An Unlikely Halo-Halo

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Halo-Halo probably is one of the staples during summer in the Philippines. It is also one of the Filipinos' most favorite dessert. Even the Filipinos who are already living abroad make sure to get one when in the country. 

Razon's halo-halo is ♥.

But unfortunately for me, I am not one of those many many people who just love halo-halo. I don't like how there's too many things in it. I don't like corn, chick peas or the shaved ice that pierces your tongue because it's too rough. I also think the halo-halo in ChowKing is overrated. I particularly dislike their shaved ice. It's too rough. Moreover, there's less milk in their Halo-Halo and all that I can taste is melted ice. Probably the only thing I like about halo-halo is milk and ice cream.

My fave part of the halo-halo: leche flan.

My point of view of halo-halo changed when the boyfriend and I decided to try out Razon's Halo-Halo and Palabok which was previously located in front of SM City Cebu. It was a spur of the moment thing when we decided to try eating there. We had nothing good to do, so we decided to eat.

My usual order: palabok. Yum!

We ordered their specialty which were, obviously, Halo-Halo and Palabok. I was hesitant to order Halo-Halo at first because I never liked it anyway. Since it was the boyfriend's treat, I just gave in.

Their Halo-Halo (only P65) looked simple. Like there's not much that is going on. When you look at it, it doesn't even look interesting. The halo-halo in Chowking looked way better. But, as they say good things come in small packages. In this case, it was a weird one. Anyhow, the halo-halo only was topped with leche flan. It had shredded macapuno (which one would mistaken for coconut), and banana (saba). Just these ingredients and you will be tasting the best halo-halo in Pinas. 

The boyfriend's order: Tacos. Say lotsa' cheese!

The ambiance back at their former location was kind of home-y. But something lacked. I just can't point my fingers at it. I'm not sure if it was the old tables or because it was too small and outside was too noisy. But their new store in Mandaue is definitely better. The area is somehow not as crowded and as noisy as the one in SM. Moreover, I like their tables and golden chairs. It is also more spacious than the previous branch fronting SM City Cebu.

For those who are living in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu area, you'll be glad to know that they have moved their branch in Mandaue. You will be able to pass the building when you are from Lapu-Lapu and on your way to Mandaue. It's at the Carlos Perez Building along AC Cortes Avenue. It's not that near to me either, but as long as it's there and they got a better ambience, I'm all for it.

BTW, they have lotsa' chimes in their new branch. Cling, cling! I just love the sounds made by chimes! Teehee! ♥

OT: Why I Read?

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Reading is a hobby that I took from my mother. My mother is one of the most avid readers that I know, aside from my Aunt. When we were younger my mother used to give us books as presents, believe it or not. I still have the loads of children's books my mother bought us for those past Christmases. My mother didn't read to us, she would tell us to read the book during free time. But, it was only me who took up the interest of reading. My brother liked reading too, but he preferred encyclopedias and those science books with brief explanations.

My current read. Fave author. ♥

I read books because I always felt that there was more to the world I see. I wanted to be in another world, so unreal yet realer for me. Books were my escape. Reading would take me in a far away land where anything was possible. It took me to Bath, to the mountains of Washington, to Britain, to Ireland, to Israel and to other places.

I read to calm myself. There are times when I just feel so choked and so uneasy that I would take up a book to read. This answers questions why I bring a book when mountain climbing. I usually have a book ready for those awkward moments when in school or attending forums and meetings.

The Lord of the Flies. Budlaan on the way to Kan-irag. Photo Credits to Jona Bering.

I guess I was the type that never had friends. I did have friends but I always had the feeling that they really did not want me. It's something that I still feel to this day. Books were my loyal friends. I know they wouldn't forsake me or leave me. I know they will stand by me. Books gave me the assurance that I am okay and thought of, that I matter. I can trust the feelings that books express. Theirs are permanent. Man has temporary and fleeting ones.

Books in my pending list. Looong way to go.

Another thing is that I love the smell of books. A new and unopened book with fresh pages is like heaven. The feel of its pages on my fingers will linger till I finish reading it. Books are like women. They are fragile. They need tender caresses and touch. You have to read them carefully because you might misinterpret them. Some are difficult to read but you are sure that pursuing would be worth your while.

I could not say more about books.They are just perfect buddies. They are the best date with coffee and a blueberry cheesecake. Food and good book, perfect combination! ♥