Ruffa: I’m an easy target

HER BIRTHDAY bash had a fire-and-ice theme PHOTOS FROM TWItTER.COM/ iloveruffag

Ruffa Gutierrez  is not one to sit on her laurels. She’s perpetually in a state of reinvention, which makes her all the more interesting.

Rufs has been through hell, so to speak,  yet she always managed to bounce back  with grace.

As she celebrated her birthday recently, she also celebrated the joys of being an empowered woman.

Here’s my tete-a-tete with the fab birthday girl who has lived well, learned much, shared fully and loved deeply.

What’s the biggest lesson  you learned as you turned a year prettier?

No matter what people say, make a stand and stick by it. Never compromise your values and principles for anything or anyone.

What’s the best birthday gift you got this year?

Delicious homemade brownies baked with love by Lorin & Venice. :)

What was the highlight of your birthday bash?

When I came home from a spa party given to me by Guerlain at L’incontro… there was another surprise party at home waiting for me! It was organized by Lorin, Venice & my dearest friend. I was so shocked that I almost had a heart attack! :) One of the happiest days of my life.

Why did you choose a fire and ice theme for your birthday bash?

It’s inspired by Robert Frost’s eponymous poem. Friends and I were sitting in my living room depressed over Pacman losing to Bradley when Charina Sarte came up with the most fabulous theme for a party. We looked at pictures, pegs and did some research. It was then when Fire and Ice was born.

Tell us about your foundation.

Roof-a-child is a project that provides shelter for disadvantaged kids coming from abusive homes, abandoned by their parents, or afflicted with disabilities.

Apart from its denotation, Roof-a-child aims to equip the youth with the tools they need for holistic development through educational, athletic, and cultural means. It also organizes feeding programs and medical missions. On a grander scheme, this nonprofit foundation intends to promote economic independence in impoverished communities by providing livelihood programs and cooperative projects, thus ensuring a flourished, more stable life.

I would like to use my celebrity status in making a difference in people’s lives.

Tell us about your website.

In line with my renewed vision, I’m also bringing something else from the ’90s back: my own website! I was one of the first few celebrities that had my own website online way back in 1998. My “crazy, sexy, cool” page, however, fell into disuse two years ago due to my hectic schedule.

I’m also set to launch an official fan page. A Ruffa App is also in progress. Soon I will also be blogging and have a means to communicate with my fans.

But though my birthday is over, it’s still only the beginning of my rediscovery and fresh start.

Tell us about your role in  TV5’s “Enchanted Garden.”

I play the role of Diwana Valerianna—tagapagligtas ng kagubatan. Demigoddess of water. Alice, Rufa Mae and I play sisters. My character is very interesting since I play dual roles. :) Good vs evil. Which One will prevail?? :)

You’ve said that you’re taking a sabbatical from love. If and when you fall in love again, what are the lessons you learned in the past that will be your heart’s guide?

Love myself and be whole on my own.  Waiting for God’s best for me. Before you know it, it’s already gonna be November! The sabbatical will come to an end. :)

What’s the best part of being Ruffa Gutierrez?

The best part of being Ruffa is that I’m surrounded by a supportive family and loyal friends who love me unconditionally. They continue to hold my hand through thick and thin. They encourage me to be an achiever and set goals for my future. It’s also fun being Ruffa! Lots of freebies and travels.

What’s the hardest part of being Ruffa Gutierrez?

I’m an easy target. Controversies follow me everywhere!

How has your colorful relationship with your mom evolved through the years?

GLAMOROUS birthday mom with daughters Venice, left, and Lorin.

It’s still as colorful as ever! but now we understand each other and listen to each other more.

What’s a misconception about you that you would like to correct?

That I care about wealth. Ask anyone that knows me. I follow my heart… always.

What do you plan to do in Europe with your kids?

Experience the London Olympics 2012 together! :) We were in Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. Hopefully, every four years we can make it our tradition.

What’s the toughest part of being a single mom?

Being the spoiler and the disciplinarian at the same time. It’s challenging but rewarding as well, most especially when your children excel in school, listen to you and have good manners when you’re not around.

How are your daughters like you and different from you?

Similar: Strong-willed, voracious readers, close to family,  love getting dressed up.

Different: they are good singers, dancers and are extroverts. I was shy as a kid. It took me awhile to come out of my shell.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Tapsilog, exotic travels, sweets and Chi Spa.

How do you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered for bringing the sunshine in people’s lives through my laughter and the goodness of my heart. A fighter, an empowered independent woman who would graciously pick up the pieces from every fall and rise like a phoenix each time.

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