kiosk near the wooden sitting area, where it’s perfect to chill under the giant tree. Cooling off by chowing down on icy treats is a great way to let off some steam. And this joint serves more than your typical halo-halo.
What makes By Clarkie unique is that it comes in different varieties, with extra-large cups. It’s hella big! This is not your Lola’s halo-halo for sure. They have the original halo-halo, choco loco, mangoes and cream, mango graham, knicker bocker, and buko (coconut) to name a few. Soon, they’ll also be serving rice topping meals.
Each cup of icy treat comes with generous scoops of ice cream. This is definitely not for the calorie conscious. But if you want to get a taste, its gargantuan size is ideal for sharing. By Clarkie’s original branches are in Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental and in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental. Thankfully, they are now Uptown, which makes them accessible to us all.
Halo-halo is an iconic treat, now renowned worldwide. This humble cup, often topped with purple ice cream and leche flan, got the stamp of approval from the late American celebrity chef and television personality, Anthony Bourdain. He tasted and critiqued this dessert at Jollibee in Los Angeles for his old show, “Parts Unknown”, earning his thumbs-up. He even describe it on his Twitter account as “oddly beautiful”!
And indeed, this dessert is uniquely and beautifully ours. Tatak Pinoy!
Halo-halo is a classic, cold Filipino dessert, which ironically warms the hearts of many with a pinch of pride and nostalgia. I dare say every Pinoy grew up with this. We have all tasted this sweet concoction of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and its permutation of toppings.
Halo-halo’s literal Tagalog translation is “mix-mix.” Its blending of ingredients depends on who’s making it. One thing, however, remains the same—this icy treat tastes even better when shared with friends. As the cliché goes, good food is best enjoyed with good people. Cheers to finding the perfect crowd to share your table with!