A perfect ending to a sumptuous meal at Jo's Chicken Inato is their "gourmet" version of this Pinoy smorgasbord dessert. Aptly called Buko Halo, it comes in a coconut shell with all the coco meat mixed with all the ingredients like saba, kamote, gelatin, ube halaya, rice crispies, ripe jackfruit, milk and their home-made ice cream. The sugar comes separate, which I like since, I'd always request not to have one in other restos. This big serving of buko halo costs PhP75 (if my memory serves me right) but the taste memories it bring back - the college years where it become out sort of hang-out, is priceless!
A stones throw away from the plaza of La Villa de Arevalo is an ancestral house where one can find not only good pasalubong items but also a look into the past of the district. Known as the Sinamay House , this well preserved ancestral house is an attraction not only in the outside but also what it houses inside. A collection of what the past like is housed in the two storey edifice which also acts like a museum of sorts. Sinamay is simply known as abaca by most and, here, a variety of products made from this fiber can be found. I remember watching a feature on tv wherein the owner proudly showed a framed letter signed by the late Princess of Wales, Diana, showing her appreciation of the handkerchief she was given as a gift coming from this very shop. But the attraction I am most familiar with are the chewies and crunchies made by Mama's Kitchen. Attractively packed in boxes showing their current flavours and variety, this is among the better...