2012 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 24,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this blog would power 6 Film Festivals
The Heat is on in Saigon
It seems Mika, Marta and I have become de facto travel buddies this year because aside from going to Brunei last January, we went to Ho Chi Minh a few days ago for another 3 days 2 nights adventure. Unlike our previous trip however, we were accompanied by Mika's two older sister - Ate Anne and Ate Malou - and our dear friend Maxine.
Mercato Centrale at Midnight
After going to a friend's party, Mika and I decided to drop by Mercato Centrale at Bonifacio Global City. The original plan was to go home early, but I just had to take her there for self-fulfillment purposes.
The Midnight Mercato runs from 10pm-2am every Friday and Saturday. The place is practically a food Bazaar!
We arrived there around 11pm. There were less people that night compared to other days I've been there.
BRUNEI 101
Tips, guide, experience...
- Brunei Darussalam is located at the north coast of the island of Borneo in South East Asia
- There are two direct flights from the Philippines to Brunei. First is the Royal Brunei Airlines departing from NAIA terminal 1 and second is Cebu Pacific Air departing from NAIA terminal 3
- If you’re flying Cebu Pacific Air, be ready for a red-eye flight…
Brunei Darussalam
TRAVEL HISTORY
I went to Brunei Darussalam with two of my bestest college friends. We never had any plans of going outside the country that time, but when I saw a good deal of airfare, I just had to ask them if they want to go. When they said YES, we booked right away!
Brunei Darussalam is located south of the Philippines.
Thank You, Idol Patty (Laurel)! :D
I’ve already mentioned several times that daPATTYLAUREL is my most favorite blogger! In fact, it’s actually her who I credit for “resurrecting” my interest in blogging after being on hiatus! (Masyado naman akong feeling at may haya-hiatus pa’kong nalalaman! Hahaha!)
Anyway, I still dream of meeting her in person… Like I said, she’s the “Kate Middleton” in my blogging life! But for now, I think I’ll be content with this:
THE note from daPATTY! ♥
WOAH. Was that for real?! @_@ How did I receive a one-of-a-kind note like this, you may ask? Very well. Let’s STOP here… And then press REPLAY.
Actually, Patty Laurel has several “contests” on her blog and luckily, I was able to win one! 
THE e-mail ♥
It was the Neutrogena gift pack — which I was finally able to claim today!!! Yay! I had to answer the question: ”What’s your most effortlessly beautiful moment?” — at ang sagot, sa amin nalang ni Idol Patty yun! Sikretong malupit! Basta, it’s one kalurKEYT MIDDLETON answer! Nanalo nga ako diba? (Chos, bente kaya kaming nanalo!)
But seriously, naging totoo naman ako sa sarili ko… I swear! Naniniwala yata ako na honesty is STILL the best policy! Wahahahaha!
Wala lang. I just really had to blog about THIS!!! Of course, check out Idol Patty Laurel’s blog at http://dapattylaurel.blogspot.com/ :)
A happy new year, indeed! ♥
Thank you again, Idol Patty!!!
Mwah, mwah, mwah.
—
From one Idol to another…
Before I forget…
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the person who inspires me the most:
Kate Middleton
The Duchess of Cambridge
Your #1 fan,
Lady Mikhaela Georgette
♥♥♥
2011 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 7,700 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 6 trips to carry that many people.
For The Love of Bloglovin’
<a href=”http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3259783/welcome-to-the-ladys-blog?claim=hazp54wzcqt”>Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
Okay Bloglovin’ — here you go. Didn’t you instruct me to have a “new” post? PEACE! 
Hyped Up?
The Royal Wedding. The Starbucks planner. Manny Pacquiao‘s fights. The latest iPhone. One thing they ALL have in common? They’ve all been the hype at one point in time.
I just recently contemplated whether or not to get an iPhone. But the thing is, I’m really “practical” when it comes to gadgets. Most of my gadgets and I have very looong “relationships.” My laptop has been with me for almost four years. My iPod for two years. My phone for almost four years as well. And my Globe number? For SEVEN YEARS (and counting; I’m actually aiming for a decade!!!) And yes, they’re all in PERFECT CONDITION. I know, right? Kung boyfriend lang sana sila, engaged or kasal na sana ako ngayon! Wahahahaha!
Going back to my iPhone dilemma, the thought of getting one just randomly popped into mind one day… Why? Sure you can blame it on the hype once again. Sure you can you say that Steve Jobs has been inspiring me from the moment I read his authorized biography (speaking of which, I still owe you a book review — but that’s another blog entry.) But the thing that bothered me most was when my friend told me that it all comes down to my “PURPOSE,” and the only words I had in return were “REED JOBS.” Toink! Toink!! Toink!!! If you’ve read some of my previous posts, you’ll notice that I’ve been OBSESSED with the “Prince of Apple” for quite some time now — hence the answer = the purpose. I didn’t even care about the hype nor the functions of the iPhone. Heck, I didn’t even bother about the model — 3G S, 4, or 4S! The only thing that mattered to me was my “hallucination” that if I purchased ANY Apple product, I’d instantly have some sort of connection with the Apple Prince!!! Waahhh — another round of baliw-baliwan madness! I seriously need to see a shrink NOW! Hahaha!
But then again, I’m thankful for that conversation I had with my friend. Because if it weren’t for him, I would’ve taken my still-functional phone for granted. That’s right. Unfortunately, I really “overwork” my gadgets to the point that I DON’T replace them until they give up on me. Besides, I realized that when you’re going to “level up,” might as well live up to it. Ganito lang ‘yan eh. Naka-iPhone ka nga, nag-jeejeep ka naman. Naka-designer bag ka nga, ang daanan mo naman palagi ay prone to snatchers. Yadda, yadda, yadda. You get the picture. I’d rather work on my parking skills first (and save up for GAS!), and put aside some moolah for my upcoming travels! Yebah!!!
So for now, the iPhone CAN wait.
Bottomline is, instead of “giving in” to whatever hype, think of your “PURPOSE” first — and contemplate whether or not your purpose is PRACTICAL, ETHICAL, and sometimes, like in my “Reed Jobs” case, LOGICAL! =)) And to quote my favorite blogger, Patty Laurel:
“Instead of spending your time and money on things, spend it on experiences.
Life experiences are priceless. You can never ever put a price tag on these precious moments. Whether it’s a mid-afternoon conversation about unconditional love with your lola, the most amazing chocolate cake with hot caramel sauce baked by your tita, or seeing Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night up close and personal… kung ang pinag-uusapan ay experience, something that involves the five senses… GO! DO IT! Taste it, feel it, see it, listen to it, smell it! Do not stop yourself from trying something new or from rediscovering something old. Ang kotse nabubulok, ang iPad nalalaos. But memories will live forever! Oh yeah, sounds very Hallmarky! 
“
Yeah, what Patty Laurel said. Besides, sigurado naman akong magkakaron ng iPhone 10S eh, so what’s with the hurry? In the works na nga ang iPhone 5 eh! HA HA HA
Definitely hyped “down,”
Mika Jobs — este, Chiong pala!
The Most Low-Maintenance Girl You’ll Ever Meet!
Most of the time, no one wants to be called “low” anything. But if there’s going to be an EXCEPTION, I think “low maintenance” will be our best bet!
"Usually" being the operative word! Haha!
And you betcha! I, Mikhaela Georgette, am a self-proclaimed low-maintenance girl!
Not convinced? Very well. Let me tell you why The Lady considers herself low maintenance for some reasons. Haha!
Let’s start with DOES NOT REQUIRE CONSTANT PAMPERING. First word: MAKEUP! Don’t get me wrong, I’m “interested” in makeup. But you know, I don’t really “love” it (obviously, I DIDN’T say “I love makeup” in the previous sentence) that I can practically live WITHOUT it. Call me a “late bloomer” or something, but it wasn’t until I was 18 and was about to graduate college that I actually started using it. But even now, my makeup routine will always be Pressed Powder. Blush. Lipgloss (or sometimes when I’m in the mood — Lipstick). Tapos! I don’t even use concealer or mascara. Sometimes, eyeshadow gets in the mix, but that’s mostly reserved for very special occasions. Yung tipong pang-debut or wedding! Heck, I didn’t even wear makeup during my first Junior-Senior prom! I don’t even wear makeup when I go to work — at least NOT everyday! Wahahahaha! Loser, much!
But anyway, the Cleanse. Tone. Moisturize. rule every night before dozing off will. always. be. a. NON-NEGOTIABLE! And the occasional visit to your trusted derma is a must, too. But then again, I don’t even visit the derma that often! Ah basta! I-try niyo nalang, pwede ba?! Hehehe.
Now for the next word (or in this case, a phrase): PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION! Yebah! When it comes to “going places,” I actually call myself a “versatile passenger.” Yes, I drive. But I also commute! Be it a bus, jeep, taxi, LRT/MRT, at kahit padyak pa ‘yan, game ako diyan! As long as I get to and fro my destination SAFELY, walang arte-arte si Mikhaela Georgette noh! Kung pwede nga by horse, why not? Feeling prinsesa pa’ko kung magkataon!
Now let’s move on to ONE WHO IS GENUINELY HAPPY TO ENJOY THE COMPANY OF OTHERS. I guess being “someone who is easy to please” is included with this one! But then again, who needs “pleasing” when you’re lucky enough to have AWESOME PEOPLE (e.g. family and friends) to spend your time with? No need to spend moolah. Kahit simpleng kwentuhan lang, solve na’ko! Actually that’s one of my most favorite parts when I hang out with those dear to me… Yung tipong hindi mo na napapansin yung oras sa sobrang enjoy nilang kasama! At dahil diyan, *drama mode* I LOVE YOU MI FAMILIA Y MI AMIGOS! Thank God that we’re all “low maintenance” in our own unique ways! Mwah, mwah, mwah. ♥
But wait, I also have a NON-NEGOTIABLE with this one: “ME” TIME! Sometimes, you need to be alone… to reflect… to feel “independent” (if you aren’t already!)… and TO GENUINELY ENJOY THE COMPANY OF Hotties from Faraway Lands — ergo, MOVIES! Plus BOOKS and THE INTERNET! Seriously, I can watch a movie in a movie theater all by myself or sit in a quiet corner inside a coffee shop (or milk tea place) with a book in hand, and it’ll still be all good for meee! Thanks a lot to artistic licenses and whatnot. Hahaha!
Just a little DISCLAIMER, though. I may be one of the most low-maintenance girls you’ll ever meet… BUT I’m also one of the girls with the “HIGHEST STANDARDS” you’ll ever know! Paaak!
Having said that, paki turuan niyo na nga lang akong maging HIGH MAINTENANCE, please? HA HA HA =))
Low maintenance nga dahil walang makeup, pero chapped naman ang lips!!! FAIL! Hahaha!
The Struggle
Last Thursday, I renewed my driver’s license.*** No big deal, right? At least NOT UNTIL it was time for my medical examination and I finally stepped on the scale! When I saw what I SAW, I was like, “WHAT THE F—?!”
You see, the weighing scale and I, we share a very unique relationship. For the past three years or so, I’ve been weighing myself EVERY NIGHT (seriously!) just to keep track of my weight. I’m aware that for the last three years, I’ve gained THIRTY FREAKIN’ POUNDS, but on the bright side, I’ve maintained it as well. This is my HEAVIEST and I’d like to think that THIS SHOULD ALREADY BE MY LIMIT! That’s why I’m addicted to the scale… just so I don’t go BEYOND THE LIMIT anymore. But the LTO (Land Transportation Office) weighing scale really shocked me! It was like I gained almost 10 pounds overnight! My weight the night before wasn’t the same the following day! ANO BANG PINAGKAIBA NG WEIGHING SCALE KO SA BAHAY AT SA WEIGHING SCALE NG LTO?! Fuuudge!
Going back to my heaviest weight, that’s actually the funny thing! I’ve been able to maintain it. BUT the thing that bothers me most is this: how come I wasn’t able to maintain my lightest (at least my lightest in my adult life)???
Oh who am I kidding? I know the answer to that: LACK OF DISCIPLINE! 
I’ve always been on the “chubby side.” But right after I graduated from college, I finally joined a gym — Fitness First — and it worked! That was the time I achieved my lightest weight. 2008-2009 was my “fitness year” if I may say:
September 2008
December 2008
April 2009
April 2009
Yeah, I still wasn’t stick-thin (not that I want to be!) but I can say that I was finally happy with my weight. I could already fit ALL of my clothes and my self-esteem improved! But when I hit the one-year mark, I cancelled my gym membership. I don’t know… maybe because I thought it was already enough — and that’s when I got it all wrong! Exercising can never be enough. Period. Just think of Fitness First’s motto:
“MOTIVATION is what gets you started, HABIT is what keeps you going.”
Sooo true! Once you finally get used to exercising, it’ll be a no-brainer anymore. But be CAREFUL! Because once you STOP, well, you won’t be able to stop NOT exercising! And that’s exactly what happened to me. 
Starting from late 2009, I’ve been living a very sedentary life. I actually decided to join another gym — Gold’s Gym — last year, but that didn’t do any good either. I did, however, see a lot of “eye candy” there (including Fabio Ide! Haha!), but I still couldn’t bring myself to find my so-called “motivation” and “habit.” So after I hit the one-year mark again, I cancelled my membership too.
Right after that, I went back to Fitness First — PRESENT TIME! It has already been TWO MONTHS since I went back to my “gym love,” but so far… well, I’m still STRUGGLING to bring back my “motivation” and “habit.”
October 2011; Hello, DOUBLE CHIN! Ampf!
That’s right: it’s ONE. BIG. STRUGGLE! Para lang akong nagsasayang ng pera! But nooo, I can’t do that anymore because this time, THIS TIME, I’ve an 18-month commitment and I just hope… I just really, really hope… that even before I reach the 18th month, I’ll already achieve what I’ve achieved before! Tamaaa! If I was able to do it before, then that must mean that I CAN do it once more!!! There are already some “action plans” brewing inside my head, so let’s just all hope for the best! Operation Kalusugan: oh it’s sooo ON!
So there. I’ve shared with you my so-called “struggle” — my STRUGGLE WITH MY WEIGHT! I know, I know. It’s so petty compared to others’ struggles, but please give me some slack! Next week will be my 22nd birthday, and I just hope that I’ve learned enough lessons in my past 21 years — especially with this particular “struggle.” I’m hoping that starting on my 22nd year, I can finally GET BACK ON TRACK and stay there for as long as I can!
But before I end this, I just want to say something to all those who’ve been “commenting” on my weight gain…
I know some “comment” on it because they’re concerned for my HEALTH… and for that, I wanna say THANK YOU. I’m really, really trying my best to ALWAYS put that in mind. After all, HEALTH IS WEALTH! But for those who “comment” on it for the heck of saying something OR to feel good about themselves, well… I’d like to say “SCREW YOU!” but I guess I’ll try to be the bigger person (both FIGURATIVELY and LITERALLY! Hahaha!) Ah basta, isa lang ang masasabi ko: pare-pareho lang tayong TAO — kaya hindi malayo ang posibilidad na TUMABA RIN KAYO!!! Wahahahaha! PEACE!
In the mean time…
…at least I’ve something to smile about! My current weight may be common to an average MAN’S WEIGHT, but at least I weigh like one. very. fine. man: Fabio (see my previous post). No, I’m not saying that I weigh EXACTLY like him (feeling ko kasi i-gooGoogle niyo eh! Hahaha!), but you get what I’m saying! I can finally say that Fabio and I have SOMETHING IN COMMON: our weight! Wahahahaha!
Besides that, “peg” yata ako ni Fabio noh (sorry, feelingerang frog lang talaga ako masyado!) In one interview, he shared his type of girl:
“Fabio: The eyes. That’s what I first look at in a girl. I don’t like really tall girls; I like funny girls, very athletic who know how to enjoy life. I like girls with a big butt.”
Emphasis on the last sentence, please: “I LIKE GIRLS WITH A BIG BUTT.”
A feature in Candy Magazine's March 2009 issue
Ayyy! Peg na peg talaga!!! Eu te amo, Fabio!
October 2011
Syempre chos lang! Pasensiya na, may hangover parin kasi ako!!!
Hayayayay. Muy guapo… ang gwapo talaga…
…teka, ano na nga ulit yung STRUGGLE ko?! HA HA HA
P.S: For all the girls/ladies/women who have the same “struggle,” I suggest you read The Plump Pinay. I just recently discovered this blog and I’ve to give it to Danah and Stacy Gutierrez (the authors) — they’ve been inspiring me from the moment I first set eyes on their page! ♥
—
***I renewed my license at Ayala MRT Station. And in fairness, it took me only one hour or less to do the entire process! Kaya kudos to LTO! Uyyy, improving! Keep it up!!!
Love “Letters”
Dear “L,”
The first time I felt your presence was in my elementary days. I think I was about nine or even ten, and I still didn’t know how to react to you. During this time, I met “I” and it was toward him that you showed me how you felt. In fact I don’t think you were already in your full form back then — you were still just a little “C,” just like in the song of Jennifer Paige.
Fast forward to high school, somewhere in between my junior and senior years, you appeared again! This time, you didn’t use only one “medium,” you used two! Let’s call them “E” and “Q1.” ”E” — well what about him? Yeah, he was cute, has a nice smile, and surely knew how to make a teenage girl feel “kilig.” But now that I think of it, I believe one of the major factors why I liked him was because he came from my “dream school.” And back then, that was a major pogi point for me! But you know what, that’s just it! He was as “blue” as his alma mater is! [The Lady's Note: I'm referring to ONLY this person and I'm NOT overgeneralizing, okay? So peace to y'all!] As for “Q1,” well he was nice. He did make me feel special and he made me feel “kilig” for a few months. He was in fact THIS|CLOSE to being my first boyfriend! But c’mon, why did he even have to be graduating the same year he asked me that one question on that year’s prom night? Sigh. I guess I just have to be thankful for the time when my ate reminded me that there are “many fish” in the sea, so I don’t have to feel sad that I let go of “E” and “Q1.” AND SHE WAS RIGHT.
By the time I entered college, I think you took a whole different route! During my first ever term, you sort of introduced the word “kimchi” to me. But of course that didn’t last — at least nothing compared to WHO came next! By my second term, I think you finally had it. I’m so sorry that I refused to accept you through “I,” “E,” “Q1,” and even “kimchi” — but why did you have to turn your back on me when I was finally ready? And of all the “mediums” you chose, why did it have to be him? Fine, I’ll just call him “Q2.” I don’t need to elaborate anymore but we both know that it was through “Q2″ that you taught me a LESSON — with a FIVE-YEAR LESSON PLAN! I already knew that you can start from a little “C,” and then develop into i-n-f-a-t-u-a-t-i-o-n. But unlike the first four “mediums” you chose, why did you have to use “Q2″ to show me your “U” side — your UNREQUITED side! Seriously, I didn’t think you had it in you! But of course you do have it and you did make me feel it BIG TIME! Hello, you practically gave me FIVE YEARS of sleepless nights, frenemies here and there, and not to mention puffy eyes just because of the way you made me feel toward “Q2!” It was a five-year lesson plan that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life! And yes, it did take a looong time but at least I can finally say that I’ve moved on. Besides, I knew in myself that I had to, at least SOONER or LATER. So I repeat, NAKA-MOVE ON NA’KO, OKAY?! But one fact remains: “Q2″ IS, WAS, and WILL ALWAYS BE my first love. “Always” (Yuuuck! Sooo “Severus Snape!” But it’s TRUE! Hahaha!)
Anyway, in the present… I don’t know. It’s like you’re showing yourself again but I’m not so sure how to feel anymore. This time, the “medium” you chose is like my ideal man, my so-called “commoner prince” — the exact person who has ALL the things in my “checklist!” But why is it that what I feel for him can’t even seem to transition from a little crush, to infatuation, and eventually to your full form? WHY??? It’s like your five-year lesson plan made me numb! Can you not confuse me, please? Not this time! You’ve already showed me how to feel your full form for the “first” time… What I’m looking for now is your “great” form. You’ve already convinced me that my “first love” isn’t my “great love”… so what now? He may or may not be “Mr. Commoner Prince” but you’ll do show me my “great love,” right? Sooner or later too, RIGHT??? Well then, I guess I just have to wait and see. Just so you know, I’m in no hurry; I’m. just. plain. CURIOUS.
Answer me soon, alright? You owe me one! Haha!
Your loving friend,
“M”
Not the Best Time to Say Hello!
Okay. Welcome to WordPress, Mika!
As of this moment, I’m in the middle of finishing my term paper in my subject, The Philippines under the Japanese Occupation 1943-1945 (I ‘m taking up Master of Arts in History, by the way), that is due tomorrow, and obviously, this isn’t the best time to be blogging AND rambling to the world. Because aside from that term paper, I still have another paper in my other subject, Pre-colonial Philippines, that is due on Monday — and I still haven’t even started on that one! Whew. But for the heck of posting my first entry on the day I signed up on this weblog server (which I’ll be remembering in the years to come or so because I am that corny!), HERE IT IS!
So on that note, I have to leave you readers hanging in there first and I will be back SOON (well, that differs on our own interpretations of the word “soon” ) See ya!
The lady is now out. <3
