

Kaiser Roleen R. Mendoza, a graduate of Business Administration with a specialization in Entrepreneurial Management, always harboured a dream of reviving his family’s legacy. Founded by his grandmother in 1977, 3 Cousins Digman Halo-Halo once delighted local palates with its unique and homemade ingredients. Sadly, the business shuttered its doors in 1988.
Unbowed by setbacks, Mendoza started on a series of entrepreneurial ventures. After a brief stint running a coffee shop from 2008 to 2012, he explored various avenues, including selling everyday essentials like napkins, soap, toothbrushes, and oil. He even tried selling online some boat propellers that reached up to Visayas and Mindanao. These experiences, though not always successful, provided valuable lessons in business and resilience.
While the idea of selling halo-halo might seem commonplace, Mendoza observed a significant gap in the market. Many halo-halo vendors lacked a strong online presence, and many physical stores suffered from limited parking space or were difficult to locate using online maps. He saw a problem that could be turned into an opportunity. With a strong will, he registered his business with the Department of Trade and Industry last 2022.
On January 9, 2023, Mendoza launched 3 Cousins Digman Halo-Halo in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, offering pick-up and delivery services. With an initial capital of just P7,000.00, driven by the desire to honour his family’s heritage and share their beloved halo-halo recipe with a wider audience, Mendoza revived 3 Cousins Digman Halo-Halo, focusing on addressing these challenges. He leveraged online platforms to promote his business, ensuring easy discoverability and customer engagement. He also prioritized customer convenience by securing a location with ample parking space.
Drawing upon his grandmother’s original recipe and incorporating his entrepreneurial knowledge, he meticulously crafted a menu featuring all-natural, homemade ingredients, including Crema Del Cielo. The response has been overwhelming. 3 Cousins Digman Halo-Halo has quickly gained a loyal following, captivating customers with its authentic flavors and commitment to quality.
And since he was very determined to be successful in his chosen venture, he joined Mr. Joey Concepcion’s 3M on Wheels at Robinson’s Galleria. This is when he first knew about Kapatid Mentor Me Program or KMME, and successfully graduated. He also joined the One Town One Product Program or OTOP from PCLEDO.
Recognizing the potential for growth, Mendoza is now exploring catering services opportunities since April 2023, aiming to expand the brand and share the unique taste of his family’s halo-halo with the rest of the country.
Having in the business for quite some time now, the brand gained significant attraction, leading to features on local radio and the popular television show, “Good Morning Kapatid.” Then in July 2024, 3 Cousins Digman Halo-Halo achieved a major milestone by registering as an IPO brand and securing trademark certificates for its official logo last October 2024. They even had Digmo, as their mascot! Mendoza’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to drive the business forward as he participated in the BPI SEAL-SEGA 2024, a business pitching competition organized by the BPI Foundation, and placed as one of the Top 40 awardees!
Mendoza’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, family legacy, and a deep-rooted passion for entrepreneurship. 3 Cousins Digman Halo-Halo is not just a business; it’s a story of family, tradition, and the enduring appeal of a beloved Filipino dessert. And as what he truly believes from the very start up to this day:
“A week of neglect can cause a year of repair” and “Take care of your brand today and your brand will take care of you in the future.” ♦
Date of release: 27 February 2025