"And it shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud. And I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh." Genesis 9:14-15

From Batanes up north to Cotabato down south, Filipinos are racing towards the nearest malls, mountain and beach resorts, and the lowly halo-halo stand to seek refuge form the burning summer heat.

It is not uncommon to see a family or a barkada group strolling in one of the country's malls whose centralized airconditioning systems are in full blast day in and day out. Lovers reminiscing promises they made to each other while enjoying the more natural cooling effect of resorts is an everyday sight. A tired salesman sipping the last drop of halo-halo at three in the afternoon can be seen in those makeshift stands by the roadside.

It is safe to say that besides the salesman, the family and the barkada group in the mall as well as those lovers in resorts will also be enjoying a glass or two of the famous summer delicacy which as mentioned in the preceding column - has the color and taste of rainbows.