THE sun is out to get us everyday in this summer time and worst, the El Niño phenomenon is also showing its teeth to bring more heat and humidity not just hitting human beings but also the agricultural sector and the environment in general.
But how to assuage summer heat? Yes, the heat is there but there are ways to make us cool down.
One, by getting into an air-conditioned place and another is to check on the nearest Rica’s Halo-Halo either in its Food Court SM-Bacolod branch or its store at Galo-Locsin Streets, Bacolod City.
Their Locsin-Galo Street branch is just a hole-in-the-wall store where they only have one table and few chairs, very much ideal for take-outs. Its al fresco (fresh air) for those who want to stay a little bit while enjoying their Halo-Halo though.
People go there unexpectedly, said Arthur Lim, the man behind Rica, his wife and their humble Halo-Halo business.
He said, “Our Halo-Halo is unique because the ice is already infused with the milk. So, when you take it, the ice is already flavored then you don’t need to mix it because the flavor can already be savored. Plus we don’t use sugar. We basically depend upon the fruits for the sweetness. Our Halo-Halo is very unique and very healthy.”
People still flock to their Lacson-Galo branch despite the lack of sitting capacity.
“We experienced all those disadvantages but people still visit us to buy and patronize our Halo-Halo,” he said.
It did not stopped them from continuing their small business. His wife Rica invested to open a new branch at SM food court with just a small space at the Food Court. They started in November 2018.
“It’s been only 5 to 6 months, so we are still very new here at SM,” he said.
They chose Halo-Halo business because he does not like to pursue common products.
“When we eat other commercial products, it’s not creamy enough. Something is lacking. Yes, it’s cool but you can never be satisfied. I am an ice cream lover myself and it pushed me to formulate something that I really like. It took a while of trial and error for me to be able to perfect the recipe and its taste. But with our Halo-Halo, it’s creamy enough then you will truly be satisfied with its taste,” he said.
He dedicated his business to his beloved wife Rica the reason why he named his business after her and the name Rica is very easy to remember.
They only have one flavor and one size for simplicity. But for those who want to upgrade, they can request for more, and the crew will just double the ingredients such as the ice cream then the mango and jackfruit, he said.
Now that it is very hot outside, people love to eat Halo-Halo because we feel relieved and of course we enjoyed the sweet and creamy tastes. With Rica’s Halo-Halo wherein the ice is very unique, it has no sugar and the ice does not have water, so it is really different from other coolers, he said.
“I invite all Bacolodnons to come and try Rica’s Halo-Halo in our two branches. It is easier for you to visit. It is very convenient and very good to enjoy your Halo-Halo here at SM and at Galo-Locsin Street branches,” he said.
The origin of Halo-Halo started in western countries because we have no ice yet in the Philippines during that time.
The Americans brought the concept of Halo-Halo in the Philippines, he said.