This December at Pamana Library Corner, we celebrate Rizal Month by highlighting one of the most refreshing contributions to Filipino children’s literature: Halo-Halo Histories. Published by Tahanan Books, the series has won the hearts of readers by showing that history can be fun, colorful, and easy to enjoy.
Created by a talented group of writers and artists, Halo-Halo Histories takes important moments from the past and presents them in a way that feels friendly and exciting. Many young readers, including Fil-Am children, discover that history is not just a subject in school. It is a collection of real stories that help us understand our identity and our roots.
As we honor José Rizal this month and reflect on the stories that shaped our nation, Pamana Children’s Library invites you to explore the warmth and creativity of Halo-Halo Histories. These books remind us that learning about our heritage can be joyful and meaningful, especially when shared with the next generation.
HALO-HALO HISTORIES: Stirring Up the Past for a New Generation
By Michelline Suarez, Joonee Garcia, Divine Gil Reyes, and Benjor Catindig
When you hear the word history, what comes to mind? Long lectures? Thick textbooks? Dates you crammed the night before an exam? For many of us—especially those who grew up in Filipino households where “review your history lessons” came right after “eat your gulay”—history often felt more requirement than revelation.
But imagine if history felt more like your favorite merienda: colorful, layered, a delightful mix of surprises. That’s the magic of Halo-Halo Histories, the bestselling, award-winning book series published by the beloved Tahanan Books, a Philippine publishing house known for its beautifully crafted children’s literature and its unwavering mission to nurture Filipino identity one book at a time.
This December—Rizal Month—Pamana Children’s Library celebrates Filipino stories, Filipino identity, and Filipino creativity by spotlighting the four creators behind this beloved series. And just like the dessert they’re named after, these creators come from different worlds… but together, they make something irresistible.
A TEAM AS DIVERSE AS THE STORIES THEY TELL
The Halo-Halo Histories team is a lively mix of researchers, educators, artists, and storytellers—with backgrounds as varied as the ingredients of your favorite halo-halo.
- Michelline Suarez – A school administrator and businesswoman who lives for research. She’s the friend who will track down the answer and send you citations and a PDF to support it.
- Joonee Garcia – A music and theater teacher, lifelong bookworm, and all-around creative soul who knows how to infuse drama, rhythm, and sparkle into even the most serious topics.
- Divine Gil Reyes – An advertising industry professional, voice talent, and businesswoman who understands how to make complex ideas simple, fun, and wildly engaging.
- Benjor Catindig – The illustrator behind the series’ eye-popping visuals. He comes from the worlds of advertising, theater, and puppetry—no wonder every spread feels like a show coming alive on the page.
Together, they are four very different minds who somehow manage to collide in the best possible way. Their brainstorming sessions? Chaotic. Their discussions about tone and accuracy? Fierce. Their commitment to presenting Philippine history in a fair, factual, and fun way? Unshakeable.
They boast that they are each other’s checks and balances—ensuring every book is not only accurate and respectful, but also bursting with energy for young readers and their grown-ups.
WHY HALO-HALO HISTORIES?
Because history should never be boring.
“When we think of studying history, we often think of dry lectures and dull textbooks,” the creators say. “This is a shame. History can be colorful, action-packed, and downright entertaining depending on who is doing the telling.”
Their books are written “for ages 9 to 99,” making them perfect for families—especially Fil-Am households looking for meaningful ways to reconnect with heritage.
The series breaks topics into “manageable chunks of information,” using humor, visuals, comics, timelines, fun facts, and clever storytelling that resonate with today’s internet generation. Every title is meticulously reviewed with the help of historians and scientists, ensuring accuracy without sacrificing appeal.
And of course, there’s the Halo-Halo touch: a blend of creativity and curiosity, layered with heart.
THE BOY BEFORE THE HERO
Take the Halo-Halo Espesyal, Sinobayani? José Rizal. We all know Rizal the hero—writer of bestselling novels, intellectual giant, man with countless monuments and avenues named after him.
But before the statues, he was a boy—small for his age, skinny, and bullied.
An awkward misfit who spent more time doing art than playing.
What happened in between?
This book is about the boy before the icon, told the Halo-Halo way—with humor, irresistible illustrations, and a friendly honesty that makes readers feel like they’re growing up right beside him. Page after page, Rizal becomes less of a distant symbol and more of a relatable Filipino kid who loved to learn and dared to dream.
It’s history retold not as a lecture, but as a story—vibrant and alive.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
With each new title, Halo-Halo Histories deepens our understanding of the Philippines—its triumphs, its setbacks, and even its quirks. It is history written not for memorization, but for connection.
And good news for longtime fans and new readers: The next Halo-Halo Histories book arrives in 2026! Stay updated by following the team on Instagram and Facebook: @halohalohistories.
This Rizal Month, we remember our past—but through the eyes of Halo-Halo Histories, we also rediscover the joy, humor, and heart that make our story uniquely Filipino.
And for Fil-Am families, these books are more than a history lesson.
They are a bridge home.
Halo-Halo Histories
Did you know that the Halo-Halo Histories books in the Pamana Library are co-authored by Divine Gil Reyes? This fun and informative series makes Philippine history accessible and exciting for young readers, with titles that explore everything from prehistoric times to the story of our money. With its playful tone and rich illustrations, Halo-Halo Histories is a great way to spark curiosity and pride in our heritage.
Read about Pamana Children’s Library story and our mission by visiting our page on the Rizal Center website: https://rizalcenter.org/programs/pamana-childrens-library/.
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We’re on Instagram! Follow us at @pamanalibrary_chicago for updates on our collection, events, and activities as we celebrate Filipino culture and heritage. Join us in a nurturing love for Filipino literature and exploring the beautiful stories that connect us all!
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At Pamana, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling and the joy of books to connect generations and celebrate cultural identity. Our mission is to inspire young minds by sharing the rich traditions, values, and stories of the Philippines, fostering a sense of community. Since our opening in December 2023, our dedicated volunteers have engaged Filipino families in the greater Chicago area through enriching story times and cultural events.
To sustain these vital programs, we kindly ask for your support through one-time or monthly donations. Your contributions directly benefit the children and families we serve.
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