6 Years of Shop Halo Halo 3.31.2026

In March 2020 when we went into lock down, I, like most people at the time, was terrified about what would come next. I had already been contemplating a career change for some time, and management at my workplace was confident that things would blow over in 2 weeks. (LOL). And when that didn't happen, all I could think about was how much time and energy I was wasting risking my health and well-being for a company that didn't value me for a measly paycheck I wasn't sure would even come; that I'd rather spend my time doing something I loved and forging genuine connections in my community. So on March 31st, I turned in my resignation, effective immediately, and launched my first online pre-order page for Filipino desserts and baked goods.

I started Shop Halo Halo as a creative playspace to explore and celebrate my Filipino identity and culture; to re/learn the recipes that reminded me of home, and feel more connected to my family and community. 6 years doesn't seem like that long, but so much has happened in that time that I don't even really know where to begin. So many milestones to celebrate, so many lessons learned, and many victories, fails, and flops in between. I had a vision of where I wanted things to go, and while I'm not quite where I want to be and definitely don't have all the answers, I'm happy and proud to be able to step back and see what I've built.

Of course none of this would be possible without you all. I'm still amazed when I see people who greeted me at their doors in 2020 or visited us at our weekly markets in 2021! I appreciate all the love and support from everyone always and hopefully one day soon, I'll be able to welcome y'all into the home that's right for us.