TACLOBAN CITY-- More and more Taclobanons have reportedly ventured into one of the "coolest" businesses this summer: selling halo-halo.

The trend is obvious in Tacloban City where almost every street corner has at least one halo-halo stand. Vendors believe that the creamy and icy concoction will attract a slew of customers in need of refreshing snacks during the hot summer.

“Halo-halo is the “in-thing” because its summer and people need refreshments,” said Aling Lorena, one of the many halo-halo vendors in the city.

Lorena chose a strategic location along a jeepney stop which helps her earn about P200 a day, selling to thirsty commuters and jeepney drivers.

Just a few meters from Lorena's small stand, another vendor named Beverly also decided to set up shop. She said selling the popular Filipino dessert is also a big help in augmenting their income for rice and other basic necessities.

Not too far away from this string of halo-halo stands, 18-year-old Juvy said venturing into the halo-halo business is not just for financial gain but to prove that she can be an entrepreneur at her young age.

“My aunt was skeptical [in] allowing me to sell halo-halo. She said I don’t know a thing about business. But I want to prove to her and to myself that I can also be a businesswoman [like my aunt],” Juvy said, smiling.

She added that her earnings this summer will help pay for her school expenses this June.

Halo-halo (which literally means "mix-mix") is a popular Filipino treat made with shaved ice, sweet milk, and a variety of ingredients including beans, fruit bits, slices of fried plantains, gelatin, ice cream, "pinipig" or puffed rice, and chunks of "leche flan" or a creamy custard. The dessert, with its delightful mix of ingredients, represents the diverse cultural traditions that influenced the Philippines throughout history including Chinese, Spanish, and American influences. Photo from Wikipedia.