ACCORDING to weather reports, the Philippines has just experienced its hottest day of the year, at 36.10C about two weeks ago. Even at 7:30 these past few mornings when usually the sun’s rays are still friendly, it has become scorching hot.

Winner: The blend uses carabao’s milk. Photographs by Margaux Salcedo

But definitely, the season for sunbathing, surfing, jet-skiing and swimming is here. And with that comes the appeal of everything cold to eat and drink: halo-halo, ice cream, yogurt, mais con yelo, ice cold beer, and mojitos (whether virgin or not) and milkshakes!

There aren’t a lot of winner milkshakes in the market. Some diners offer milkshakes, among them Mr. Jones and Filling Station. Then there are the milkshake offerings of Pancake House and McDonald’s. But if you want a milkshake that will melt your heart as it cools you down, you’d be better off buying your favorite ice cream, throwing it into the blender and making your own milkshake yourself.

This was what Justine Villareal used to do when she craved a milkshake. A milkshake lover, she would whip up blends for herself and her brothers. So when she and friend Kara Mendoza decided to venture into business – just as two glam twenty-something girls set out to conquer the world of entrepreneurs – this was one of the products they did a market study on and eventually decided to go for. Justine had been working for two years and Kara had just returned to Manila from an internship in Germany when they committed to this milkshake business.

Shakin’ up summer: Justine Villareal and Kara Mendoza. Photographs by Margaux Salcedo

Unfortunately for those who just want a glass, the business isn’t found in the malls or other public areas just yet. The two women started their business in September 2010 and so far they only cater to parties or other events. But they have worked out an affordable package for their cart: only P5,250 for 50 glasses.

The taste is superb. Maybe I’m partial towards the flavors because they use carabao’s milk, which I love as a Bulakenya. And they also use Arce ice cream, supposedly because it achieves the best texture for the shakes. Committed to quality, they also do not use powder. “I used to make my own milkshakes because the ones you buy outside usually use powder,” Justine shared. They also do not use any syrup flavoring. Instead, they only use fruits in season.

The business is still in its start-up stage, which I think is the best time to experience the products of small enterprises because at this stage, the owners still man the business themselves. If you contract them for a party, you will most likely have Justine and Kara getting the orders and making the milkshakes for your guests.

The system also allows for guest interaction. First you choose what kind of ice cream you want: vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. Then you choose the mix-ins you want: Reese’s chocolate, Choc-nut, Toblerone, fruits, etc. Then you choose the toppings: chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc. It’s so much fun! The packages include either 20 local favorite chocolates and 20 imported chocolate variants or 10 of each.

I discovered these glam milkshake girls when Lady Bee brought them to the office. It was the perfect medicine against this scorching heat! I’m on a mission now to convince all my friends to get them for their parties so I can have more of this fab milkshake. In the meantime, I’m going to blend some ice cream and make my own! •
The Milkshake Factory. themilkshakefactory @gmail.com. Justine Villareal 0917-5841871 or Kara Mendoza 0917-8105272. One week advance notice required.