MBB Frozen Factory's Halo-Halo: Classic Filipino Desserts Introduced

"I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert."

~ Jason Love

Nothing beats classic Filipino desserts. Leche Flan, Maja Blanca, Yema, Buko Salad, Mango Float, Bibingka, Cassava Cake and what have you. Some of these were inspired from foreign countries yet we own them by the taste. There will always be a distinct flavor only we- the Filipinos- can bring out from a specific dessert.

To add with the long list of Filipino desserts that we grew up with, especially during special occasions, is the Halo-Halo. It is a popular Filipino dessert which portions of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients such as sweet beans, sago, gulaman, tubers and fruits all contained in a bowl or tall glass. To effectively enjoy it, one must mix all of the ingredients well so that flavors will combine.

Last April 29, 2016, MBB Frozen Factory posted a contest promo on Facebook where one can enjoy either of their Halo-Halo or Mais con Yelo desserts. The mechanics was very easy so my friend was able to comply with it. It was necessary to tag a friend and luckily, I was chosen by my friend. To our surprise, we won together with the other participants.

Missy Bon Bon's Frozen Factory is located at the 3rd Level of Centrio Mall, near the cinemas. Sandwiched between Kenko Naicha Tea Lounge and Oro Shawarma. It is a sister brand of Missy Bon Bon which is famous with their breads and pastries, as well as their well-loved gelato. Carrying their signature gelato is MBB Frozen Factory which also offers crepes, sundaes and other cool products.

Adding to their cool dessert line-up are Mais con Yelo and Halo-Halo, both known as classic Filipino desserts. Some of which you can also buy at the streets by side vendors, and now MBB Frozen Factory is selling it, but an upgraded version.

My friend and I met right at MBB Frozen Factory's store. Our smiles that time were bigger than ever. LOL. Then my friend just showed her ID to the woman on the counter for identification purposes and then we were told to wait while they were preparing our Halo-halos. Few minutes has passed, our Halo-halos were then served, lying on top our table. What a divine sight to see. :D

In my heightened bowl, there were the sweet beans, sago, nata de coco, gulaman, kaong, ube, leche flan, sweetened saba, small wafer stick, waffle chip, langka and corn flakes, with the shaved ice under. And the superstar, ube gelato on top of them all. Same portions were given to my friend. We were delighted! :D

As what I have mentioned earlier, it would be better to mix all of the ingredients to combine the flavors. And it didn't disappoint. The milk was very creamy, and the flavor of each of the ingredients were so tasty. It really tasted like heaven in my mouth. Even uttered "yum" every time I took a spoonful of it. One last thing that also made me like MBB Frozen Factory's Halo-Halo is that the shaved ice was served with just enough portion. Like!

I'm so very thankful to my friend "Pretzel" for tagging me in her post. It also served as our bonding time. Just the right treat to keep our conversation going on. We really enjoyed the Halo-Halo.

And for that Mais con Yelo, will try it soon!

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Summer Getaway at Del Carmen, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."

~Russell Baker~

 Summer. The most awaited season among people who prefer to lay down under the sun, or chase after waterfalls, or float on beach waters, or learn new sports or hobbies, or do seasonal crafts, or just being lazy. I would like to count myself as one doing all of these during the summer, but for the latter, well sometimes. ;)

I usually spend my past summers writing songs, doing arts, mostly things that I can do at home. Yes, you heard it right. I always stay at home. But that was never a problem to me for I get to always do what I love doing. You know that feeling right?

However this year, I was able to enjoy more the summer season. Last April 30, 2016, that was Saturday, together with my officemates, we headed to Del Carmen Beach and Swimming Pool at Kauswagan, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. An hour or 2-hour ride from Cagayan de Oro City proper.

It was an overnight outing so it did excite me a bit, knowing that I'll be able to witness the very sunset view of the place. I've always hoped to watch a sunset by the beach for the past few months already and at last, it did come true. I'll be sharing some of my captures of the sunset that I was talking about later in this post. :)

Aqua Park consisting of Trampoline, Slide, Mountain climb challenge and others

Del Carmen features two swimming pools, one is for the kids and the second is for those who can conquer a 5.5 feet deep pool. The pools are not that wide but you can still enjoy swimming in it. Also, they have a beach front with many water sports to choose from. Aqua Park (150/hour), Banana Boat (120/person), Flyer (150/person), Jumbo Dog (100/person), Whale Ride (100/person), and Bandwagon (150/person) are just some of what you can enjoy at the venue. Life vests are provided once availing any of the rides or you can rent it for P50.

I wasn't able to experience the rides for I decided not to drench and bathe until the sun sets. However, my officemates were able to enjoy the Aqua Park. That was 4:00 PM in the afternoon, where the sun is not so harsh. They said it was exhausting but sure they really enjoyed the obstacles and the rides, most especially the trampoline. Wondering where was I while they were enjoying the sea? Well, I was doing my own stuff, calligraphy works. ;)

And then, the sun settled down dramatically stunning every eye that feast the view by the sea.

Who would not appreciate this kind of sunset?

Sunset shared with 'em photo-bombers

Heavy Sunset

All of the people I spent and shared the sunset with were in awe. We can't take off our eyes from the view. Then we took a couple of captures. It was very fun! Definitely the most beautiful sunset I've seen so far. :)

Later that day, I was able to go swimming at their refreshing pool. It rained for a couple of minutes so the water was freezing cold that night. But all of us were unstoppable. While at the pool, we had a worthwhile chat. Then went back to our cottage. Know that most of the time, we spent it playing with UNO cards. LOL :D

Then we slept that night. The overnight idea just meant that we'll be sleeping by the beach. :D

Early morning, I woke up then spent some me time walking by the sea side. Here are my few shots.

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On the opposite side lies the mountains

One of my favorite captures. A boatman on a calm morning.

Early swimming

Mom and child bonding by the sea

Lone bird caught in motion

All I can say is that I really had a great time at Del Carmen. A bit disappointed with the sand being black cause I was really expecting to step on white sand but nevertheless, it was still a nice venue. With complete facilities, plus their bathroom and shower rooms are very clean. Might as well compliment the maintenance staff there. 

Know that you can do grilling, bring food, buy at their store, and rent tents plus foams. Mind you that their cottages are covered with nets so flies and mosquitoes can't get inside and annoy you. How convenient could that be?

So, if ever you decide to spend a summer getaway near or a bit far from the busy life in the city, Del Carmen is definitely your best option.

Del Carmen calligraphy work by IG: @calligraphyprints