Philippine Embassy, Ministop Japan Mark 30 Years of “Halo-Halo” in Japan as a Sweet Symbol of Cross-Cultural Connection

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (3rd from left) and Ministop President Masashi Hotta (4th from left) marked the 30th Anniversary of Ministop’s Halo-Halo at the Philippine Embassy on 31 July 2025. (Tokyo PE photo)

TOKYO 04 August 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Japan and Ministop Japan jointly celebrated the 30th anniversary of Ministop’s Halo-Halo during a special event held at the Embassy on 31 July 2025. The gathering recognized the enduring appeal of the seasonal treat, which draws inspiration from the Philippines’ iconic “halo-halo,” which is a colorful layered dessert.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano and Ministop President Masashi Hotta led the celebration, which included a ceremonial exchange of each other’s version of halo-halo, Ministop’s presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to the Embassy, and a photo opportunity with Ministop’s mascot, Mimip. The event was attended by members of the press and officials from Ministop.

In her remarks, Ambassador Garcia-Albano emphasized that while Ministop’s version is a creative adaptation, it reflects the broader cultural significance of halo-halo. “Halo-halo is a cultural symbol representing unity amid the diverse influences that have shaped the Philippines. It embodies the act of coming together to form a vibrant, cohesive whole,” she said.

Ministop’s Halo-Halo has become one of the company’s best-loved summer items since its launch in 1995, offering Japanese customers a unique taste experience inspired by Filipino flavors. For Filipinos in Japan, the product name “halo-halo” evokes fond memories of home; for Japanese customers, it has served as a light and refreshing entry point to Filipino culture.

“Halo-Halo was first introduced in 1995. At the time, I was working in the HR department handling recruitment, and I remember chatting excitedly with our applicants about our soft serve and Halo-Halo,” said Mr. Hotta. “When I first tried halo-halo myself, I was amazed that such a delicious dessert even existed.”

To further share this story with the broader public, a blown-up version of the Certificate of Appreciation will be displayed at Haneda Airport-Terminal 3 until August 6, which has been declared “Halo-Halo Day” by the Japan Anniversary Association.

This celebration is part of the Embassy’s observance of Philippines-Japan Friendship Month and a fitting prelude to the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026. END

Left photo: Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano and Consul Fatima Quintin enjoyed Ministop’s Halo-Halo. Right photo: President Masashi Hotta and Director Mitsuharu Nakazawa tried the original Philippine halo-halo. (Tokyo PE photos)

Ministop’s Halo-Halo (left) and the original Philippine halo-halo at a special event held in commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of Ministop’s Halo-Halo at the Philippine Embassy on 31 July 2025. (Tokyo PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.tokyo.philembassy.net, or https://www.tokyope.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinJapan/.