Popular Masbate’s caramelado candy, now an ice cream flavor

On the third day of the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) at the World Trade Center in Pasay, Bicolano ice cream makers and restaurateurs Elmer and Rowena Aspe showed off the newest flavor people can find at 1st Colonial Grill: Caramelado ice cream, inspired by Masbate’s famous sweet milk candy.

Bicolano ice cream makers Elmer and Rowena Aspe, show off the Carmelado ice cream flavor at the IFEX( Intl Food Exhibition) in the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Sunday, May 27, 2018. Photo: Danny Pata

"Chinallenge kami ni Vice Governor Revil na gawin yun[g caramelado ice cream] for Masbateños. Challenge accepted,” Rowena Aspe said during the flavor's launch at the IFEX, giving the necessary shoutout to Vice Governor Kaye Revil, who thought of the idea.

Caramelado is made with carabao’s milk — or milk curd to be precise. It is comparable to pastillas, and a most requested pasalubong item from Masbate, the Cattle Capital of the Philippines.

The Aspes are behind the unique Sili and Pili ice cream that's made 1st Colonial Grill a necessary stop when in Masbate.

According to a representative of 1st Colonial Grill, the caramelado flavor will hit the restaurant in June. But if the popular sili and pili flavors are to be followed, the caramelado will cost P33 a scoop, P65 a cup and P99 for three scoops.

By the way, the 1st Colonial Grill will soon open its first Manila location at NAIA Terminal 3, we were told. — LA, GMA News