Ruffa working on a book, kids clothing line

Ruffa Gutierrez was launched as Cosmo Skin endorser for their collagen drink at Luxent Hotel last week. She was so sexy at the launch of the Cosmo Skin Premium collagen, a power drink supplement that you can mix with your coffee or favorite drink to keep you forever young and beautiful. The media present agreed that Ruffa is perfect as endorser since she’s young-looking and is radiantly beautiful despite having two kids.

The product had a soft launch via social media with Ruffa as endorser last December and the sales immediately went up. This was revealed by Nino Bautista, the head of Bargn Farmaceutici which manufactures Cosmo Skin Premium Collagen. Now that they have formally launched Ruffa as endorser, they expect their product to sell even more.

Before Ruffa agreed to endorse the product, she tried it out first. In six days, she already saw the effects. Her skin had a pinkish glow. She had less hair fall and her nails and bones became stronger. “The competition in showbiz is so tough so you have to look your best always. I can’t afford to look old and wrinkled. With this product, there is no need for botox injections any more. This is the natural way of looking and feeling young because even your joint pains will disappear. And it is reasonably priced at P120 per tube, which you can use the whole day,” she explained.

According to Red Gatus of  Cosmo Skin, collagen is the important glue that holds our body together. Without it, our body would look like a blob without a shape. By the time we reach 40, we’ve lost about 25% of collagen in our body. By 60, we lose 50% so there is a need for it to be replaced otherwise it causes aging and wrinkling.

Ruffa says it is important for celebrities to take care of their body since this is their passport to fame and fortune.

Asked of her career plans for 2015, Ruffa said she is writing a book. She is also coming up with a new line of children’s clothes with Rajo Laurel, with her own daughters as models, and her nephew Zion and niece Aria. A new of season of  “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez” is coming up soon on the E! Channel.

She wants to explore all possibilities to earn money. “I love my craft and I believe in investing my money wisely. Ayokong magaya sa ibang artista na walang na-ipundar pagdating ng kanilang old age. I mean, working hard all these years tapos pag nag-retire ka na, wala ka naman pera,” said the former Miss World Second Princess.

She admits missing acting and is looking forward to doing a drama series. And even if she doesn’t see herself getting married again (even if she has a boyfriend), what is paramount in Ruffa’s mind is preparing and saving for her children’s future.

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All roads lead to the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the Cultural Center of the Philippines as its curtain opens for “Marco Polo, an Untold Love Story,” with its international preview slated on March 25 and 26 at 8 p.m.

Artists Theatre Company, headed by its Artistic Director Roger Salcedo Chua, brings on stage the life of the Venetian explorer.

Chua says, “I was 14 when I saw a very impressive movie about the life of Marco Polo. The adventure of the young man from Venice traveling through the silkroad to Cathay crossing mountains, valleys and deserts was totally fascinating to me. There is no love story in the book about Marco Polo ‘Le Devisement du Monde.’ Therefore, I created one for this musical.”

“Two years ago, specifically in August 10, we presented its concert version,” the artistic director shares the beginnings of the musical’s creative journey. “We showcased its music, songs and dances. Its workshop version premiered on February 8 with a repeat on February 9, 2014. The structure of the storyline was highlighted during that time. For this international premiere version, we considered the comments and feedback regarding orchestration, choreography, costumes and casting. The audience can expect something new and better during our staging at CCP.”

Salcedo enthuses. “In all the versions of the musical, its universal theme remains integral. Regardless of time, place, and circumstance, an invisible thread, tangled but unbreakable, ties those who are destined to meet and love each other. This is inspired by a Chinese belief about the invisible red thread of destiny.”

Playing the leads are Jonathan Wagner as Marco Polo and Stephanie Reese as Princess Kogajin. The lead cast includes Chinggoy Alonso as Niccolo, Pinky Marquez as Empress Wu, Gian Gloria as Princess Toragana, Kuya Manzano as Kublai Khan and Enrhil Serguino as Lord Khogatal.

Artist Theatre Company had its inaugural production many years ago with the presentation of David Mamet’s “A Life in the Theater” at the Bulwagang Gantimpala Basement Theater of the CCP. The company’s main goal was to stage plays and productions that cater to a global theater audience.

The invisible thread of destiny leads the company back to where all the artistic and creative dreams started. Only this time, it is in the Main Theater where the story of Marco Polo unfolds.

Chuan wrote the musical’s book and libretto. He also did the set design. Assisting him to create a 13th century East West love story are Daniel Bartolome, conductor of the Manila Sinfonietta Orchestra, Renz Sevilla (Lights Design/Technical Director); Odit Sarte and Raven Ong (Costume Designers); Remus Villanueva (Choreographer); Emmalyn Doverte (Stage Manager) and Dusty Suarez (Production Manager).

For block reservations, sponsorships, benefactors, investors, send an SMS or call 09175581222, email: [email protected] or [email protected]. For tickets, call Ticketworld. (8919999) or the CCP (83211235).