Our World in Words

Cats, Kuya Kim, and Our Short Stint in Matanglawin

Are black cats a source of bad luck? Does bathing a cat really perpetuate rain? These are just some of  the  myths that Kuya Kim will try to debunk as he explores the exciting (although usually nappy) world of cats on ABS CBN’s top rating, award-winning educational TV show, Matanglawin,  this Sunday, September 11, 2011, at 9:30am.


We were fortunate to have been invited by one of ABS CBN’s researchers, Rafi Cerda, to join the show together with our odd eyed white Persian kitten, Mr. Odd Eye. Just need to feature his odd eyes for a six-hour shoot, she said. We said, ANDALE!!!


Meet Mr. Odd Eye


Mr. Odd Eye, unaware he’s going to be in a shoot

The shoot was scheduled on August 31, in a community center in Commonwealth. It was raining cats & dogs (Ang baduy ng pun, haha, sorry.) so Kuya Kim decided to pack up the shoot and reschedule it two days after.



Packed up shoot 🙁

Luckily, the second shoot pushed through despite dim skies and a light downpour. As soon as Kuya Kim arrived in the shooting location in Matandang Balara, the film started rolling One thing I could say about Kuya Kim is, he’s as genuine as he is on TV. Sociable, walang ere (at walang make up pero pogi pa rin, hehe), professional and approachable. We lab Kuya Kim!

And it begins… Kuya Kim with Philippine Island Assassin


Matanglawin crew trying to ward off the impending downpour with smiling suns

Also present in the shoot were ShowTime Season 1 Grand Finals 1st Runner Up, Philippine Island Assassin, guised as black cats doing spectacular stunts and sky-high jumps.


With  ABS CBN’s accomodating and extremely patient researcher, Rafi

The “guest” cats and their owners were each called in cue for their turns. Included in the roster of cute and interesting pet guests were Canadian Hairless cats (more popularly known as Sphynx), and tabby, calico, black and white Persians. I heard the show will feature 8-kilo Bengal cats in the episode as well, so cat lovers, you might wanna tune in for that.

Sphynx cats



Testing the “bad luck” myth with a black Persian

Mr. Odd Eye was one of the last ones to be shot. He was the test subject for the rain myth. Initially, we thought I was only going to be bathing him in the background. But since Kuya Kim’s hosting style is more on the extemporaneous side, Jigs and I had to say a few words and be in the foreground. Oh my gulay.

Chatting with some kids while getting ready for our cue


Will it rain or will it not?

Mr. Odd Eye enjoys a warm, al fresco bath 

Jigs and his five minutes of stardom. Heh.

It was a fun, incredible experience.Who would’ve thought our usually gusgusing Mr. Odd Eye would have 15 minutes of fame in TV? No regrets that it cost me two days of lost paid work. Hehe. 

The wonderful crew of Matanglawin


Kuya Kim’s live audience. Nakakatuwa.

Now I don’t want to spoil the show for you guys, so I’m not spilling any further details. You have to see the fun for yourself. I tell you, with Kuya Kim in the picture, it won’t disappoint.

For our fellow Filipinos in North America, Europe, Middle East and Australia, you can also catch Matanglawin through ABS CBN’s The Filipino Channel. Replays are aired every Sunday on the ABS CBN News Channel (ANC) at 7am. 

About the Author

Gretchen Filart

Gretchen Filart is a Best of the Net and Pushcart Prize-nominated poet and essayist from the Philippines. Her confessional pieces draw from love, motherhood, healing, nature, and intersections and have received distinction from phoebe’s Spring Poetry Contest and Navigator’s Travel Writing Competition. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok @gretchenfilart. She is usually friendly.

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