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Author interview

by Maan Geronimo

Claire Betita graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines in Diliman with a degree in Journalism. She is currently the Associate Editor of Cosmo Philippines. And while she has always believed in making the first move, she also believes that love does happen at the right time.

Read on as No Boyfriend Since Birth takes you on a journey that shows you love does exist in all the right places.

Give us the gist of No Boyfriend Since Birth.

It's the story of Rudie, who is single and hasn't had a boyfriend, well, since birth. She's dying to know how it feels like to have one, to be part of a couple, but more importantly, she wants to find The One and experience true love. To do this, she decides to take matters in her own hands and pushes destiny a little. So she attempts to "search" for the The One herself by going on a series of dates, asking guys out, keeping her eyes and ears wide open for potential boyfriend material.

Is the story autobiographical? Is Rudie based on your own character?

Unfortunately, it's not autobiographical. Rudie's story is inspired by some friends and officemates who have been telling me stories about their single-ness, and how they would really, really like to have someone that they can love and be with someday. A lot of these girls I've talked to actually haven't even dated and kid each other about belonging to the "No Boyfriend Since Birth Society."

When did you have your first boyfriend?

I had my first real boyfriend at 18 years old, during my sophomore year in college. He was one year older than I am and taking the same course as me, Journalism, in UP. Very intense relationship. We were together for two years. He is married now and lives in Hong Kong, I think. I've had several relationships after that, all of which taught me a hard lessons about life and myself.

What gave you the inspiration to write NBSB?

Dear friends who confide to me about their life and their views on love have inspired me to write the book. I see so much hope in their eyes-that they will surely someday find The One, but at the same time, I feel their frustration over society's rules...that guys have to court girls and that the other way around is simply not acccepted.

Which character in the story do you identify yourself with and why?

I think I identify most with Viola, Rudie's best friend-mildly kikay, sweet (!), a bit quiet, hopeful, and always there to help a friend.

Was Mike a part of your life? Or he still is?

No, Mike wasn't a part of my life at all although I do wish I had an officemate as cute as him, and who was also crazy about me! Since I spend a lot of time in the office, I decided to daydream a little and create that kind of character. Besides, it really would be fun to have that kind of guy, don't you think?

Are the men in NBSB based on your past?

Some of them, yes. Like Alfredo, the Italian guy, was based on a foreigner I met by chance and eventually dated. I also had a best friend whom I was crushing on, but with whom I maintained a purely platonic friendship to the very end.

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

I would like Rudie to be that French girl who played the role of Amelie. Then Matthew Goode (that cute guy from Chasing Liberty) to play Mike. Then Luke Wilson to play Jay. Janeane Garofalo to play Yoj. Debra Messing to play Viola.

What can readers learn from NBSB?

That it's okay to break society's rules, that you CAN take matters into your own hands, and if things don't work out, you can always learn something from it.

Are doing a new book or a sequel to NBSB? What will happen to you and Mike? That's what we're dying to find out!

I'd love to do a sequel! I guess Rudie and Mike will probably click and be a couple, but then their personalities are on opposite poles so I guess that's where conflict can arise. Rudie will probably learn that being in coupledom isn't exactly smooth sailing. She'll probably learn that the journey is the destination.

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

I started writing in Grade 4. My teacher asked me to write a poem, and I did, and I loved the feeling of putting words together and creating something beautiful. I've also kept diaries and journals since that time, until now. I have boxes and stacks and stacks of notebooks at home-all filled with stories of my life. Writing's a passion for me. I know no other skill as well as I do writing. I want to move people with it. Writing is all I want to do as long as I live.

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

I am reading The Dalai Lama's Book of Wisdom...a newfound friend recommended it and I've been toting it along with me. I've also read and loved The Bitch in the House, edited by Cathi Hanauer. It's a collection of essays by women about love and life, and what was expected of them. The greatest influence in my writing is Margaret Atwood. Her writing in Cat's Eye, The Robber Bride, and The Blind Assassin is very grim and intense, but mind-blowing. I also like Ernest Hemingway--his prose is straightforward, but holds a lot of meaning.

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

I'd like to write more life-affirming articles for women. I want to be an influence to them, to liberate them from whatever rules society and moralists impose. I feel that i can do this through my writing in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and writing progressive-themed books that celebrate the Pinay woman.

What are your tips to aspiring writers?

Live in the present. Enjoy each moment. Appreciate small mercies. And always, always dream.

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