Fast forward a few decades (no you do not get to ask how many!), and what do I find? Frozen yogurt shops mushrooming all over Metro Manila! One of the friendliest I've found is right here in BF Homes, right by the PCJ Church. This is Yogie Island, a homegrown venture - that is, developed right here in BF Homes - of entrepreneur Gladys Escueta. Their frozen yogurt is not only delicious, you also get to have it just the way you like and served in a in a very welcoming atmosphere as well.
There's no way you can miss this store; it's the most colorful one on the block. With its interior laid out in a combination of mint greens, blue and white, it projects its holiday-island theme like a seductive calypso, irresistibly drawing you to come in and chill out for a while. Gladys says this was the foundation of her business idea - "I wanted it to be fun and have the colors of the beach, white sand and blue sky and green trees, relaxing colors that also make you think of having something cold at the same time." That fun atmosphere is further heightened by Escueta's furnishing various board and party games for free. Any customer is welcome to play the games and stay as long as they like.
I've always loved yogurt, but Cat usually finds it too tart for her taste. Yogie Island was a delightful surprise to my wife, as the yogurt here is a nice balance of tart and sweet, with extra milk added, to make a rich, mild-tasting refreshment that can easily win traditional ice cream lovers over. Kids love it, Gladys says, which gives health-conscious parents an opening to get their kids used to this lower-fat option. Which is giving me an idea right now: this kid is hankering for a froyo with kiwifruit and peaches.
Yo ho ho, to Yogie Island we will go!