Interview with Vince O. Teves (Vince's Life)

Author interview by Maan Geronimo

Finally, the elusive Vince Teves sits down and gives his first interview. Check out his views on love, life and Andrea. Be part of Vince's Life...

You've been talking about how you fell in love with her in the book. But what exact moment did you absolutely realize that she was the one for you?

We were in the same block when college began, so I always had my eye on her. We had exchanged a few words for a few weeks, but one afternoon when we weren't doing anything I struck up a conversation with her and before we knew it, the sun was setting, we both had to go home, and neither of us wanted to stop talking to each other. And I thought to myself, "This girl is really special." But I never thought we were meant to be. I didn't even think she liked me.

Now that you're not officially together, do you feel that she still is the one and why?

I used to think that there was only one person out there for me - or anyone for that matter. It's a romantic notion that I held on to for a long time. But now I realize that it doesn't work that way at all. I think there are a certain number of people out there who can be "the one". Some are a better fit than others, but perhaps the greatest measure of love is not in ending up with someone who Fate decreed was yours but choosing someone simply because you both want to make it work. I think that's more romantic, don't you?

What was ultimate breaking point in your relationship?

Now that it's been a while since the relationship ended I guess things are clearer, and I can say with a small degree of certainty that it wasn't any one thing that made the relationship end but a series of choices that we both made.

Not sharing a life makes a relationship next to impossible - and that happened when she left for the States. We were young. We didn't know that there was a price to pay for everything we did or didn't do. We thought we could survive anything because we were such a good pair. But relationships really require that you both make it work, and put the relationship first.

What was the cheesiest line you ever said to Andrea?

"I love you." Haha!

Do you have a term of endearment for each other? What does Andrea call you before?

I used to call her "Your imperial highness." I'll have to keep the rest secret or die of embarrassment. It's bad enough that my life is being distributed nationwide.

When was the last time you talked to her? When was the last meaningful conversation you had with Andrea and what was it all about?

As a matter of fact, yes, but I wouldn't call it a conversation as much as "meaningful" email correspondence. It's hard to give up old friends, even when they're ex girlfriends. We talked about other people mostly - Spider and his fear of commitment and how Connie really needs a boy.

If ever a movie version of your book was done, who would portray the main characters and why?

Kirsten Kreuk (of Smallville) would be Andrea because she's hot! Or maybe Gwyneth because she looks so smart... I, of course, would be played by Brad Pitt. Or Ethan Hawke, hehe. Okay, maybe Edward Norton...

I know this is corny but do you guys have a theme song? Does the song still hold true for you?

Sorry to disappoint you, but no, we don't have a theme song. We're not like that. But when you're in love, every love song is about the two of you, yes?

Weddings bells soon? What's your dream wedding? Number of kids?

No way! I've never really given a "dream wedding" much thought. Hmmm... Somewhere far away from crowds and unwanted relatives, I guess. Like Greenland. Hehe. Or the Scottish highlands. I'll wear a kilt. My bride will wear flowers in her hair.

In this day and age, I think having any more than two kids is a criminal act and should be punishable by law. Scarce resources spread over a large population equals real suffering, if not for your own children, for someone else's children. Do your part.

The often asked question -- what are your future plans whether be it personal or professional? Are you going to win Andrea back?

I could tell you now but I think it would just spoil the surprise because you can actually find out for yourself. Summit Books has recently commissioned me to write the next chapter of my life, and I'm wrapping it up right now. No, I do not die at the end.

At any rate, I work in advertising now, and I'm having a blast. One day in the future, I'd like to do what I really love, which is making films.

What can readers learn from Vince's Life?

Life's full of choices. Make the right ones, and life will always be beautiful.

What do we expect from the Vince's Life sequel? Give us a teaser.

I'm working now and a whole new world has opened up: new friends, new love interets, new things to do, and Andrea coming back from the States...

When did you start writing? Is writing a passion for you?

I wrote my first story when I was seven years old. It's all very embarrassing and the less said about it, the better. But yes, you can call it a passion.

What books are you currently reading? Who are your literary influences?

I'm currently stuck in the middle of two very thick books. The first is Gormenghast, a book that Sandman author Neil Gaiman named as one of his influences. It's actually quite fascinating but way too long. The second book is Stephen King's It. I can't seem to finish either.

How do you see yourself carving a niche in Philippine Literature?

Very slowly, and with a very blunt spoon. But I have years ahead of me.

What are your tips to aspiring writers?

Finish what you start. It's easy to start a book and say you're a writer, but much harder to actually finish one, even a short one like Vince's Life.

***now I SO WANT A MOVIE version! hello hello to movie Producers!