Gift of Time 2015: TIME FOR FRIENDS (GYA Peeps)

As we welcomed 2015, Talitha, Maro and I gave our friends (GYA Peeps)  our Christmas / New Year gift: TIME FOR FRIENDS inspired by the quote: “Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” by Peg Bracken. And the #GiftOfTime every GYA Peeps' birthmonth was born!

JANUARY

Dessert with Camille

With Camille, Jenrik & Talitha  at St. Marc Cefe in Megamall

MARCH

Lunch with Kariz + Dinner with Michelle = Late Dinner

Very late dinner with Michelle, Kariz, Camille, Jenrik, Isjan, Kathreen, Kayze & Talitha at Tony Roma's in Fort Strip

APRIL

Breakfast with Kathreen

Brunch at IHOP, BGC with Kathreen, Maro, Talitha, Jerome, Michelle, Kariz, Cris & Talitha

MAY

Coffee with Andi

At Starbucks in Bonifacio Highstreet after my birthday dinner

JUNE

Lunch with Jerome

At Hole in the Wall, Century Mall with Jerome, Michelle, Talitha, Bene & Andi

JULY

Cake with Grace 

Because we were so busy and our schedule was so full that time, we just asked Kayze to bring the cake to Grace.

AUGUST

Mexican Food with Jenrik (originally June birthmonth)

Sunday dinner at Silantro in Kapitolyo with Jenrik, Camille, Kathreen, Michelle, Talitha, Andi, Bene, Janna & Renz

Ramen with Cris (supposedly in June)

Ramen + Coffe night at  Megamall (Kichitora & Starbucks) with Cris, Holy Ann, Nicole, Janna, Talitha, Kathreen & Renz

Burger with Kayze

With Tlitha, Kayze & Kathreen at Teddy's Burger in Shangrila Mall

SEPTEMBER

Pizza with Dong

At Shakey's Lourdes with Dong, Jet,Talitha, Michelle, Kayze, Maro, Mami & Dadi

Going Greek with Janna

With Jana, Rnz & Talitha at Cyma in Robinsons Place, Manila

NOVEMBER

Supposed to be its pasta time with Bene but we had it at our Year-End dinner in December instead.

DECEMBER

GYA Peeps’ Year End dinner plus Pasta with Bene & Asian Cuisine with Isjan

GYA Peeps' Year End / Christmas Dinner at NIU by Viking in SM Aura Premiere

Goodbye 2015! Thank you.

KCAT CAN: Let's touch each other's lives

Ma, may sasabihin ako sa’yo, author na ako.  (Ma, I have to tell you something. I’m now an author). Those were my words to my mom before going to bed the night after my book launch. I was so happy; I still am.

Years ago, some friends suggested that I write a book about my life. Well, maybe someday. Maybe. At that time, I really did not think that it would be possible. In 2008, I came across Yvonne Foong who authored her book, I’m not Sick, Just a bit unwell: Life with Neurofibromatsis. Her outlook in life, her positivity living with Neurofibromatosis has inspired me.


I am going to publish a book. If Yvonne can, I, too, can do it! I am going to tell my story. As I start, I looked back and was amazed of the things I was able to overcome. Little by little, I started writing it down. However, I was not motivated enough and was too lazy to put all my focus on it. I also became accommodated with other things and busy with my column in Manila Bulletin (June 2010 – June 2014), setting aside my manuscript but not the dream of publishing my own book someday.

In November 2014, recent scans of my brain reveled that I had tumors needing of treatment via radiotherapy that would cost half a million pesos. I had to do something. It was right timing, an answered prayer, the idea of compiling my writings for the past 4 years came up. This way, I will be able to sustain my medical needs, treatments, tests and maintenance; sustaining my essential needs and at the same time fulfilling my dream of publishing a book.

I have always believed that if we want something to happen, we have to work hard for it. God helps those who help themselves. Just like the Filipino saying: “nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa.” God provided. I did what I can and He sent people to help me accomplish my dream. Indeed, we can make our dreams come true! It may have took me a year or even 4 years accumulating all my published articles. It was not at all easy but I persevered. In the end, it was all worth it!

KCAT CAN: I have a pen that writes

A life written in permanent ink. Every chapter, each page filled with concrete experiences. As I write it all down, mistakes cannot be erased. There is no turning back.

This is the life that I'm living - a life permanently written. As I take the path each day, I am confident that I am on the right track. For these are not at all in vain, God guides. He is the guideline in my story called life.

...and because of Him, I CAN!

November 14, 2015. As Jet Ramos started with program, I suddenly felt surreal. I froze for a while and told myself, “This is MY book launch.” I wasn’t just an attendee of someone’s book launching but it’s my book. Wow!  The book launch was a success. Most of the people who attended told me that they all had a good time. I was out of words and all I can think was: THANK YOU. Yes, in capital letters.

Here is the video of my Thank you message during the program.

Please support, Like and Share KCAT CAN: I have a pen that writes on Facebook.

For orders, please fill up an order form at book.kcatyarza.com

It is on Goodreads too and an eBook version will also be available SOON.

KCAT CAN (book) is here!

book.kcatyarza.com

KCAT CAN ...I have a book that inspires!

As I was looking at the proof copy of my book in front of me, I suddenly felt the creeps and had goosebumps all over my body then in my mind, I shouted, “ANG GALING!”

Like you, I am very amazed with myself. I’m not bragging or something pero ang galing talaga! As in. Never in my life did I imagine the things I have done (and still doing), which I won’t enumerate.  Super nakakatuwa!

In 2008, after reading Yvonne Foong’s book about her life NF, I told my mom that I was really inspired by her and want to write my own book too. But how? I didn’t know how but I stated writing my story anyway. Fast forward to 2010, Angelo Garcia offered me a weekly column in at the youth section of Manila Bulletin (Students & Campuses). I was able to write 111 articles from June 5, 2010 to June 23, 2014.

 In November 2014, after Dr. Gaudencio Vega (Radiation Oncology), explained about the radiation treatment I’ll be needing to treat the tumors on both my optical wall and a 4-centimeter tumor in my brain, we were presented with an estimated price quotation and it’s more than half a million pesos. I suddenly thought of republishing my previous columns I’ve written for the past three years and put it in a book.

In this way, I’ll be able to continuously raise more funds to sustain my medical needs while sharing my life with others.

I had a lightbulb moment right then and there. I kept on saying that I publish a book when we reached home, I immediately turned on my computer and started doing the book.

After almost a year, it is finally done. As they say, Self-publishing is not as easy as it looks but it is REALLY REALLY REALLY WORTH IT! Thanks to my mom and my sister, Talitha (who is also my editor) I was able to do it!

I am inviting you to the launching of my book, KCAT CAN – I have a pen that writes on November 14, 2015 at Googel Restaurant in Mandaluyong City at 4:00 pm (we’ll be there until 8pm).

I believe that through this book, I will be able to help and inspire you while helping me sustain my endless medical expenses.

My book won’t be available in any bookstores and you can only buy it from me. It will be available after the launch and you will be able to find it on my website and FB pages (KCAT CAN - I have a pen that writes, I AM KCAT, Art Ah Tack). I assure you that your P450.00 will be worth it!

Like and follow

KCAT CAN - I have a pen that writes

on Facebook for more updates.

I'm a very proud Bosconian #HappyBirthdayDonBosco #DB200

I have A LOT of pending blog posts (I'm currently writing some) but I am not feeling well lately thus I'm not in the mood to write. But I can't let this day pass without uploading this.

Today is the 200th Birthday of St. John Bosco & I want to post this today. Last year, during DBS’ (Don Bosco School) 25th Anniversary, I was so honored to be one of the DBS Silver Awardee as an Outstanding Alumni.

Last week, my mom handed me a copy of the DBS Silver Anniversary Magazine and showed me our pictures there ..ang dami! Here’s what I sent Sr. Anne that was published on the magazine:

 

My parents learned that there was a new Don Bosco School (DBS) in Manila that accepts girls, and since my dad and mom’s brothers were Bosconians, they were eager to enroll me here.I was accepted and I was lucky to become one of the first batch of students in DBS way back in 1989 and proud to be one of the first graduates in 2000.

In those eleven years, I thought I was only here to study, study, and study. I have learned a lot, but not only lessons from textbooks, but DBS also taught me about life: what life is, how to value life and how to live it well, not by myself, but together with everyone. And all these form a big part of who I am today.

In August 2004, I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 or NF2, a very rare genetic disorder of tumor growth in the nerves, including the brain area. When my doctored told us about it, I was okay and accepted it immediately without feeling something negative; just a bit sad, of course. But I was suddenly comforted with the thought that God was there with me and He’ll always be with me and there is a good reason why He let it happened to me. That time, I didn’t know it yet and placed all my trust in God.

With my current condition, my world may seem to turn upside-down right? But I don’t believe so. My life just cart-wheeled and after turning, I am standing confidently again (not literally though). I still have my life and I’m still myself in spite of all the things that I had experienced during that turn in life.

I am able to share my story and inspire others. I am doing this not because I wanted popularity but because I want to let everyone know how amazing God’s works on me are. Amazing blessings! And I am so grateful for that.

As St. John Bosco said, “Do your ordinary duties extraordinarily well.” We were reminded of these words countless of times during our schooldays in DBS, which is why even without much effort, I habitually give my best in everything I do.

Anyone can make a positive impact on the lives of other people. All we have to do is live our ordinary lives extraordinarily well. Be happy and positive. Do what you love and love what you do. “…be of service to all you know, and be a friend for all.” That was quoted from the lyrics of one of my favorite Salesian songs and I know most of you know this too. It ends with, “…with Don Bosco we can make it now.” I’ve always kept those lyrics in my mind and been living by those words.

GYA Peeps went to London..chos!

Our #BabyLoveFansClubInternational couple, Noel & Marge invited us to dine with them or meet for coffee after their dinner last Friday. Then suddenly, we have another lakwatsa on Saturday Night. We all wanted to try Costa Coffee and Michelle really really wants to, so Eastwood on Saturday night it is!

Photo from Kathreen

All of our planned “lakad” are always pushing through, super planado or biglaang lakad, walang hindi natutuloy unlike before. We’ve changed. We are more lakwatseras and lakwatseros now. Haha.

Photo from Isjan

Photo from Isjan

Since Michelle wanted pasta, we had dinner at Pasto and then we hanged out at Costa. Kathreen had to leave coz she had to meet her friends in Megamall. It felt like we were transported to London. Haha. We liked their coffee and we’ll go to Costa in Rob Place with Damian soon. Currently, it isn’t open yet but it will (on July 31). Basta we’ll go there soon!

We went home at 12am coz Talitha & I needs to go to Bulacan for the 2nd Gift of Hearing Project. (I’m still writing about the event)

Yummy!

Loyola with the (Yarza) Loyola

July 19 – Sunday.

 We went to Loyola Memorial Park to celebrate ME’s 2nd death anniversary. Her death anniv was really on July 9 but it was raining the weekend before that and the cousins & sister has a schedule Boracay trip with the GYA Peeps so we visited her grave (with Lolo Pete in it) 10 days after.

The trip included a sidetrip to Papa’s (GALS / Lolo Noning) grave since he’s just nearby. The distance is like Pag-Asa & M. Vasquez when they were still alive.

Yarza & Loyola + Mang + Andi

And there was also a special driving lesson for Talitha, Andi & Jenrik conducted by Bene & Camille. It was either the FX (Manual) or Starex (Automatic). Haha.

I just a had a long weekend full of lakwatsa last week but who said I can’t go out as often as I want? Of course I CAN LAKWATSA! :p Eastwood with the GYA Peeps later & Sta. Maria Bulacan for the Gift of Hearing Event tomorrow together with Talitha and her Miss Audiologist friends.