"Katcha is a member of our family," shares Corazon Kabayao, who was in Manila recently. "He is our valium, our stress-reliever."
Gilopez and Corazon have been playing beautiful music for the last 35 years. He the violin, she the piano. Their partnership began as a professional one which later on blossomed into a lifetime commitment.
In the years that the Kabayaos have been playing their music, they have made a crusade out of spreading the joy of playing the violin to school children. "This is part of the legacy we want to leave behind," said Gilopez.
"There are school children who have never seen a violin, never heard it played. Our visits to various schools in the country have hopefully opened the ears of many kids to appreciate all kinds of music."
Today, the Kabayaos have three kids, Sicilienne, Farida and Gilberto, who all play the violin just like Dad. There is no doubt that music keeps this family in harmony, but it is Katcha who keeps them together and laughing.
"Katcha got his name from the Armenian composer Khachaturian," smiles Corazon. "Gilopez was preparing for a concerto of Khachaturian at the time."
Yes, it is Corazon who loves cats and has encouraged her family do to likewise. After all, Corazon grew up with cats, lots of them. It was only when she started to have children that a cat in her household was put on hold. "I had to spend all my time raising my kids, there was not time for cats," quips Corazon.
Shushu was the first cat that Gilopez gave to Corazon when he learned about Corazon’s passion for cats. Shushu got her name because she liked to hide in shoes.
When the kids were a little bigger, they had other cats at home, but none of them were like Katcha. Cats are always welcome in the Kabayao home because each of them have a soft spot for animals, cats in particular.
And love Katcha they do – and how.
We ask what Katcha’s favorite pastime is – sleeping is the unanimous reply. "He is happiest when he can sleep on his back," says Corazon. It amazes the family no end that this cat has a penchant for sleeping in that position.
"Isn’t it only dogs that sleep this way?" they ask each other. Katcha can play dead, too. All Corazon has to do is to say "Play dead" and lie on his back Katcha does. "I guess it is because Katcha recognizes me as his mistress and this is why my wish is normally his command," says Corazon. "Katcha does obey the other members of the family as dutifully as he does me."
Music lover? Of course.
As soon as Katcha hears the violin or the piano, his ears stand up and his tail begins to wag to the beat. Which instrument does Katcha like better – the violin or piano? "I think he loves them both and he likes the way we play them, too," quips Corazon.
What is their favorite Katcha story, we ask?
"I love Katcha because she stayed close to me when I had to complete my thesis," says Farida. "Katcha made it a point to sit behind me on the chair I would use while I studied. She was great company. So grateful was Farida that, when she completed her thesis, she included Katcha as one of the people she thanked in her acknowledgment.
"I love the way she lets me give her water," shares Gilopez, who confesses to being a dog-lover. "But I have learned to love her because she loves me, too."
Katcha and Gilopez spend time sitting under the sun and when the mood catches them, they like to lie in bed together. But the main role of Gilopez is that of cat photographer.
"She is the most photographed cat in the world," laughs Gilopez. "I take Katcha’s photo at every opportunity I get."
And for Corazon, Katcha’s mistress, Katcha squeezes herself behind Corazon as she plays the piano. "The seat of our grand piano is so small yet Katcha is able to make enough space for herself behind me," says Corazon. "He does not bother me but falls asleep as I practice my pieces."
And there is the story about Katcha gifting the main character of Madame Butterfly with a dead rat. Corazon says that once in a while their house in Iloilo, where Katcha is allowed to run freely, is used for rehearsals.
"In the scene where Madame Butterfly commits suicide and falls dead on the floor, Katcha comes in and places a dead rat in front of the-actress," laughs Corazon. "And she did it twice. I guess it was her way of showing she liked the play."
So, would they allow another pet in their home? "No" is the unanimous answer. "Not while Katcha is around," shares Corazon.
Even Gilopez smiles in agreement.
"Katcha is not a pet, he is a member of our family," Corazon emphasizes. "And there is no member of any family that can ever be replaced – Katcha included."