SCENE 1: THE SARI-SARI STORE
It's late afternoon on a quiet street in Quezon City—rain has just stopped, leaving puddles that mirror the orange sunset. Aling Nena's Sari-Sari Store has a small table and chairs set up outside, where her grandson Javi is arranging glasses.
ALING NENA (65, Store Owner)
(Wiping down the halo-halo freezer with a clean cloth, calling out to Javi)
"Kiddo, don't forget to put the spoons on the table! Mia and Drei said they'd come by this afternoon—they might be here any minute."
JAVI (12 years old)
(Scratching his head)
"Okay, Lola! But why are we making halo-halo now? It might be too cold—we just got done with the rain."
ALING NENA
(Smiling as she scoops crushed ice into a tall glass)
"Because, sweetheart—this might be the last day of the rainy season this year! Summer starts tomorrow, and I want to make them the best halo-halo I can."
(A motorcycle pulls up—MIA and DREI hop off, shaking rainwater from their jackets)
SCENE 2: THE TABLE OUTSIDE
The four of them gather around the small table. Aling Nena sets down four colorful halo-halo glasses—each topped with purple ube jam, creamy leche flan, chewy macapuno, and a bright red cherry.
MIA (24, Nurse at Philippine General Hospital)
(Clasping her hands excitedly)
"Lola Nena! This halo-halo looks amazing! I've been waiting weeks to have your cooking again!"
DREI (26, Engineer)
(Taking a spoonful)
"Lola, it's even better than the ones they sell at the mall! How do you make it taste so good?"
ALING NENA
(Settling back in her chair, content)
"That's my little secret, dear! Let's just say I make it with love—this ube even came all the way from Laguna province, your uncle sent it over."
JAVI
(Mouth full of ice)
"Lola, can I bring halo-halo to school tomorrow? I want my friends to taste how good yours is!"
MIA
(Putting an arm around Javi)
"Of course! But it might melt before you get there. Maybe we can just make more here tomorrow instead?"
DREI
(Looking up at the sky)
"Lola, you know what? I'll get my first payment from the QC Circle project tomorrow. I want to buy you a new freezer so you can make even more halo-halo for summer."
ALING NENA
(Eyes glistening with tears)
"Oh Drei, you don't have to do that. Just seeing you all happy and eating good food is enough for me."
SCENE 3: SUNSET
The sun is almost gone now, painting the sky in shades of pink and purple. Javi runs inside to get a radio, and soon soft OPM music fills the air.
JAVI
(Turning up the volume)
"Lola! Listen to this—it's Ate Mia's favorite song from when she was in high school!"
MIA
(Laughing as she hums along)
"Wow, Javi—how did you know that? It feels like just yesterday I was studying out here for my nursing board exams."
DREI
(Raising his glass)
"To you, Lola Nena—thank you for every meal you've made for us, and every piece of advice you've given. We wouldn't be where we are today without you."
ALING NENA
(Raising her own glass with a wide smile)
"To all of you—may you always be safe, happy, and never have to eat alone! And remember—no matter what happens, my sari-sari store will always be here for you!"
As the music plays, the four of them sit together, sharing stories and laughing—grateful for this moment before the hot days of summer begin.