How soon will Mr. Right come along?

Rufa Mae Quinto has been notorious for making controversial comments about her love life. Recently, she was quoted by the tabs as saying that she wants to get pregnant by Jon Avila.

But the comment has been interpreted as a promo for her upcoming film Status: Single, where Jon is her co-star. Because of her “notoriety” for making controversial comments, when a nasty rumor (such as the one about her having a sex video with Dr. Hayden Kho) comes out, the public tends to believe that she’s “guilty.”

Asked about the sex video, Rufa Mae said, “Dr. Hayden said sorry. I said that’s okay. I just want to forgive and forget,” she says.

Rufa Mae was teary-eyed when asked about Lolit Solis’ comment that she is one of the culprits in the break-up between Dr. Vicki Belo and Hayden.

“I’m not angry at her (Lolit). I respect her a lot,” is all Rufa Mae can say.

Meantime, she insists her love life is in limbo. None of her ex-boyfriends — the most memorable of whom she says are Erik Santos, Rudy Hatfield and Bobby Lopez — has been ready to pop the question. And she refuses to ask why.

And so at 30, Rufa Mae is still dreaming of walking down the aisle in all her bridal finery and starting her own family.

“I’m ready for marriage,” she says without batting an eyelash. “If I see a guy I like and he offers me marriage, I will say yes, even if I have to drop my career. I’ve already sent my siblings to school. I’ve had a taste of the good life. I’m ready.”

Brave statements these from someone known to put career above all else, even her love life. But it seems even the most devoted career woman longs for the comfort of hearth and home.

In Rufa Mae’s case, make that a human being who longs to have the kind of family she did not enjoy as a kid.

“I come from a broken family. I never knew how it was to go to a mall or have dinner with my family,” she admits.

It didn’t help any that people had dire predictions about how she will turn out to be. At a tender age, malicious minds took one look at her and said here is one girl who will get pregnant early in life.

Rufa Mae not only proved them wrong. She also turned the barbs into solid reasons to rise above the situation.

“I’m a strong person,” Rufa Mae explains. “I tried to prove them wrong.”

Now, when people wonder aloud why she never got pregnant despite her many past relationships, Rufa Mae gives a piece of advice.

“Learn to be wise. And yes, use contraceptives,” she declares.

It’s the voice of experience from someone whose colorful love life has brought her equal amounts of joy, pain and controversy.

As her way of moving on, Rufa Mae chooses to forget the relationships which brought her pain. One in particular, however, makes her “scared.”

Is she talking about Dingdong Avanzado, whose wife Jessa Zaragoza criticized Rufa Mae for bringing up the past?

“Takot ako. Baka awayin pa ako,” she replies.

What about Bobby Lopez, who is said to be courting her all again after they broke up?

Rufa Mae is not rushing things this time. Or could it be because she’s just waiting for Bobby to prove how serious he is by proposing marriage?

Chances are the answer is yes. Like any woman thinking of marriage, Rufa Mae admits she wants to see more signs that the guy is sincere.

Will he fight for her? Will he be proud of her? Will he take care of her and her family? And of course, is she attracted to him?

Until she answers yes to these questions, Rufa Mae would rather remain single. Like Doris, the character she plays in her upcoming movie Status: Single, Rufa Mae’s string of romances have gone pfft and left her still looking for Mr. Right.

And like the 30-year-old Doris, Rufa Mae is also conscious of her biological clock. Not for her sitting on a rocking chair alone thinking about past boyfriends when she hits 50. Neither is depending on her future husband Rufa Mae’s style.

“That’s why I’m working like there’s no tomorrow,” she explains. “I’ve done everything: singing, hosting, etc. (her On-Q 28 outfit also produces Status: Single with Viva Films). While I will let my man take care of me, I’ll feel awkward about asking money from him.”

So there: A single, independent woman still looking for Mr. Right. That’s the best way to describe Rufa Mae these days.

Will she finally get her heart’s desire?

“I’m giving myself three to five years to get married. And I’ve resolved to look for a potential husband this year,” she relates.

You can’t blame Rufa Mae. After all she’s been through, this devoted breadwinner deserves a family she can call her very own – forever.