For the ice cream and gelato lovers out there, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to try new flavors and enjoy these desserts.
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The 1st International Ice Cream and Gelato Expo (ICEGEX) was more than just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. It also served as an immersive experience for professionals to host and lead live demonstrations, and an avenue for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services.
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We were able to attend ICEGEX’s first day, and we had so much fun trying out fun and bold ice cream flavors without breaking the bank (SPOILER ALERT: most of the desserts that we had were free). Here’s everything we have tried at the event:
Tokyo Delights
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We tried Tokyo Delights’ best-seller from their Mont Blanc Series: the Sweet Potato. It’s creamy Hokkaido milk soft serve that is topped with a purple sweet potato purée. It’s starchy and nutty—the kind of flavor you’d order if you want to try something new (and not get disappointed).
Happy Scoop
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For those who want a guilt-free option, you can head over to Happy Scoop’s vegan ice cream. We ordered the Dragonfruit flavor, and it was one of our favorites! It is all fruit, no cream, and no added sugar, with a hint of calamansi juice that makes the flavor pop out.
Daniel Baker
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Daniel Baker is one of the many free samples we tried at the expo. You can choose between a vanilla soft serve and ube halo-halo as the base, and from there, you can choose from an assortment of toppings—ranging from nuts, fruits, and chocolates.
Picolitos PH
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Ice cream is also best when served in smaller quantities, and Picolitos proved that. You can choose between five flavors (strawberry cheesecake, dulce de leche, blue bubblegum, tiramisu, speculoos and cream, green melon, dark chocolate, and chewy mango) for only ₱149, or try their green melon pops for free!
BTIC
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Another guilt-free option for those who still want to satisfy their sweet cravings! BTIC’s vanilla and strawberry ice cream is a refreshing treat that is low in fat and calories.
Philippine Coconut Authority
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Another personal favorite! You can definitely taste the coconut in the Philippine Coconut Authority’s creamy and flavorful coconut ice cream. Aside from being a healthier alternative to most dairy ice creams, this dessert also helps support local coconut farmers.
Universal Apa Corp
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The ice cream cone is the star of the show at Universal Apa Corp! Serving wafer cones and sugar cones for 60 years, their cones definitely have that smooth, light, and airy texture that will instantly complement your favorite ice cream flavors.
Sterling Pacific Ventures Corp (SPVC)
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Manufacturing high-quality wholesale ice cream and gelato, Sterling Pacific Ventures Corp (SPVC)’s ice cream reminds you of that classic yet nostalgic flavor that you kept running back to when you were younger.
Miguelito’s Ice Cream
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If you want to know what it feels like to swirl your own ice cream, head to Miguelito’s Ice Cream booth! We were able to personally serve our own ice cream to our heart’s liking, as well as choose our own toppings and sauces!
Clara Olé
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For those who want their weird and unusual ice cream flavors, head to Clara Olé’s booth, where they are serving three quirky flavors: Red Pesto and Caramel Cream, Spiced Black Forest, and Crab and Shrimp with Salted Egg Curry Sauce. We tried the Red Pesto and Caramel Cream, and surprisingly, it works! It leans toward a stronger flavor profile, with the red pesto’s nutty intensity and the caramel’s smooth and buttery sweetness.
Godel Chocolate
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It’s no question that Godel’s line of chocolate bars and cacao products is good, but their ice cream? It’s thick, creamy, and definitely not the artificial-tasting kind we’ve had elsewhere. Their pistachio ice cream is simple and straightforward but packed with that nutty and creamy flavor that we want in a cup!
Marcelo’s
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Have you ever wondered what the viral Dubai chocolate flavor tastes like in ice cream form? Then head to Marcelo’s booth, where you can try their Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate! Despite being served in a pint, the kataifi remains crispy and crunchy, which elevates your ice cream experience!
Moreover, we were able to watch live demonstrations by some of the most renowned chefs and industry experts. In the early afternoon, we saw how Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou reimagined the iconic halo-halo by using sculpted frozen milk blocks and artisanal coffee.
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In the late afternoon, we watched Chef Nouel Catis, the genius behind the Dubai chocolate craze, turn the viral dessert flavor into a creamy, indulgent ice cream that bursts with so much flavor and texture in every spoonful.
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He also dropped by Auro’s booth to personally indulge in the iconic “Auro x SNA’AP” creations: the viral Dubai Chocolate and the Manila Chocolate Ube Baklava—both rich, decadent treats that perfectly capture the artistry and innovation of Filipino dessert craftsmanship.
With the 1st International Ice Cream and Gelato Expo (ICEGEX) running until October 26, 2025, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, a second installment is already set to happen next year from July 10 to 12, 2026.
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@icegexph) to learn more details.
ALSO READ: 1st International Ice Cream & Gelato Expo Set for October 2025
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