Mikee Cojuangco
The Premier Rider
| Full Name: | Mikaela Maria Antonia De Los Reyes Cojuangco |
| A.K.A.: | Mikee |
| Birthday: | February 26, 1974 |
| Degree & School: | A.B. Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University |
| Profession: | Equestrienne / Actress / Youth Leader |
| Parents: | Congressman Jose ‘Peping’ S. Cojuangco Tarlac Governor Margarita ‘Tingting’ del los Reyes Cojuangco |
| Sisters: | Liaa, Pin, Mai and China |
| Pastimes: | Contemplating, eating, good conversation, sports |
| Driving Ambition: | To make the most of every blessing & to share it all with my loved ones |
| Best Things About Me: | Fighting Spirit! I think a lot |
| Worst Things About Me: | Laziness, I think too much |
| Highlight of My Daily Sked: | Everything in between when I wake up and when I go to sleep |
| Talent Only I Know About: | If I tell you, you’ll find out! (ha-ha!) |
| Persona Characterizing Me: | Peter Pan & Gabriela Silang put together |
| Fave Music Act: | Regine Velasquez, Rachel Alejandro, Gary V. |
| Craved Cuisines: | Anything and everything except maybe monkey brains & tapang kabayo |
| Websites I Hit the Most: | E-mail & homepages, international riding |
| All-Time Fave Films: | Heart & Souls, Return of the Jedi, Robin Hood, While You Were Sleeping |
| Book on My Night Table: | Chicken Soup for the Soul |
| Mag I Must Have: | Horse International, Psychology Today |
| Motto in Life: | There are two sides to everything and we must see the good as well as the bad. |
Champion Equestrienne
“When I was small, my Dad would visit his horses as early as 5:00 a.m. every day. Aside from him, my cousins were also riding. So, when I was 8, I already wanted to ride, but my parents allowed me to do so when I was already 10. I started competing in equestrian events right away, and I’ve been blessed to have won a number of awards. Of them all, I think the most memorable was the gold that I won with the entire Philippine team in the Asia-Pacific Equestrian Championships held in Australia back in 1995.”
Acting Career
” Because I’m in show business, I get my share of intrigues, but if I’ve been able to keep it to the minimum, I think it’s probably because I don’t give people any reason to attack me. And I don’t let it affect me.”
A Typical Day in Her Life
“I keep my horses in a friend’s farm in Lipa. So, every morning, at around 5:00 a.m., I go to Lipa and ride. After riding, I work out. You see, I injured my knee four years ago, and I still go through therapy for it. So, I shoot for movies, do tapings for my TV show and attend to my other commitments in the afternoons.”
Life as a Politician’s Daughter
“My life has always been the same ever since I was born. I’ve known no other kind of life, and I’ve nothing to compare myself with. But I don’t think I’m that different from others. Being a politician’s daughter can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. It’s an advantage in the sense that you’re in a position where if you want to help someone, you can. But it’s also a disadvantage because people tend to judge you right away. I remember when I was small, kids didn’t want to make friends with me because they thought I was too proud.”
Youth Leader
“I’m involved with a youth group called KAKAMPI, or Kabataang Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino. What we want to do is send the message out that it doesn’t really matter how much or how little you have. If you’re willing to commit yourself to something that you like to do and you work hard for it, you will be happy and at the same time you can earn from doing something that makes you happy.”
Guiding Principle
“I believe in three things. First, if you have the opportunity to do something, make use of that opportunity. Second, always be yourself. It’s hard to pretend to be someone you’re not. Third, no matter what you do, make sure you don’t step on anyone on your way up.”
Favorite People
“I don’t have idols. It’s because when a person has an idol, he tends to be satisfied to reach a point which is not far as his idol has reached, when in fact he could achieve more. Everyone is unique, and you just have to learn to see the positive side and enhance it. I look up to certain people though: My mom, for being very intense and hardworking; my dad for being very patient and wise; my riding coach Vicki Roycroft; and my friend Regine Velasquez, who’s talented but has remained simple and kind.”
What’s Fun
“What’s my idea of fun? No stress! I guess it’s being able to relax and do something you enjoy, and it all depends on your mood. Fun could be jumping into the pool with all your clothes on or simply lying in bed.”