On the eve of Halloween, the Filipino Association of Stevens Tech (FAST) found a spooktacular way to combine a culinary treat from the Philippines, known as Halo-Halo, with the themes of Halloween in the fifth installment of their annual fall event known as Halo-Halloween. Halo-Halo, also known as haluhalo, is a common Filipino dessert made from crushed ice, evaporated milk, and various other ingredients. This dessert is similar to the Japanese treat of Kakigori, and was unknown in the Philippines prior to the 1800s, but gained significant popularity after being introduced to the islands. Anything can go on top of the ice and evaporated milk, but some common ingredients include cooked red beans, jam made from Ube (a purple yam that is popular in Southeast Asia), Jackfruit (known as Langka), Nata jelly (a kind of coconut gel), or pounded rice (known as Pinipig), milk flan (Leche flan), or even Ube flavored ice cream. All these ingredients combine to make a truly delicious sweet and creamy treat.
In past years, the event was held in Jacobus Lounge, but given that option is no longer available, the members of FAST chose to hold the event in Babbio Atrium. After swiping students in, cups of crushed ice were distributed out to the participants. Each table of participants got bowls of ingredients that are typical for Halo-Halo, such as Jackfruit, Ube jam, Nata jelly, or red beans. After mixing these ingredients with the crushed ice and milk, everyone lined up to get ice cream for their cups of Halo-Halo. The Ube ice cream and cheese flavored ice cream were particularly popular. Toward the end of the event, FAST made it feel like Halloween had already come by giving a presentation on monsters and creatures that can be found in Filipino folklore. With each one they presented, a member of FAST entertained the audience by dressing up as that monster. First, they started off with the Aswang, which can best be thought of as a Filipino version of a vampire or a ghoul. Next, they presented the Kaperosa, known as the White Lady, which is a female ghost-like creature in a white dress who is commonly associated with a tragic tale in Filipino folklore. Then came the Tikbalang, which is a humanoid creature with a horse’s head and hooves for feet, who loves to trick and scare travelers. Lastly, they presented the Kumakatok, translated as “Door Knockers,” which is a dark, hooded figure that knocks on doors and carries bad omens. The main coordinator for the event was Olivia Lew, the Vice President of FAST, who said that “it’s been a really fun and creative event that everyone enjoys.” In total, 122 people attended the event, which marks this as an integral campus event for the fall semester, and one that will certainly be coming back next Halloween.
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