A CAR DEALERS PARK IN THE MIDDLE

Next, we went to see the Flower Field, about half a mile long, on a hill at the back of the Car Country Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Premium Outlet. The pictures were taken a street-side viewpoint above. The rancoulus flowers bloom from late March until late April and has been a popular tourist attraction like Legoland nearby also and the Paul Ecke's poinsettia gardens in Encinitas. It's amazing view to make as your computer screen saver.

After that, the Strawberry Field was just a few feet near at the north side of the car dealerships. The strawberries were very sweet, which one can pick by themselves, or eat while doing so, after paying $11/KFC-size paper bucket. It's very popular with kids and the kids-at-heart. Ate Liz was very excited picking up her strawberries, eating some and putting some in her pockets like just the other kids I saw. And hey, some of the fruits just get spoiled and wasted on the field. Might as well feed a paying customer and letting others about this very wonderful experience. Contrary to what a musician said, strawberry fields are NOT forever, the memory is.

SPRING SATURDAY

Ate Liz arrived Friday evening with Nette from her work. It is always a treat when she's here. So after catching up with what has happened to her and her family, the next morning (yesterday), we headed out to Ross, the Flower Field, Strawberry Field and back to Macy's, JC Penney and last to the travel agent and back home to another good dinner. Kuya, Gwen, Gail and Lynn and Jon and everyone of you, we wish you were here too.

THE MENU

The restaurant has very authentic Japanese foods, setting and the hostess, except for the bar which has a neon decor and rock piped-in music. But the udon, chicken teriyaki, beef teriyaki, veggies, California roll and green tea ice cream, which wasn't shown before it was gone, was very, very good.

SPRING BALLET

What better way to start the season a ballet concert, Charles Maple's "Coppelia", a romantic comedy. Held in Irvine last March 30 starring with Astrid's daughter, Sandra as one of the Pulcinellas, Flower Girls as member of the Maple Youth Ballet of Orange County. The show was a big success as young as the performers are and I'm sure they'll have a bright future in the arts. Needlessly to say, Sandra's parents and siblings are very proud of her and so are we.

Photograph taking was not allowed inside, but, I have taken pictures after the concert and a little reception hosted by Rick at a Japanese restaurant.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN NORTH COUNTY

This year Spring started after Easter Sunday in time for the School Semestral Spring Break. It's the best season in North County as seen all around the places I'll be showing you. It may still be a bit colder than the other years, but, it's just fine with me and hope for our visitors and tourists we are excitedly waiting. Soon enjoy the views,

Nette with Daddy "Polo" Jun

Nette with an unknown rap singer

Andrew sure knows how to blow out the candles

Guada, Nette, Astrid and Edith

Auntie Salud, Astrid, Nette, Guada and Fletcher

Tess, Ron, Bong, Astrid and Papa

SCENES FROM A PARTY

If there's a word that could best describe me is: "Jun of Many Hats". Or shall I say many clothes. This happened today at the party. I was the "Chef", the Disc Jockey, the Singer, the Party Arranger, the Host and even my son's shuttle driver. Nette also did marvelous planning and cooking and designing the event.

MITA'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Today, Mommy celebrated her 67th birthday in our house together with Papa. Tess and her hubby Ron with her friend, Bong, visiting from the Philippines arrived at 11 am from Las Vegas. Nette's high school classmates and our bestfriends, Guada and Sid, came from Pomona, Calif. Astrid and two sons, Alfred and Andrew also came and also my brother-in-law , Fletcher. Soon, Mommy's friends, Auntie Salud and Uncle Amado and Edith and son, Dale partook a very delicious lunch and merienda and dinner. And of course, some Magic Singing with the Supremes: Nette, Astrid, Tess and Guada. Needless to say, everybody had a good time ending after we watched Manny Pacquiao boxed his way in Juan Marquez's Super Featherweight title in a split decision in 12 rounds for Manny. And obviously, we all feel proud to be a Pilipino.

WINTER HOME

From St. Malo to our Murray Ridge house, did I tell you how amazing this city is? Three weeks ago we can see the snow on top of Laguna Mountain on a sunny day at 5 pm in the city. And the following morning this was how in looked like, an ice covering my car's roof and windshields. So hard I had to scrape it off and pour some botlled water, just so I can see when I drive. And it was 51 degrees F. But, nothing compared to Lansdale, Pennsylvania or Flint. Michigan. The world weather has really changed. I guess we should have listened to Al Gore.

WISH I WAS THERE

North County in San Diego is very interesting mix of places where one can seem to be in a certain place at one time. And later minutes away be in a place out of yesterday. An example is a community called St. Malo in Oceanside. Built in the 1920s, the houses are of different sizes, but all of them cottage-style, big and small which easily be found in France or England. I somewhat thought a horse was going to pass by me. It's refreshing to feel that for a moment you are away, yet, is actually still in America. But, both near the ocean after the rain had stop. As they say here: "Only in America'.

Elaine's Birthday Album

Jason, Veronica and Elaine

A DAY WITH CINDERELLA

Never in my life I imagine I would see Cinderella in person. But, last February it happened at a first birthday party of Nette's cousin's daughter Elaine in Monrovia, in the northern suburb of Los Angeles. Needless to say, everybody-from the grandparents ,the parents, relatives and friends and most especially the celebrant-- had a great time. And even Gino which don't, but, later did after we passed by KFC so he can have his dinner. Enjoy the pictures.

BREAKFAST WITH MY FAVE SISTER-IN-LAW

After attending Sunday Mass, we ate breakfast at Mimi's Cafe, a New Orleans motif resto in Oceanside.

MY BIRTH DAY

In my 53 years in this world, I have celebrated my birthdays mostly in a quiet way exactly like the way I am. No parties, no many guests and no dancing or singing. I would go to Mass in the morning and to to school or work. And later in the evening I prefer to share it with my immediate family with a cake we buy near the Quiapo church in Manila. And I am happy that way. But, since I got married we celebrate my birthday sometimes with a little party-with karaoke singing, but, no dancing and sometimes only with Nette and Gino. And it is the latter that I decided to share my day this year. A small cake, a tall and tiny candle and the usual blowing of it. And I am happy that way--a simple remembrance shared with those that matters most to me. It could have been better if you were here. And that I wish later.

THE FIL-AMERICAN IDOL

After a year of not watching "American Idol", tonight I watched the show and was surprised to know that one of the female hopefuls is a Filipina by the name of Ramiele Malubay. She's from Florida. She's one of the final 20s. I know you might know these. especially, you guys in the R.P., but being away locked-in a cave, actually watching mainly Pinoy TV, I didn't care much getting updated who became last year's Idol. I only find out who won until I saw her sung the national anthem at the Super Bowl, taking the place of Mariah Carey. I only hope Ms. Malubay wins this for the Pinoys. She's that good. Go Ramiele!!! And, Go Girls! And if I may say, this year's lady contestants are the best-looking since they started this search.

By the way, there's a disclaimer here: the picture is not representative of the story above. She could if she only practice using our Magic Sing which we very rarely use. But, I love her pose and the hat which I'm thinking Simon Cower might say:"Very frenchy, but she doesn't look like a French. She's also a little fat!" But, who cares, she's my wife and I'll vote for her anytime to be MY idol. To me, she's the prettiest, the classiest and the smartest babe I have the good fortune of knowing and living for the past 25 years.

MY DEAR SISTER

It's my birthday today and my sister send me a card with this dedication. It's very touching and I think that was what she was thinking when she bought this card. It goes this way:

Dear Brother,
I may not always tell you but I hope you know how special you are to me,
how much I appreciate the friendship between us and how many times
I talk about you and feel proud to have such a kind and caring man
for my brother...

I hope you know how often you inspire me,
and how much I look up to you for the values you live by
and the difference you make just by being who you are...

And today, I hope you know all the good things I wish for you,
And all the love that;s in my heart for one very special brother.

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y