Roan got up extra early to prepare a surprise for me -- a simple but touching display of love in the form of cut-outs and a balloon which he pasted on his bedroom wall.

Got tired of all the spam in our Guestbook section, so I wiped out the old database and started from scratch.

This version's got more security than the old one to prevent those nasty little spam bots from posting.

Knock yourself out, leave your footprints behind in our Guestbook.

Being in New York again, I felt its resounding vibrancy and freedom. The beauty of it being a true melting pot of the world, and the ability to just go wherever and whenever your feet (and subways) will take you.

Lyle: "When will the train get here? When? When? When?"

New York's subway system gives anyone the freedom to get from point A to B to C, and back and around again very quickly and economically, without the hassle of traffic or trying to find parking. New Yorkers use the subways to go to work, visit friends and relatives, go to movies, restaurants, malls -- anything, anyplace you can think of.

"Papa Lolo, you mean I can't jump off this platform?"

Lyle loved the subway system, riding in a train underground, and even underwater (beneath the Hudson river from Queens to Manhattan).

"I love these trains!"

Having grown up in the East Coast, I sorely miss the familiar Dunkin Donuts sign when I moved out West. When Lyle & I hit the streets of New York, I was thrilled that my little man enjoyed the place as much as I did as a kid. He kept saying he wanted Dunkin Donuts - for breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Here's a shot of Lyle having his first NY breakfast at Dunkin Donuts:

"I'm grumpy without Dunkin Donuts!"

"Ahh, yes I can smile now that I've had a bite of this yummy strawerry-frosted donut"

Just want to share this video that I currently have on my Friendster as a tribute to Roan's Christmas present to me this year.

Just press "Play" to watch it.  (Requires that your browser has Flash installed - FREE)

My dad bought a condominium in the Elmhurst, Queens, New York area which I thought was just lovely. It's in a very prime location, just behind St. John's hospital, near the Queens mall, close to everything, and near the Woodhaven & Grand Avenue train stops. Close to half a million worth of real estate.

Lyle in his prison act at Papa's decorative barrier
between the living room and the computer area

It's a spacious place, spacious New York-wise anyway, about 1600 square feet, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, with a shared basement with the 3 other condos in his building, and even enclosed garage (and for New Yorkers, this is really a godsend since parking is quite difficult to find). Papa is on the management board of his condo association, which is quite an honor.

"Butt Buddies" pose in front of the Christmas Tree

He had a nicely-decorated tall, slender Christmas tree in the living room, which Lyle was excited about. "I hope it fits Santa's presents," Lyle said, as he gave a butt swing while I took a picture of him in front of the Christmas tree.

Can we take this TV home?

Papa's New York condo had a very modern feel to it. He spent a quite a bit for the renovation to make it look as awesome as it does now. Hardwood floors (they tore out the carpet). Black, leather couches. Dark mahogony wood. Abstract art. Steel appliances. Big screen TV. Cool wine rack. Lush, vibrant plants everywhere. Very trendy.

My aunt Juliet will be flying in from New York tomorrow morning to greet the New year with us. Aunt Juliet is my mom's elder sister and works at the Merill Lynch, NYC. She is a respected and very active member of the Filipino-American community in New York. Below is a photo of myself, Lyle, and Aunt Juliet clowning around in her Queens apartment when Lyle & I were in New York.

Aunt Juliet took care of me when I was younger and became like a second mother to me. Even now that I'm all grown up, she still putters around me like a true mother, and has become one of my very good friends. Lyle thinks she's cool and calls her "Aunt Lola", being that she's his grand-aunt. You'd never know though because my aunt is still very much "hip" and in touch with the younger generation.

Lyle's class had a pajama party as their Christmas celebration last December 15, the last day of class before Winter break. They were treated to a movie (The Polar Express) with hot cocoa and buttered popcorn (they even had their own popcorn making machine!).

He was super-excited and surprised to see me, as I told him I wasn't sure if I could make it to his party as a visitor/volunteer because I had stuff to finish up at work. Imagine his big grin and excited jumps when he saw me come just in time!

See more of Lyle's class Christmas party 2006