Here's the scoop: Baskin-Robbins finally in the Philippines

When I was growing up, I remember my mom would get me an ice cream cone after each visit to the dentist. That was my earliest memory of this cool treat, which I have grown fond of until now. For me, like many others, ice cream has become a comfort food and not just a delicious treat. 

 

There’s a plethora of ice cream choices in the market but nothing can compare to Baskin-Robbins, which is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. The brand has been dishing up delicious frozen treats since 1945 when it was founded in Glendale, California by two brothers-in-law and ice cream aficionados. Since then, it has branched out to nearly 50 countries with around 7,300 shops as of 2013.

 

Baskin-Robbins offers 31 flavors, practically one for every day of the month, and Manila denizens can now indulge in it as it opened its first establishment in the Philippines last July 1 in Bonifacio Global City.

 

“We are a premium brand. We’re looking to launch in a premium location. Having said that doesn’t mean we are premium to the extent that majority of the people cannot afford. We are affordable premium,” according to John Varghese, the Vice President for International Dunkin’ Brands.

 

“Today when we look at the way the Philippines is growing, the way the economy is growing, the way the economic prosperity—everybody’s growing, so we thought it was the right time to come back and more importantly work with a partner that we believe is the right partner. That combination is making all the difference.”

 

Calling all ice cream lovers!

 

The store serves up a wide selection of flavors, including bestsellers like vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chip, and mint chocolate chip, among others. Aside from the classic scoops, those with sweet tooth may also indulge in frozen delights such as milk shakes, sundaes, and ice cream cakes. Customers will be assured of the quality as the ice cream is made in the US.

 

My personal favorite is the mint chocolate milk shake because I am partial to the flavor of this minty herb and chocolate is my ultimate indulgence—combining these two means perfection for me. But for first-time goers, I would suggest that you try to customize your own sundae by first choosing one to three scoops of ice cream to be placed either in a cup or a waffle cone.

Choosing from the 31 flavors could pose a challenge but that’s part of the fun. Step two involves selecting your preferred toppings—hot fudge, marshmallow, caramel pralines, Reese’s Peanut Butter, butterscotch, pineapple, chocolate syrup, maple walnut, and strawberry. After that, you can finish it off with some whipped cream, cherry and chopped almonds. If you feel overwhelmed with all the choices, you could opt to go for the items on the menu and simply order the Waffle Bowl Sundae, Brownie a la Mode, Banana Royale, or Banana Split.

 

Kids and adults alike would surely enjoy treating their taste buds to this cool and creamy dessert any time of day. “Our flavors keep changing. We have new flavors every time. Our name says 31, which means 31 flavors plus one flavor of the month. Out of that 31, nearly 15 or 16 keep changing. So, we are always creating new. You come to our store, we will always give something new. That is the beauty,” shared Varghese. He is pretty familiar with the local taste because of the Filipino expat community in the Middle East and the US. “We know what Filipino community likes and we are trying to present that here.”

 

Ice cream fans would be delighted with the flavor innovations of Baskin-Robbins, which include Very Berry Strawberry, Rainbow Sherbet, World Class Chocolate, Love Potion #31, and Cotton Candy. You can order these by the scoop or with the selection from “A Taste of California” celebration. Take your pick from the new Twist Sundae (upside down sundae), Flavor Wave (five mini 1-ounce scoops), and Shake Mixology (combine two of your favorite flavors). There’s really something for everyone here.

 

With the grand launch of Baskin-Robbins and to highlight its 31 flavors, the brand is offering a generous promotion of 31 percent off on all fresh packed ice cream cartons all throughout July. 

 

I personally won’t wait for another visit to the dentist so I would have an excuse to indulge in some ice cream now that Baskin-Robbins is just a stone’s throw away. — JST/BM, GMA News

 

Baskin-Robbins is located at the Upper Ground Floor, Central Square, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It will be open from 11am to 10pm from Monday to Thursday, and 11am to 11pm from Friday to Sunday. Visit www.baskinrobbins.ph and FB.com/baskinrobbinsph.