In Calasiao, Pangasinan, a Filipino twist on the traditional Chinese tikoy is creating a buzz this New Year.

Unlike its Chinese counterpart, this Pinoy tikoy is ready-to-eat and comes in exciting flavors and colors, each with its own meaning.

From classic cheese and ube fillings to vibrant hues, this tikoy brings symbolism to the table.

For wealth, choose the violet ube-flavored tikoy.

For love, pink strawberry flavor is the perfect pick.

White symbolizes peace, green pandan is for health, and yellow with langka flavor signifies wisdom.

Efrosina Alegria, a tikoy maker, explains the Filipino belief behind this sticky treat:

“Alam naman natin kasi tayong mga Pilipino ay naniniwala na kapag ang tikoy ay inihanda natin tuwing New Year ay madikit ang pamilya, sama-sama. Since matamis na rin ‘to, matamis na rin ang pagsasama,” Efrosina Alegria, a tikoy maker, said.

Alegria shared that demand for prosperity tikoy peaks during the New Year.

“Tuwing New Year lang kasi ito malakas, kaya talagang kami ay naghahabol ng orders para ma-suplayan lahat ng order this coming New Year,” she said.