We have two college age students living with us. Mimi is the daughter of the my wife’s right hand person running Jenny’s business in Davao. Her uncle is our family driver. So Mimi is living with us in Bukidnon and we’re sending her to school - she’s at Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay. Mimi turns 18 today - the same day as my wife’s birthday.

Jane is also living with us - she’s (I think) about 20 years old. Jane works for me and helps around the office. We’re sending her to Bukidnon State also. So Mimi and Jane have lots of friends at Bukidnon State.

Today we’re having a joint birthday party for Mimi and Jenny (my wife) who is turing 36. But the really big deal is Mimi’s 18th birthday. She invited 18 guys from her school and 18 girls. It’s a really big deal. Lots of people got dressed up really formal. We’ve had an MC coordinate things using the karaoke microphone. All 36 of Mimi’s friends gave her a birthday statement and a kiss. The house help have been cooking for two days. And Jenny had some of her best friends come up from the Davao area. A few of Jenny’s friends gave speeches too. We have about five or six people staying at our house for a few days. Mikee, our youngest at 4 years old, has had a blast since there were a couple of little kids here too.

Big party tonight. Roast pig and all. There may be a little under age drinking going on, but the kids are really great. Most of these college kids were probably born and raised in Malaybalay. I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody from Malaybalay I didn’t like. Lots of loud music tonight; but it’s really nice having young people around. I really appreciate the young people. They keep me focused on the positive.