On the other hand, I would usually look at the interesting things inside the restaurant – the jukebox (I have not seen any other jukebox in my life except the one at Anday’s Refreshment, even up to this day), the pictures on the wall, the counter, the diner-style seats, and the classic-looking tables.

There are times when we would also see the owner herself, Aling Anday, who was always immaculately dressed and made up. She looked like a lady from high society.

Anday’s Refreshment remained in the same location across San Antonio High School until around the early 2000s, until the diner transferred to Barangay Tikiw, where it operated until the death of Aling Anday.

I’ve always wondered about the history of Anday’s Refreshment. I am somehow in disbelief that local businesses could thrive for a long period of time, especially in a small town like San Antonio, where many of its citizens can be stingy because they are heavily reliant on agriculture. However, my mother told me that Anday’s Refreshment has been around since she was a young girl.

My mother’s story was also backed up when I posted an old photo of Anday’s Refreshment on the Tara Sa Antonio, Nueva Ecija page. Aside from Pancit palabok I mentioned earlier, Anday’s Refreshment is also famous for its halo-halo, said to be like ice cream in consistency.

Here is a short history of Anday’s Refreshment, many thanks to Mr. Oscar Ortiz for providing the story.

“It started in the basement of Tio Ariong Lustre’s house, way back in the 1950s. You could listen to music upon request for a fee, and the sound system was connected to Tarcing Maniquiz’s place—he installed the wire, and the speaker was set up inside the restaurant. The front area, with two long benches on either side, also became a popular hangout spot at night. Aside from Anday, members of the Solitario family also helped run the place.

Eventually, a jukebox was added, and its music could be heard all the way to the high school, making it a favorite among students, especially for playing songs about their puppy love. The house was later renovated into a permanent structure, making the place more attractive and spacious, which boosted its popularity even more.

From the beginning, they served beer and snacks, especially the famous halo-halo. Anday warmly welcomed customers, and she even received a plaque of appreciation for the cleanliness and decency of the establishment. People would always say, “Let’s go to Anday’s” whenever they wanted to eat or refresh themselves with friends, guests, or visitors.

Anday remained single, and her kind character never changed until she passed away at her relocated spot in Tikiw.”

This is the original story in Tagalog:

If you are someone who grew up in the 80s and 90s in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, have you tried eating at Anday’s Refreshment during that time?

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