Worldwide Korea Bloggers 2013 | I'm In!

I made the cut. Oh yes, I did!

Happy happy joy joy. :)

But I sure wasn't expecting this as I submitted my application at the very last minute, literally and figuratively. I would have totally missed the opportunity to even apply as a Worldwide Korea Blogger, had I not chanced upon their announcement on my Facebook timeline.

And so there I was, just a few minutes shy of the May 26 deadline, frantically filling out the WKB application form. But this was not the ordinary 'name-age-address-date of birth' application form. This had essay questions - the kind that would get your brain working and would make you think of your future blogging plans. Imagine me doing this during the wee hours of the night, at a time when I should be sleeping instead of zoning out in front of my laptop, lol!

Given that circumstance, I wasn't even hoping that my application would be noticed, since the guidelines clearly stated that applications will be reviewed on a 'first come, first served' basis. I also felt that I gave half-assed answers to the questions, and that there'd be a lot of seasoned bloggers out there who could have given better answers, who could write better, who have a larger social media following.

So imagine my surprise when I received that email from the WKB admin. I had to double check just to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me. And there it was - my name was really on the list of finalists. Ah yes, I made it! I really, really made it! :)

Now I have to rack up my brain for my first post in The Korea Blog. Deadline's on Thursday, so I hope inspiration strikes before D-day. But then again, I work best under pressure. It never fails, haha! And just so you know, this is not a paid writing gig. I'm doing this for recognition and for the love of Korea. Manse, manse! (That's Korean for 'hooray')

About Worldwide Korea Bloggers.
Individuals that have the passion and dedication for promoting Korean culture though blogging; writers, photographers, videographers, and avid users of social networking mediums like Facebook, Twitter, etc. 

An online community that aims to work in collaborative, creative ways to reach and grow Korea fans all over the globe. It aims to create and introduce captivating content that best reflects the Korea of today, in everyday life, while showcasing the essence of Korea’s cultural heritage in a contemporary perspective.

VDay 2012 | Fly Me to Seoul?

The little man and I were supposed to go on an early Valentines date today, but the weather totally spoiled our plan. It's been raining nonstop since yesterday, and the rainfall is showing no sign of giving up. Good luck to all the lovebirds tomorrow, lol.

Within the next 24 hours, business will be booming for flower shops, cake shops, and courier services. Hotels will be fully booked, and restaurants will be buzzing with dating/married/soon-to-be couples.

I won't be part of the Valentine crowd tomorrow, though. Come to think of it, if my husband was here, we wouldn't be joining the bandwagon, either. My husband doesn't like crowded restaurants, and just the thought of having to wait for seats ticks him off.

For the past nine years (wow, we've really been together this long?!), Valentines for us would be dinner at home (pizza delivery or Chinese takeout) plus chocolate cake from Mer-nel's (home of the best chocolate cake ever!) for dessert. Then perhaps a DVD movie, an NBA game, or a UFC match on the telly after.

Vday 2007, with my favorite chocolate cake. And LOL at my bangs. :)

My husband isn't the kind who gives roses or writes love letters. Roses wither, so he buys practical gifts instead. Last year, for instance, he gave me a 13-piece cookware set as a present. The domesticated wife that I am, was more than thrilled to receive his gift. (Happiness with Teflon pans = signs of growing old, lol.)
And instead of wasting paper on a love letter, he'd rather send me a text message or profess his undying love via email. How's that for being a techie and an environmentalist in one? Haha!

Needless to say, I love my husband like crazy, and I still have a huge crush on him, lol. And yes, I miss him to bits. If only flying to Seoul (you land at Incheon airport, of course) was as easy as getting on a plane to Jeju, I'd be there before you could even say Skin 79 Hot Pink Super Plus Triple Function Beblesh Balm.

If you're reading this Daddy, I know you're smiling in giddiness, bwahahaha! I love you!
Sarangheyo! Nomu nomu nomu bogoshippu!
(That's 'I love you' and 'I miss you very very very much in Korean. No, my husband is not Korean. Haha!)

Sharing with the 366, Mommy Moments, and Wednesday Whites.

Versatile Blogger | I've Been Awarded!

A few days ago, I found this sitting in my inbox.

Inside an Insane Mind is happy to award you with the VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD :-)

Recipients of this award are asked to:

1.Thank the person that nominated their blog for the award with a backlink to them.

2.List 7 things about themselves. 

3.Award 15 newly discovered blogs The Versatile Blogger Award and notify them about it.

Each and every one of you deserve this award and so much more. You openly share pieces of your lives with others. I personally read your blogs on a daily basis.

Warmest thoughts and love,

Desareì

I was surprised, thrilled, and elated upon seeing this. Knowing that people actually read your blog gives you a sense of accomplishment. Thank you so much, Desarei! I am truly honored.

And now, for the seven things about me.

• I am innately feisty and stubborn, like most Sagittarians are. Married life and motherhood tamed me up a bit. Lol.
• Being one of the boys, I have a huge circle of guy friends. My two best friends are actually guys. And no, my husband does not get jealous of them.
• I'm a jeans and T-shirt girl. And while most women swoon over stilettos, I go crazy over Havaianas and Onitsuka Tigers - which I both have a collection of.
• I've been wearing contact lenses for almost sixteen years. Being near-sighted (myopia of +8.00 diopters) can sure be a burden.
• One of my most prized possessions is 'The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe'. This book, which sparked my passion for writing and literature, belonged to my uncle / godfather. And the book is just as old as I am. (Lol. I am openly admitting that I'm old?! Wutda?!)
• I got into a freak motorcycle accident in 2008 where I sustained an injury just above my left calf. It took seven stitches to close that nasty gash. The accident left me a pretty visible scar as souvenir.
• I used to smoke. A lot. There was even a time when I could finish a pack of ciggies in a day. I stopped smoking  in 2008 - the moment I learned I was pregnant with my son. I never held another cancer stick ever since. 

I am passing this Versatile Blogger Award to these individuals, whose blogs I love and really take time to read and visit.

Mommy Blogs:

Kathy of My Dishwasher's Possessed

Pam and Kae of Two Loons and a Book

Anne of Green Eggs and Moms

Becky Jane of Rise Above Your Limits

Pepper of The Pepperrific Life

May of Nshima Servings

Beauty Blogs:

Des of Chic & Sassy Homemaker

Marge of Kikay Trekkie

Mae of Loving Sunshine

Fashion Blogs:

Maris of Style Shanghai

Sarah of Ms. Eggplant's Chronicles

Suyen of Because I Love Random Things

Photo Blogs:

Lori of Studio Waterstone

Linda of Gallery Makiej

Kim of My Photography in Focus

Much love to all of you, and happy weekend everyone!

Yue See, Yue Do.

"Mommy, thank you sa gift! Magpicture na din ako gaya mo!" (Mommy, thank you for the gift! I'll take pictures like you do), said the rugrat this morning.

Knowing that my son takes inspiration from what I do is such a wonderful feeling. I am both honored and humbled as a parent.

I'm sure his Daddy is, too.

 

Sharing the happiness on Wordless Wednesday (it's my first!), Rednesday, Toy Stories, Color Connection, and Happiness Is. :)

Macro is Love!

If we're friends on Facebook, or if you've seen my portfolio, then you're pretty much aware of my love affair with macro photography. This fascination I owe to the point-and-shoots that I'm using right now - Finn and Santana. (Yes, I name my gadgets. Because I'm weird like that. Haha!)

Finn is a Fuji Finepix J150w, which I got two years ago. It's a 10 megapixel camera with a 5x wide angle zoom lens, and has about 20 different shooting modes. It's not the most outstanding camera in its league, but hey, beggars can't be choosers. (I got this as a gift, you see.)

Santana, on the other hand is my Sony Ericsson Satio - which is actually, a smartphone. It boasts of a 12.1 megapixel camera (eat your heart out, Nokia!) with 15 different shooting modes, including panorama, BestPic, and face detection. I bought this in early 2010, with the camera being my main reason for buying it.

Having a well-tended garden at home worked to my advantage. With blooming flowers and lush greens, I had an array of subjects to draw inspiration from and take pictures of. And these sparked my interest and penchant for macro shots.

This was one of the very first photos I took using macro.

Pink cattleya orchids.

We've got a bunch of orchids in our garden, because my grandmother loves them. A lot.

White cattleyas.

They come in all shape and sizes, too.

Yellow 'dancing ladies'.

Same goes for the bougainvilleas.

Pinks and whites.

But this color is my favorite.

Lavender.

Now these shots I love the most. 

Pink plumeria.

I love taking photos after a drizzle. 

No roses, just leaves. And water droplets.

And I love taking photos of plants whose names I don't even know.

Garden shrub with red berries.

The garden even makes a great background for photo ops.

January 2011.
On Yue: Rasta hat from Baguio, Polo shirt and shorts from Greendog, Team Italy World Cup Havaianas. 

You can also find these photos (and more) on my photo blog.

Everything's captured with just a point-and-shoot, baby! :D

Linking this post to practically all over the blogosphere (LOL):

therebelsweetheart(dot)com

As we usher in the New Year, I'm welcoming something new in my life as well. I now have my own domain! I'm now the proud owner of this (dot) com - http://www.therebelsweetheart.com/ !

When I went back to blogging last month, the only thing that I had in mind was my Super Junior birthday celebration. Anticipating that day, and the photos that will come with it, I began working on a new blog. But the moment my fingers hit the QWERTY, the creative juices began oozing and the ideas just kept on flowing. The writing and constructing followed suit smoothly. I was back in my element.

The next thing I knew I was posting entries on almost a daily basis. I even began sharing my photos on the web. I've had privacy issues in the past, and the mere fact that I'm making my blog public was an accomplishment in itself.

Inspired and motivated by all the mommy blogs (my good friend Icar, primarily), photoblogs, blog memes, and online contests and giveaways, I thought it would be nice to have my own niche on the web. Not only could it be my creative outlet, but also a source of financial rewards. When my stat counter hit 2k before 2012 even began, I knew it was time to finally get a TLD.

My original plan was to get registered as rebelsweetheart(dot)com. You know how much I love that moniker. Unfortunately, that name has already been taken by someone else. I presume the owner is also a fan of The Wallflowers. The name went on auction a few days before the New Year, and I was on the verge of buying it. However, the domain registrar that owns it is a SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) supporter. And very vocal about their stand. Taking this into consideration, I opted to register a new domain at NameCheap instead.

Now here's the funny thing. I was still a bit hesitant about getting a name other than rebelsweetheart. All of a sudden, this tweet showed up on my timeline. It was like an epiphany - fate wanted me to be with NameCheap. And so yesterday, I ended the dillydallying and finally got therebelsweetheart(dot)com. And I got it for a cheaper price because the coupon worked for me. (Told you it was fate.)

And with that, I'm beaming with my pride as I've made my first accomplishment for the year. I think of it not just a gift for myself, but also a great investment, too. Looking forward to a great year ahead - and I'm even more excited to chronicle that here.

My Fill for the New Year.

I intentionally made a late FITBF post, because I want it to coincide with the New Year itself. (In my timezone, at least. Hee!) And without further ado, here's my share for this week's Fill in the Blank Friday.

1.   New Years is a time to reflect on the year that was (the good, the bad, and everything else in between) and to start afresh with the coming year.

2.   One of my New Year's resolutions will be err... I don't make resolutions anymore. They mostly end up unfulfilled anyway.

3.  A New Year's resolution I've made in the past was to stop smoking. This one I'm pretty successful with. Three years nicotine-free, baby!

4. The most time consuming resolution I ever made was to finish the Iliad and the Odyssey back to back. What on earth was I thinking when I made this resolution?! LOL.

5.  This year I will be spending New Year's Eve with my family. Nothing beats New Year's Eve in the Philippines, Pinoy style! (That goes for Christmas, too. )

6.  If I could wish one thing for my new year it would be for my husband to finally come home.

7.  2012 is going to be Yue's first year in school! Another chapter in motherhood that I'm so looking forward to!

How to Make the Little Man Smile.

My son has the sweetest smile in the world. And it doesn't take much to elicit that from him. He takes his frivolity after me; both of us find joy in the simplest little things.

One of his cheap thrills, for instance, is going to the mall. (Although when you think about it, the mall is not really a very cheap place to go to. Haha!) Mention the word 'SM' and his face will instantly brighten, like Christmas lights that have just been plugged into the socket.

Dress him up in his 'going out' clothes, and he'll be happier even more. Especially when he's wearing his Spiderman sneakers, his most favorite shoes at the moment. That way, he's pretty much convinced that you're really going somewhere and you're not just saying 'SM' for kicks.

Stylin' and profilin'.
On Yue: Future England Captain shirt and pants set from  Umbro, Spiderman hi-cut sneakers by Reebok.

When at the mall, take him to any of his favorite fastfood restaurants. Get him some fries, chicken or chicken nuggets, a glass of iced tea (sans the ice), and he's sure to wolf down everything in one sitting.

Regular faces at Mc D's. Because we're crazy about their Happy Meal toys.

Swing by the department store, and make sure to buy him something - anything. It doesn't matter if it's on sale or the price is astronomical (the latter is always the last option, haha!). For as long as he likes what you're going to buy, that's fine with him.

Yue's haul from last Wednesday's shopping trip: My First Words Sticker and Activity Book, a pair of Phineas and Ferb flipflops, and a blue body scrubber.

This kid absolutely loves stickers. I think it's something that all kids have a penchant for at some point in their lives. I'm glad that Yue doesn't put his stickers on the walls; thank Heavens he's a bit of a neat freak like me!

Thumbs up, Mom!

After a stressful day, nothing beats seeing the little man all beaming and happy. One look at his smile and my hunger goes away, my stress gets relieved, and I feel like the most accomplished woman in the world.

Sticker happy!

I'm glad that I chose to be a stay-at-home Mom. In my three years of being one, I've never missed a chance to see that pretty boy smile of his. He looks more and more like his Dad each day, especially when he flashes his Dad's signature killer smile. :)

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Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

A Whimsical Wedding.

I'm off to a wedding today. And it's my sister who's getting married.
She's the youngest in our brood of three, and since our marriages came in chronological order (mine in 2008, my brother's in 2009), that means my Mum will be giving away the last of the Mohicans. Har!

Seeing my sister all dolled up in her wedding gown makes me feel a bit sentimental, and a tad older. I guess her lavish 18th birthday party six years ago got stuck in our memories too much. And now we're already marrying off our debutante. LOL.

Praying for good weather this afternoon. Sendong, please stay away from Villa Evanzueda today. You can shower the couple with your blessings tomorrow. Or at least after the wedding has commenced.

A toast to April and Jesser, and their journey to ever after. :)