Day 7: Buena Vista Beach with Debrah and Harison's Families, Mindano, Philippines

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016

Harison's and Debrah's families organized a big beach party for my visit. With the good food, good company, music and ocean it was a great day.

Riding the jeepney from Nasipit to Buena Vista in northern Mindanao, Philippines

In Harison's family's house in Buena Vista. I loved the trees in the middle of the house.

While everyone else rode on motorcycles and motorized tricycles to the beach, I was excited to borrow Harison's bike.

The women all contributed food for the feast.

As a concession to me, the women prepared some vegetable dishes, although meat and rice were the main courses.

Harison and his whole family are all musicians. We sang together till long after dark.

The men mixed brandy and Jamaican lime juice in a unique way. Six bottles later, the men were quite happy. I was glad to go back to Harison's house by bike.

Thanks to both families for organizing such a great beach party, with food, music and ocean.

Debrah's boyfriend Harison (in sunglasses) with his parents and two brothers.

Harison's wonderful parents who I'd first met when they were on holiday in Cebu City.

Harison's brother Jong and girlfriend Meriam.

Debrah's little sister Darianne with one of Harison's cousins.

Some guy we don't know was doing flip after flip on the beach.

The kids and I spent a lot of time in the water, but none of the other adults.

Some of the cousins had to leave early to go to school, but for most it was a holiday.

Beautiful daughter and mother.

The three sisters goofing off for the camera.

Spending time with family is special, especially since Debrah works in Cebu City and can't visit often.

After the beach party Harison's family took us out to their local halo halo cafe. Usually halo halo is made with shaved ice, but this style is richer with ube or mango ice cream.