Someone left a comment on an earlier post where I mentioned that I wanted the Vince's Life compilation. Turns out, he/she edited the manuscript for the book. And as if that's not enough, he/she actually knows the real Vince O. Teves. Isn't that cool??? :)
I used to be part of Seventeen Philippines' first Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and I remember asking then Ed-in-Chief Maya (in fact, I think I asked this question even before other TAB-realted stuff, haha) if there was a real Vince, and if so, will I ever get to meet him??? She broke into a big smile and confirmed that Vince was indeed a living, breathing guy, but he really does prefer to be anonymous... that perhaps he might be walking around the office, or I might even be chatting with him and not know that he's the Vince Teves that thousands of Seventeen readers know and swoon over (considering this expressiveness and sensitivity). Once, they even teased Fran (then Managing Editor) about it.
Till then, that's the closest I've come to knowing the monthly Seventeen columnist. Until the anonymous comment came along. :)
It's funny how you feel you know someone from the one-page synopsis he writes about life with Andrea (the object of his affection with whom the monthly narrative usually revolves). And how you think thayt when you meet him, you'll just casually chat him up about Connie, Spider and yes, his Andrea. But when you consider it... these are all personal stuff that you can't easily share with a stranger no matter how he/she has read every single serving of Vince's Life.
So even though I still think that Vince is such a cool guy -- primarily because he expresses himself well, a talent not present in most men -- I guess it's also good that he remains, to a certain extent, a figment of our imaginations.
But then again, yes... it really wouldn't hurt to know such a cool guy. :)
P.S. To the one who left the anonymous comment, here's my answer :)
As much as the piece was very appropriate for me at the time, I did not write it. :) A friend forwarded it to me and I did not know to whom I should give the credit. :)
Anyway, yes, I have the compilation already! I think I bought it the day after that post. :) You edited the manuscript and you know Vince?? That's way cool. :)
