Philippine Time Of Southern Nevada Newspaper Edition 5/12/25
of culturally sensitive resources available is crucial to fostering a healthier and more supportive environment.
The Tapestry of Resilience and Underlying Vulnerabilities:
The Filipino culture is often characterized by its emphasis on strength, perseverance (“tibay”), and maintaining harmonious relationships. While these values contribute to the community’s remarkable adaptability and success in a new land, they can also inadvertently create barriers to openly discussing mental health struggles. The concept of “saving face” (“hiya”) and upholding family honor can make individuals hesitant to acknowledge or seek help for emotional distress, fearing judg-
ment or bringing shame upon their loved ones. This cultural dynamic, coupled with the stressors of adapting to a new society, learning a new language, and navigating different social norms, can contribute to acculturative stress, a significant factor affecting mental well-being. Furthermore, research suggests that Filipino Americans may experience higher rates of certain mental health conditions, including depression and suicidal ideation, particularly among young women. These statistics underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, accessible resources, and culturally competent care tailored to the specific experiences of this communi-
Heart for healing, heart for heritage. This Mental Health Month and Nurses Week, let’s support the well-being of our Filipino nurses. #NursesMentalHealth #FilipinoAmericanNurses May, designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, serves as a powerful annual reminder to prioritize the often-overlooked aspect of our overall well-being. For the vibrant and ever-expanding Filipino American community in Las Vegas, this focus takes on a particularly significant dimension. While known for their resilience, strong family bonds, and significant contributions to Southern Nevada, Filipino Americans can encounter distinct challenges that impact their mental health. These can range from the complexities of acculturation and navigating cultural differences to the pressures of upholding familial expectations and the pervasive stigma often associated with mental health within the community. Understanding these nuances and highlighting the growing network
MENTAL HEALTH - FROM A-1
ty. The pressures of academic or professional achievement, coupled with the weight of familial expectations and the potential for intergenerational cultural clashes, can create a fertile ground for anxiety and depression to take root.
Dismantling Stigma:
A Community-Wide Effort:
The first crucial step towards fostering mental wellness within the Filipino American community in Las Vegas is to actively dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health. This requires open and honest conversations within families, community organizations, and places of worship. Community leaders and influential figures can play a vital role in normalizing discussions about mental health and encouraging help-seeking behavior. Sharing personal stories of resilience and recovery can be incredibly powerful in breaking down misconceptions and fostering a sense of shared experience. Educational initiatives that highlight the biological and environmental factors contributing to mental health conditions, rather than attributing them to personal weakness or moral failings, are also essential.
A Growing Network of Culturally Sensitive Support: Fortunately, Las Vegas is witnessing a growing awareness of the need for culturally sensitive mental health resources tailored to the Filipino American community. This evolving landscape includes:
Bilingual and Bicultural Therapists: Recognizing the importance of linguistic and cultural understanding in the therapeutic process, an increasing number of therapists in the Las Vegas area are offering services in both Tagalog and English. These professionals possess a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances, values, and potential stressors that may influence the mental health of Filipino Americans. Online directories such as Psychology Today and the Asian Mental Health Collective serve as valuable tools for individuals seeking therapists who identify as Filipino or have specific experience working with the community.
Culturally Attuned Therapy Practices: Beyond bilingualism, some therapists and mental health clinics are adopting a “culturally attuned” approach to therapy. This involves actively integrating an understanding of Filipino cultural values, beliefs, and experiences into the therapeutic framework. Therapists practicing with cultural attunement acknowledge the significance of family dynamics (“pakikisama”), the concept of interdependence, and the potential impact of historical and immigration experiences on mental well-being. They strive to build trust and rapport by demonstrating cultural humility and sensitivity. Collective Clarity Psychotherapy, serving the Nevada area, exemplifies this approach, focusing on the unique challenges faced by Filipino and Asian Americans, including anxiety, depression, intergenerational trauma, and identity issues.
Community Organizations as Vi-
tal Connectors: While dedicated Filipino American mental health organizations in Las Vegas may still be in their nascent stages, established community groups play a crucial role in fostering social support and providing connections to resources. The Nevada chapter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) serves as a significant platform for community engagement and advocacy. These organizations can host workshops, disseminate information about mental health resources, and create safe spaces for dialogue and support. They can also act as vital bridges connecting community members to mainstream mental health services.
NAMI Southern Nevada: A Universal Resource: The Southern Nevada affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a wide range of free support groups, educational programs, and resources for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions, regardless of their cultural background. Their services provide a valuable entry point for anyone seeking information, support, or guidance on navigating mental health challenges. While not specifically tailored to the Filipino American community, NAMI’s commitment to providing accessible and compassionate support makes it a vital resource for all residents of Southern Nevada.
Faith-Based Communities: For many Filipino Americans, faith plays a significant role in their lives. Churches and other religious institutions can serve as important sources of comfort, support, and community. Clergy members and lay leaders can be valuable allies in promoting mental well-being by offering pastoral counseling, facilitating support networks, and destigmatizing mental health issues within their congregations.
Empowering Help-Seeking
Behavior: A Sign of Strength: Ultimately, fostering mental wellness within the Filipino American community in Las Vegas requires a collective shift in perspective. Seeking help for mental health challenges should be recognized not as a sign of weakness, but as an act of courage and self-care. By increasing awareness of available culturally sensitive resources, actively challenging stigma, and promoting open dialogue, the community can create a more supportive and understanding environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being.
Mental Health Awareness Month provides a crucial opportunity to amplify these efforts, ensuring that every Filipino American in Las Vegas knows that help is available, their experiences are valued, and they are never alone in their journey towards mental wellness. Connecting with culturally competent professionals and engaging with supportive community networks can pave the way for a healthier and more resilient future for the entire community.
ICC prosecutor discloses 2nd set of evidence vs. Duterte
MANILA, May 7 (Mabuhay) --
The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Prosecution has sent to the defense team of Rodrigo R. Duterte the second set of evidence in the crimes against humanity case filed against the former president.
The Prosecution, in a four-page document dated May 5, said it disclosed to the Defense 139 items, which included documentary materials cited in the warrant of arrest for Duterte.
Additional details about the items are classified as “confidential.”
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said the items, tagged as Pre-Con-
firmation INCRIM Packages 002, 003 and 004, were disclosed to the defense on April 30, according to a document from the Office of the Prosecutor.
It included one item covering the period when Duterte was mayor of Davao City and 15 items covering the barangay (village) clearance operations in the country when he was president.
Khan’s office turned over the first set of evidence on March 24.
The pre-trial hearing is set on Sept. 23 to confirm Duterte’s charges and determine whether sufficient evidence exist to proceed to a full trial. (MNS)
help you get answers, for ex ample:
• What is Original Medicare?
• Are there other health care options?
• What do Medicare Parts A, B, C and D mean?
• Is Original Medicare enough health coverage?
• Are my prescriptions covered?
• How much will it cost?
• Do I have deadlines to enroll?
Comelec already analyzing evidence vs. candidates with DQ cases
MANILA, May 6 (Mabuhay)
-- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is collating the names of candidates who have pending disqualification cases and analyzing the evidence against them.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said there are more or less 400 vote-buying and abuse of state resources (ASR) complaints filed before the Committee on Kontra-Bigay, which looks into alleged cases of buying or selling of votes.
The Clerk of the Commission is looking over the cases, especially those backed with strong evidence, “to study the possibility of suspending the proclamation of these candidates in case they win” on May 12, Garcia said.
“We are already gathering those with disqualification cases with the
Clerk of the Commission,” he said in an interview. Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr., who chairs the Committee on Kontra Bigay, earlier said they are expecting to be “flooded” with vote buying and ASR complaints as election day approaches. He urged the public to report to the Comelec such acts via email (committee.kontrabigay@comelec. gov.ph) or through the poll body’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/comelec.ph/).
Under the Omnibus Election Code, conviction for vote-buying and related offenses carries a penalty of one to six years’ imprisonment, disqualification from holding public office, and deprivation of voting rights. (MNS)
Comelec secures certification of AES for May 12 polls
MANILA, May 6 (Mabuhay)
-- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been issued a certification stating that the automated election system (AES) that will be used in the May 12 national and local elections can operate “properly, securely, and accurately.”
The certification, issued by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC), is the last and final component necessary for the full implementation of automated elections, the Comelec said in a statement on Monday.
The TEC approved the use of the AES that includes the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count, Secure Electronic Transmission Services, and the Online Voting and Counting System.
The Comelec said the modernized election system was certified
on the basis of the recommendation of Pro V&V, the international certification entity engaged by the poll body as approved by its advisory council.
In a briefing on Monday, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said he is hoping that the TEC certification will pacify the critics of the AES.
“I hope we can give this process a chance,” Garcia said.
Still, he reiterated his appeal to stakeholders to be vigilant for the benefit of the voters.
“Let’s continue to observe, criticize until election day, but make sure that our voters will be able to vote,” Garcia said. “Let’s make sure no one is disenfranchised, everyone can vote and all votes will be counted.” (MNS)
DA confirms 1st case of H5N9 bird flu strain in PH
MANILA, May 8 (Mabuhay) -The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) on Wednesday confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) Type A Subtype H5N9 in Camaligan, Camarines Sur.
In a statement, the BAI said this is the first time it logged the strain in the country, which is highly pathogenic only among birds but not in humans.
“On April 30, 2025, the BAI-Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory reported positive results from duck samples collected during a routine surveillance by DA Regional Field Office Bicol,” it said.
Effective Wednesday, the DA-Bicol region implemented intensive surveillance within the one-kilometer quarantine zone alongside
close monitoring and disinfection to prevent the spread of HPAI or bird flu.
On Tuesday, it immediately culled and disposed of the remaining ducks in the affected farms in the area.
The BAI, meanwhile, urged the public to remain vigilant and report unusual poultry deaths or sickness to the nearest local authorities.
“Rest assured that BAI is committed to protecting the Philippines’ poultry industry from the threat of avian influenza and will maintain close cooperation with other government agencies and stakeholders,” it said.
As of April 25, the BAI said two barangays in Mexico, Pampanga, have ongoing cases of bird flu H5N1 strain among ducks and native chickens. (MNS)
Heart Evangelista continues to focus on health, wellness after turning 40
MANILA, May 5 (Mabuhay) --
Heart Evangelista is continuously focusing on her health and wellness after she turned 40 years old this 2025.
“Aside from, you know, you want to look good, you want to feel good, and you really want to be healthy. I’ve always been very conscious about my health, but especially now,” Heart said.
Heart has been into the pickleball sport lately.
“I really enjoy it, so every morning I try to play as much as possible,” she said.
She also plans to go back to the shooting range after the elections and “just be very active and move lang. ‘Di naman kailangang heavy weights.”
Heart is the cover star of Allure Philippines’ maiden issue alongside Bretman Rock.
She was previously in Dubai, where she received her Global Fashion Influencer of the Year award at this year’s EMIGALA Awards. (MNS)
A day before Pope Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome on April 26, 2025, the Filipino-American community, especially the Philippine American Association of Nevada, lost one of its pre-eminent medical leaders, Daniel Cervantes Fabito, MD, FACS, FPCS.
Danny was a Vascular, Laparoscopic, and Bariatric Surgeon in St. Louis, Missouri from 1973 to 2006, who retired in Las Vegas, Nevada, was president of PAAN, and a dedicated medical missionary, with 46 annual missions to the Philippines to his credit. He was 83.Danny hailed from Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, graduated from FEU Institute of Medicine in 1964, and came to the United States in 1965. He was the Executive Director of the Society of Philippine Surgeons in America Council of Past President (SPSA-COPP), when he passed away at the Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, surrounded by his wife Melinda, an Internist, and children Daniel Everett, a physician, Daniel Marc, a lawyer, and Melissa, a Registered Nurse, other family members, and friends.
Danny was past president of the Association of Philippine Physicians in America, the Society of Philippine Surgeons in America, the FEU-DNR SM Alumni Foundation, and other organizations. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, the International College of Surgeons, and the
Losing Danny: A Tribute
Society of Philippine Surgeons in America. He was a recipient of several awards and his life story is featured on the SPSA website: www. Today.SPSAtoday.com
Danny is an exemplary human being, down to earth, unpretentious, ebullient, tireless, hard-working, assiduous, an inspiring leader, serious and funny, a good person hard not to like. Even my two daughters, Sheillah (Family Physician in Northwest Indiana) and Rachel (OB-Gyne in Lake Charles, Louisiana), who joined our medical mission to Munoz (The Science City), Nueva Ecija, last February 2024, who met Danny for the first time, were captivated by him. They described him as a good and lovable person, as they grieved upon learning of his passing. My wife, Farida, called Danny a kind person, easy to get along with, calm and collect.
Despite knowing Danny had lived a long and wonderful life, and that death is a natural part of the cycle of life none of us is exempt from, it is nonetheless gravely painful to lose someone very close to you. Losing Danny, my bosom buddy of half a century, leaves a great void in me and in the heart of countless people, family, friends, and especially the marginalized poor people suffering in the gutter of poverty in the Philippines, strangers who were beneficiaries of his loving heart and caring surgical hands. The world has lost a good man. Leaving this earthly world after this life is not a tragedy. Dying without significance, without making a difference, without leaving behind a legacy of goodness and caring for family, friends, and our fellowmen, is.
Danny, a loving husband, caring father, proud grandfather, and a compassionate humanitarian-missionary extra-ordinaire, had certainly left behind a great, indelible, and inspiring legacy, his family, his friends, and all those whose lives he had touched could be truly proud of and remember fondly.
Danny and Melinda’s three children are very successful and well-respected members of their communities, as physician, lawyer, and nurse. Their grandchildren are Nico Fabito, Mikayla Fabito Kelly, Madelyn Fabito Kelly, Rafa Fabito, and Felicity Fabito. They are all part of Danny’s wonderful legacy, making the world a better place than he found it.
Danny had reached his pinnacle in life with the loving support of his strong pillar, Melinda, a medical internist. They would have been married 58 years this coming July 1, 2025. Farida and I, together with a dozen friends, were at various cruises with Danny and Melinda, one of them to Italy where we met Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle in Rome in May 2023.
Knowing Danny, I would not be surprised if had already met with and requested Pope Francis to talk to God and recommend Cardinal Tagle to be the next Pope.
As an avid golf player, Danny had reached the 18th hole of his life, made his final swing, his best shot, concluding a magnificent journey with a superb and enviable record not every man can equal. His family, all of us PAAN members, and his vast number of friends, will sorely
miss this gem of a man.
Losing Danny blesses us with the privilege of celebrating his wonderful life. And that we shall do with love, shining light upon him and remembering him till the day our own memory grows dim and fades.
Danny Cervantes Fabito, my friend, rest in eternal peace and walk with God.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US Senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, Astronaut Gus Grissom, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com
Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle (in black jacket back row) is pictured with Danny Fabito (red polo shirt) and other medical missionaries from Las Vegas, Louisville, and Chicago, who visited the Cardinal in Rome, Italy, on May 6, 2023, during their Western Mediterranean TransAtlantic Cruise on RCCL Odyssey of the Seas.
HAPPY ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH!
April 9-12, 2025 – Beautiful Queens of the Crowned from Around the Globe Enjoyed an Amazing Experience of a Lifetime at the Ms. Mrs. Universe USA Pageant 2025 held in Fabulous Las Vegas! Cheers!
Our Mission Statement: At Ms. World Corp, our mission is to empower and uplift women from around the globe by providing unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and global networking. We are dedicated to creating a prestigious platform where accomplished women can connect, inspire, and collaborate, fostering meaningful relationships that transcend borders. Through our events, initiatives, and community, we celebrate intelligence, leadership, and ambition, ensuring that every participant gains the confidence, connections, and opportunities to make a lasting impact on the world.
WHO WE ARE: Formerly operating from Sao Paulo Brazil, the Ms. World Corporation has launched the Universe brand and is now working in conjunction with several US television network content providers and production companies.
The Ms. Mrs. Universe CEO and board members believe that the integrity and professionalism of this corporation make this pageant one of the leaders in the International Pageant and Entertainment Industry.
WHAT WE DO: The Ms. Mrs. Universe event is NOT your typical beauty pageant. Our delegates do not spend hours rehearsing or learning choreographed routines. We are all about friendships, filming, and having fun. 3 NIGHTS AND 4 DAYS OF NONSTOP FUN! THE CORONATION DAY HELD AT THE ORLEANS HOTEL AND CASINO SHOWROOM ON APRIL 11, 2025, WAS A SMASHING SUCCESS! CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO ALL THE QUEENS OF THE CROWNED; ESPECIALLY TO OUR VERY OWN BEAUTIFUL VEGAS QUEENS! CHEERS!
Jocelyn Ponio - Mrs Nevada
Wins Ms Global USA Universe, this title is a combination of all phases of competition plus national costume performance: “This achievement highlights the significant impact of determination and hard work on my journey as Mrs. Nevada USA titleholder for the Mrs. USA Universe beauty pageant. Motivated by a fervent desire to serve my community, I participated in the pageant to continue advocating for mental health awareness, self-growth, and leadership. In my leisure time, I enjoy fashion modeling and hula dancing. I acknowledge the invaluable support of my exceptional glam team: fashion and makeup stylist Alexis Somers; fashion designer Federico Navarro; and hair and makeup styl-
ist Cristy Deocareza, empowering me to shine. My journey inspires women to succeed, demonstrating that age should not hinder one’s aspirations, particularly in the pageant world. Everyone deserves an opportunity!”
Sou Thammavongsa - Ms Laos Wins Ms Universe World International 2025: “After being crowned Ms. Global World International on August 9-12 in Miami, I found myself at a crossroads. With so many projects already on my plate—community work, personal goals, and career responsibilities—I questioned if another pageant was in the cards. Was now the right time? Then I heard the 2025 Ms. Universe World International pageant would be held in Las Vegas. That spark was reignited. I started wondering: Could this be my next journey? But even then, I hesitated. Was I ready—mentally, emotionally, physically? Could I manage the responsibility if I win? For weeks, I sat with my doubts. But one week before the deadline, everything became clear. Those thoughts were not facts, they were fear. I realized something important: doubt does not mean stopping. Doubt is just the space before courage steps in. So, I took the leap. And I have never felt prouder. This journey has taught me that sometimes, the ‘perfect moment’ is not something you wait for, it is something you create. Today, I stand not only as the reigning Ms. Universe World International, but also as the first Laotian woman to ever hold this title. I carry that honor with humility and deep gratitude. To my loved ones: thank you. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and love gave me the strength I needed. You reminded me who I am when I had moments of doubt. My hope now is to use this platform not just to wear a crown—but to make a difference. I want to serve, to uplift, and to inspire others to chase their dreams—even when fear tries to hold them back. This is not just my win—it is a shared moment for everyone who is ever dared to believe in themselves. And this is only the beginning!”
“You Have Come to Your Royal Position for Such a Time as This!” – Esther 4:14
“A True Queen Knows That Her Crown is Earned with Her Heart and Soul! – Queen Salve Vargas Edelman
Congratulations to the owners of Crazy Pita, located inside Walmart on Spring Mountain and Rainbow: Art and Mita Mendoza, Dave and Donanamarie Howe, Art Javier and Dr. Ed & Vivian Correa. The Grand opening on March 29, 2025 had no less than Hon. Consul Amie Belmonte and among the perks were buy one get one loaded chicken shawarma bowl and the chance to win a $50 gift card!
toast to goodness... Congratulations to Crazy Pita & Urbane Cafe!
URBANE CAFE opened their newest branch located at 7110 S. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas and it was a toast to healthy living with their fresh salads and sandwiches! We are incredibly grateful for your support as their grand opening was also Healthcare Appreciation Day! Their marketing head, Katie Renteria gave away free meals and gifts! Please support them today and also visit their website: www.urbanecafe.com
Godric Matthew, the son of Marylaine turned 16 last May 2, 2025 and had the best chefs in Las Vegas cater his special, intimate event: Chef
our
Brooklyn Mackenzie Viernes Moraes was splendid in her latest fashion show at the Ahern Hotel, wearing this breathtaking purple gown by celebrity designer, Emily Sy. She was the star of the Flight Runway Show, produced by Latin Queen Diva Sara Bouret, a Hollywood actress and producer from Los Angeles. Brooklyn is supported by her Kuya Godric and Mommy Marylaine Viernes, in-demand events host and columnist. These excellent photos are by Joshua Manuel. For professional photography needs, e-mail him at joshua@jmanuelphoto.com or follow his work on Instagram: joshuamanuelphotography. Happy Birthday, Godric Matthew!
ite paella chef known for authentic Spanish fare and Chef EJ
Hibachi and Sushi ched who is also Godric’s cousin. We enjoyed this intimate event with his family, close friends, his classmates from Sierra Vista
The event was made sweeter thanks to this yummy cake from Alexis
of Rolling in Dough Bakery, located at 10260 W Charleston Blvd Suite # 4, Las Vegas. Call them at 702-407-8686 and visit www.rollingindoughbakerylv.com Prepare to take a fabulous fashion flight!
Moralva,
favor-
Pasimio, celebrity
high school.
Pascual-Roy
OHalu-Halo:
Olivia Enriquez
This article was inspired by a recent community gathering called HaluHalong Kuwento sa Tindahan, hosted by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Nevada. Held at Mang Felix along Maryland Parkway— right in the heart of the newly designated Filipino Town—the event featured the relaunch of the book Women of Impact through a fireside chat with the authors, each one sharing the stories behind their journeys. As they spoke, guests were handed cups of halu-halo, which the owner prepared himself.
t was a perfect pairing— stories of women layered with complexity, resilience, and sweetness, served alongside a dessert made of just that. A medley of tropical preserves and crushed ice mirroring a medley of lived experiences. The pun wasn’t lost on anyone. That moment reminded me: halu-halo is more than a dessert. It is metaphor, memory, and movement. A spoonful of culture and history, chilled.
Memory, Ice, and the Soul of Filipino Sweetness
Few desserts carry the weight of memory and history the way halu-halo does. A riot of textures, colors, and temperatures, halu-halo— literally “mix-mix” in Tagalog—is both refreshment and metaphor: a celebration of our tropical bounty, our layered identity, and our flair for turning scraps into spectacle.
That moment reminded me: halu-halo is more than a dessert. It is metaphor, memory, and movement. A spoonful of culture and history, chilled. Halo-halo isn’t just a dessert. It’s been a business plan for decades. A working model of how Filipino creativity, family labor, and localized tech can turn a simple icy treat into a livelihood—one bowl at a time.
From Japanese Beans to Filipino Chaos
The roots of halu-halo trace back to pre-WWII Manila, where Japanese settlers introduced kakigōri—shaved ice with sweetened beans. The earliest iterations were modest: munggo, red beans, perhaps a splash of syrup. But Filipinos— never ones to leave well enough alone—began adding preserved fruits, saba bananas in syrup, ube halaya, coconut strips, gelatin cubes, pinipig, flan, and a scoop of ice cream for good measure.
Before it became a mall staple or fast-food bestseller, halu-halo thrived as a barangay microenterprise—a backyard hustle, often seasonal, almost always family-run. Its origin story isn’t just about sweetness—it’s about innovation, resourcefulness, and how necessity bred a community economy.
At the heart of the early halo-halo business was the cast aluminum kudkuran—a hand-grater originally used for coconut, but modified by local metal fabricators to scrape ice. These were usually crafted by panday (metalworkers) using repurposed tools and sold in neighborhood markets alongside castiron irons and kalderos. A wooden seat would often be nailed to a plank, the kudkuran bolted in place, allowing the vendor to crouch and manually scrape ice onto bowls, one order at a time.
As demand grew, particularly during fiestas and summer breaks, this gave rise to a next-level contraption: the rotary ice shaver. Still manually
Today, halu-halo is a fixture on menus from Manila to Manhattan. From fine-dining riffs to mason jar TikTok versions, it has crossed borders, genres, and generations. Filipino food trucks in Los Angeles pair it with tocino burgers. Artisanal makers now tout vegan milk, heirloom ube, and zero-waste bowls made of coconut husks. And yet, at its core, halohalo remains beautifully
By the time Manila was occupied by the Japanese forces, halo-halo had become an edible act of resistance. Ice was a luxury, but making do was second nature. Housewives preserved fruit during peak season, stretched evaporated milk rations, and took to scraping ice from handcarried blocks using the humble kudkuran—a kitchen tool originally used for grating coconut. The finer the “kudkod,” the higher the bragging rights. A dessert borne out from resistance but lives on to become the stellar filipino dessert
Some early households even used a wooden plank embedded with nails to crush ice—an ingeniously crude method that predates mechanical shavers. It’s a reminder that before halo-halo became a dessert of leisure, it was one of labor and ingenuity.
Digman to Pampanga: Regional Variants of Cool Each region reinterpreted halo-halo in its own delicious dialect. In Cavite’s Digman, the family-run Digman Halo-Halo Parlor served elaborate versions in
A Future Built on Ice and Identity
unchanged. It’s still the dessert of the everyday Filipino: bought from a sari-sari store with loose change, or made lovingly in big metal bowls for summer fiestas.
It is our flavor of nostalgia—and a business with a beating heart. In the hands of visionaries like Amelia Valenzuela and the next wave of cultural food entrepreneurs, halu-
halo continues to evolve. Not just as a dessert, but as soul food. A cultural heirloom. And a reminder that the best things in life are meant to be shared, spooned, and yes—mixed. And maybe that’s why, during Halu-Halong Kuwento sa Tindahan, when the voices of women filled the room with stories of grit and grace, it made perfect sense to be handed a serving of halu-halo.
tall glasses stacked with colorful layers, including house-made ice cream. Pampanga’s Razon’s flipped the script: just three ingredients— banana, macapuno, and leche flan—on an impossibly fine bed of milked ice. In Baguio, strawberries make an appearance; in Davao, durian; in Ilocos, even cheese.
These regional versions reflect not only geography, but personality—whether flamboyant or minimalist, rustic or refined, there’s always a story behind each version.
Sweet
Serendipity in Tayuman: The Chowking Connection
Perhaps one of the most powerful stories about haluhalo as enterprise lies in the heart of Tondo, Manila.
In 1988, Amelia “Aling Mely” Valenzuela was a home-based vendor selling preserved fruits in recycled glass bottles. Her big break came via a tip from a vegetable dealer in Arranque Market: Chowking was looking for a halu-halo supplier. She showed up with samples and landed a small but regular order.
As Chowking’s halo-halo rose in demand, Aling Mely scaled fast—starting in her kitchen, then a small Tayuman factory. With a PhP5M loan (paid back in two years), Amelia Sweet Products supplied 11 key ingredients daily to over 220 branches.
From sourcing the best saba in Batangas to training suppliers nationwide, she became the silent engine behind Chowking’s summer bestseller. She didn’t just sweeten the menu—she built jobs, structure, and a supply chain rooted in tradition. Halo-halo, in her hands, became a livelihood.created jobs, formalized small-scale production, and preserved tradition. Her story proves that halo-halo can be more than dessert—it can be enterprise.
operated, it used a hand crank and steel blade to grind ice faster and more consistently. These were engineered in talyer (local machine shops) and became a fixture at sari-sari stores and roadside meriendahan stands. The crank-powered ice shaver marked the first step toward semi-mechanization in halo-halo vending.
Fast-forward to today, and you'll find enterprising Filipinos using Ninja blenders, commercial-grade ice crushers, and even retrofitted snow cone machines to meet the demands of a TikTok and delivery-based economy. Some use solar-powered units in rural provinces where electricity is scarce, proving that innovation continues at the grassroots.
But even with upgraded tools, the soul of the halohalo enterprise remains the same: a small table, a few jars of preserved fruits, a line of waiting customers, and a vendor—often a lola or a teen saving up for school—scooping joy into plastic cups.
We weren’t just cooling off. We were honoring the layers—of culture, of struggle, of triumph— present in both the stories we heard and the dessert we savored.
Because halu-halo, much like the women celebrated that night, is made of many parts. Ordinary on their own. Extraordinary together.__OLE
From Kudkuran to Ninja: The Barangay Evolution of Halo-Halo
Digital illustation by : O Enriquez
chamber matters
An update on business news, developments and events from The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Nevada (FACCGN).
by: JOEL ENRIQUEZ, President
Join us and be part of the chamber that loves small businesses. Log in to our website https://www.faccgn.org/ Or email us at info@faccgn.org
TINDAHAN
A Post Event Report
On a warm Tuesday evening in Las Vegas, something extraordinary unfolded along Maryland Parkway— something that felt both like a homecoming and a quiet revolution.
TINDAHAN—the Tagalog word for store—was more than just a pop-up market. Held at Mang Felix Kitchen, located in the heart of newly designated Filipino Town, the event was a vibrant convergence of community, commerce, and cultural storytelling. Organized by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Nevada (FACCGN), this culminating event for Filipino Food Month brought together local vendors, community allies, and cultural advocates under one roof.
TINDAHAN Report
From traditional and stylized Filipiniana and reproduction antique gold jewelry to sustainable bamboo utensils and proudly Pinoy pantry staples, the vendor tables told a larger story of Filipino ingenuity and identity. Each product had a tale to tell—of heritage passed down, of migration and adaptation, of bold dreams brought to life through small business.
But perhaps the most powerful stories that evening came from the women seated at the center stage for the Fireside Chat and second launch of the book, WOMEN OF IMPACT: Stories From The Women Of Las Vegas. Featuring several of the book’s authors and contributors, this intimate segment drew the audience in, offering a window into the lives of Filipina
RAM NIEVERA’s setting for his artworks featured a fresh garden like installation by
leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and creatives shaping the Southern Nevada landscape.
The atmosphere was celebratory yet soulful—anchored by raffle prizes from participating Filipino restaurants, a serving of classic Halo-Halo, and a collective sense that something new was blooming in this corridor of the city. This was not just a pop-up—it was a marker of momentum.
As our community continues to grow, TINDAHAN reminded us that markets are more than transactions—they’re traditions reimagined, spaces of belonging, and springboards for the future.
DENISE MAYANG WONG presented her original painting of a KAMAYAN feast together with a limited print edition making it affordable art.
25 vetted vendors, with a good balance of products and services. Product categories included books, FilipinoTown magazine, art, Philippine sourced coffee, pastries, Filipiniana wear, jewellry (gold and pearls), sustainable tableware and utensils. Services included health care, realtors and affodable mortgages.
About 250 guests in attendance led by Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, representative of the office of NV Gov. Joe Lombardo, Sonny Vinuya, officers and members of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, the Cavite Association of Nevada, Filipino American Media Association, and the FilipinoTown Executive Committee.
Happy guests, satisfied vendors, inquiring “when is the next one?”.
SPECIAL GUEST MARTIN NIEVERA joined the women authors in a photo-op together with Book Publisher Gloria Caoile, Editor Esmeralda Padilla-Gould, and Book Designer Olive Enriquez of Luna Design.
BABAYLAN BREWS’ counter display did not show coffee because they have a kiosk inside Mang Felix, but it surely referenced the coffee beans’ origin in Bohol, Philippines.
CLARK COUNTY COMMISSIONER TICK SEGERBLOM was introduced to vendors as he patiently engaged with each one, guided by Margie Gonzales who was intrumental in inviting the commissioner to the event..
Artist RAM NIEVERA was kept busy by guests wanting an on-the-spot illustration by him. The finished artwork always brought smiles of approval.
Magnolia Magat.
THE CREATIVE PLANT launched disposable party ware with banana leaf print and were displayed with strong graphic references.
CIRIMILLE FAYE PAGLINAWAN of CMC
BOUTIQUE knew her stylized VENUS Filipiniana wear would be a hit among young Filipinas.
TINDAHAN’S Special Display located at the venue entrance featured an arresting collection of traditional Filipino utensils and objet d’ arts associated with cooking and food preparation, as a fitting tribute to the Filipino Food month celebration in Las Vegas.
THE KAMAYAN PAPER PLATES are culturally referenced, practical and hygenic.
Heirloom salt (ASIN TIBUOK) used in their coffee with caramel sea-salt.
