STARS of “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo†led by Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo greet fans from atop the movie’s float during the Metro Manila Film Festival parade. EDWIN BACASMAS/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
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Ruffa: This film is really for me
12/20/07
Posted under Features
By Marinel Cruz
Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines - Only three months ago, she was reported to be patching things up with Turkish husband Yilmaz Bektas, with whom she had a prolonged and very public spat earlier this year.
Now Ruffa Gutierrez seems to have turned cold again, referring to Yilmaz as just “the father of my kids.â€
She said this was because she recently received an e-mail from him, asking to be called exactly that. “Gusto ko naman s’yang pagbigyan,†the actress told entertainment writers on Tuesday. “I don’t want him to think I’m using him to promote my new film. We had an agreement that I should no longer mention his name in any of my interviews.â€
The gathering was for Ruffa’s comeback movie titled “Desperadas,†Regal Entertainment’s entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival next month. The Joel Lamangan film also features Rufa Mae Quinto, Iza Calzado and Marian Rivera.
However, Ruffa said Yilmaz—father of Lorin, 4, and Venice, 3—was welcome to celebrate Christmas with them here. He is currently based in Turkey. Ruffa explained, “The girls still need his guidance as their father. [And] I can’t go to Istanbul just yet [on account of my] contracts here.â€
Immediately after the holidays, Ruffa will start work on “My Monster Mom,†where she co-stars with her real-life mother Annabelle Rama. Ruffa was last seen on the big screen in the dramatic film “Halik†(1998), opposite Christopher de Leon.
Ruffa said “Desperadas†was hatched during her birthday party last year. The plan was for her to share stellar billing with Gretchen Barretto, Dawn Zulueta and Pops Fernandez.
“I’m sure you all know what happened. Had the movie pushed through with the original cast, baka hindi kami umabot sa film fest,†Ruffa added. “I think this movie is really for me … not so much for my three friends, [though] I’d still like to work with them one day.â€
Among your co-stars, who is the closest to you?
[It’s like] I found three new sisters. Nobody gave me problems. Walang nagtaray sa akin.
I’ve been friends with Rufa Mae for a long time. We first worked together in my movie “Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa.†Extra pa lang s’ya du’n. I admire her because she really paid her dues as an actress. Ang eksena nya du’n umiiyak sa ilalim ng horse habang ako nasa ibabaw ng horse.
Iza is one of the most kind-hearted persons I know. She insists on calling me ate, even though I don’t look like an ate.
Marian is misunderstood. Many people say she’s become conceited. I think she’s just tired because she’s very busy. She was never masungit to me. The other night she came up to me and hugged me.
Iza has a steady boyfriend. Would you say that the rest of you girls are desperate for love?
I was desperately in need of love when I was in Istanbul because I missed my family. If you ask me now … I’d say no because Lorin and Venice are here to fill that need in my heart.
I don’t think desperada is a negative word. I think every one has become desperate at one point in life. The most important thing is that you learn from experience. So I can say that, yes, I’ve been desperate [but] survivor na ako ngayon.
You’re the only ABS-CBN talent in the main cast. Are you allowed to promote this movie on GMA 7?
I have an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN. Even if I want to promote on GMA—you know I don’t want to get involved in the network wars–I have to honor my contract. I have to follow whatever the bosses say.
How similar is your character to your real self?
We both love to shop for clothes. As a mother, we’re similar in the sense that we’re both strict. Kapag babae ang anak, mas iniingatan. I totally understand how my mom felt about me when I was a teenager.
There is a scene in the movie when your character’s daughter asks about the birds and the bees. Are you yourself prepared for when Lorin tells you she has a crush on someone?
I guess it will depend on how old she is [when that happens]. I hope she doesn’t ask when she’s just 5; I might faint. When she’s 15, I can be frank with her. These things are learned in school nowadays, anyway.
Wasn’t your mom supposed to be in this movie?
Yes. But Regal couldn’t afford her rate. Tita Nova Villa replaced her. What you don’t know about my mom is that nagpe-presyo na rin ’yan. We will do a commercial next year at parang gusto pa yata akong tanggalan ng sweldo.
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