Ruffa: What is the real score?

Because Ruffa Gutierrez has been coming and going (some say) "suspiciously more often than before," some people think that Ruffa and her husband, Yilmaz Bektas, must be having some marital problems. Otherwise, those suspicious would say, how come when Ruffa comes home, she’s only with their two daughters (Loren and Venice) and not with Yilmaz?

Here early this year to hold a charity bazaar for the victims of the landslide in Leyte and then again last June (when she celebrated her birthday), Ruffa flew in last weekend and will be back in Istanbul, her second home, on Friday – without either Yilmaz or their two daughters.

First, let’s hear what the real score is from Ruffa (who is as "blooming" as ever, a good sign that all’s well with her).

"Sorry to disappoint my detractors but Yilmaz and I are okay," Ruffa told Funfare in an exclusive chat. "We are happy where we are. If some people believe otherwise, that’s their problem. Basta kami ni Yilmaz, wala kaming problema."

What Ruffa came home for this time was the contract-signing with Wilson Tieng’s Solar Entertainment Corporation which is enlisting Ruffa as host of the reality-TV Philippines’ Next Top Model, the local version of the top-rating America’s Next Top Model hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks.

"The Philippines’ Next Top Model aims to redefine Filipino fashion and showcase local talent as the next biggest and hottest supermodel on the international scene," promised Tieng. "Young girls who have virtually no professional modelling experience will soon have a chance to learn the joys and pains of becoming the next top model."

It’s also the first time for Ruffa to come home alone, so she recalled, "I was crying and crying, already missing my family, that Yilmaz decided not to accompany me to the airport."

According to Ruffa’s mom-cum-manager Annabelle Rama, it was she who asked Yilmaz’s permission to accept the Top Model offer before Ruffa talked to Yilmaz. "Sayang ang datung," said Annabelle. "I told Yilmaz that the show is good and he’ll like it." (By the way, Yilmaz bought a franchise of Fashion TV Turkey edition for Ruffa.)

What if, just if, she gets pregnant while the show is in progress?

Joked Ruffa, "Yilmaz and I have no plans of having another baby. Mahirap magbuntis. Remember, I gave birth to Loren and Venice almost within one year of each other. Besides, mayroon namang contraceptives diyan, di ba?"

Last here during their wedding three years ago, Yilmaz is eager to take a vacation in the Philippines, according to Ruffa. "But he’s tied up with his businesses," said Ruffa. "When I’m here, he calls 55 times a day. Malaki ang phone bill."

Ruffa will be back next month for the Top Model auditions and to start shooting for Desperada for Regal Films, a comedy patterned after the hit US TV show Desperate Housewives, also starring Pops Fernandez, Dawn Zulueta and Gretchen Barretto. She’ll fly back to Istanbul in November and come back in December to start taping for Top Model, staying up to January 2007 for the premiere of the show on RPN 9.

As you can see, Ruffa is not an "idle housewife" as some people suspect. She’s, as always and as usual, busy as a bee.

Yes, Von is qualified as Dream ‘teacher’

Some people have been raising their eyebrows at Von Arroyo for having been taken in as one of the "teachers" at the ABS-CBN reality-TV show Pinoy Dream Academy.

You see, many people (including the doubting Tomases and Tomasas) know Von only as a singer (with four solo albums for under Viva Records and Prime Music).

What they don’t know (or didn’t bother to find out) is that Von has impressive credentials, to wit:

• He’s an original member of Ryan Cayabyab’s 14K

• First honorable mention (high school) at St. Joseph Academy in Bongbong, Oriental Mindoro

• Academic scholar at the Perpetual Help College of Manila where he graduated cum laude with a Masscom degree

• Member of Ricky Lee’s Scriptwriting Workshop (Batch 11)

• Has theater experience with Gantimpala, Aliw Theater and Ballet Manila (Belen and Princess of the Moon)

• Business Development manager of Jewels Apparel, and (hear ye)

• Instructor for Voice Communications, Believability, Eye Contact, VTR, Hosting and Singing at John Robert Powers International.

There. Any (more) objections?

Fund-raiser for Eugene Tejada

Injured during a basketball match a few months ago, Purefoods’ Eugene Tejada is now in the US slowly (but surely) recovering. He sustained serious injuries at the upper part of his spinal column during the bad fall. Word from the US says that Eugene can now move his arms and legs. Good sign.

On Saturday, Sept. 23, friends of Eugene are spearheading The Eugene Tejada Celebrity Benefit, which is part of the efforts of Step By Step – The Eugene Tejada Fundraiser, starting at 4 p.m., at the New San Juan Arena (not to be confused with the San Juan Gym).

The Superstar Game (coached by Alex Compton and Dennis Padilla) features the following players: James Yap, Asi Taulava, Boybits Victoria, Erik Menk, Marc Pingris, Macmac Cardona, Danny Seigle, Bong Ravena, Ali Peek, Dorian Pena, Mark Telan and Kelly Williams; and

Kerby Raymundo, JJ Helterbrand, Johnny Abarrientos, Don Allado, Jun Limpot, KG Canaleta, Andy Seigle, Jay Washington, John Arigo, Rafi Reavis, Arwind Santos and Noy Castillo.

Half-Time Show features a Slam Dunk Exhibition featuring KG Canaleta, Arwind Santos, Jay Washington and 2006 PBA Rookie Draft #1 Pick Kelly Williams; and performances by the 2006 World Hip Hop Dance Champions, the All Stars, as well as live sample of the famed Shall We Dance routine of Sheree.

Cindy Kurleto, KC Montero and Asia Agcaoili will make "special guest appreances."

Here are the contact numbers (addresses) for donations:

• UCPB Account # 134-144-633-8

• Step By Step hotline 0921-755-2750

• www.myspace.com/eugenetejadafundraiser

• genie@steakproductions.com

The Step By Step organizers are: Sarah Meier-Albano, Banjo Albano and Chris Aldaba (on behalf of Steak Productions); and Chiqui Flowers, Joy Cortez, Mike Cortez, Harvey Carey, Jimmy Alapag, LJ Moreno, Jackie Forster, Samantha Reyes, Robert Johnson, Julie dela Cruz, Tony dela Cruz, Osang Yulo, Anja Noble, Kalani Ferreria, Nats Calinawan, Mon Jose, Manina Jimenez and Jeni Hernandez (Tejada’s girlfriend).

(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)