Rufa Mae: Love can still wait

MANILA, Philippines - Rufa Mae Quinto is Manny Pacquiao’s leading lady in Solar Entertainment’s Metro Manila Filmfest entry Wapakman. But with the controversy between Manny and co-star Krista Ranillo and the recent issue about another co-star Bianca King whose things were reportedly “forced evicted” in the tent she’s sharing with Krista on the set of Wapakman, Rufa Mae seems to be getting out of the picture.

“At least nasa poster naman ako,” Rufa Mae quips. “For a change, I’m not (the one) being linked to him. It’s okay.”

What matters, Rufa Mae adds, is the chance to work with the boxing champ in a filmfest movie. It makes her Christmas more meaningful and doubly happy. “I grew up watching filmfest movies but I never realized that I will be starring in filmfest entries and this time with Pacman pa. Happy talaga ako,” she says.

Thus, she keeps mum about whatever issues there are involving her co-stars as “a way of giving respect to them.” Rufa Mae even insists there is no chance for her and Krista to meet on the set since the cameras started grinding five months ago. The most she can say is they’re friends on Facebook.

“I’m here to work. All I wish is for our movie to be successful. As much as possible I don’t want to get myself involved in a controversy. Gusto ko positive lahat,” states Rufa Mae who was recently named Best Comedy Actress in the 23rd Star Awards for TV.

Besides, she is focused on the various projects that will keep her busy until middle of next year, putting her reported wedding to her boyfriend on hold.

“I want a beach wedding possibly in Cebu where we already (tried to) look for a venue. It’s a perfect place to enjoy and have a vacation,” Rufa shares. “But definitely not in the early part of 2010 because I still have several commitments and he understands naman.”

Topping her to-do list is her collaboration with Tats Faustino for her album titled Rufa Mae Tats Your Heart under Viva Records. To be included in the album is her and niece Patricia Quinto’s composition Shining through the Rain. Rufa Mae is also doing pictorials for FHM as its February 2010 cover girl. In May, the comedienne is set to mount her birthday concert.

Does she see herself away from showbiz once she settles down?

“All I want is to relax and take a break. If there was an instance that I mentioned about laying low, I guess I just got excited,” she replies.

So let’s sit back, relax and enjoy watching Rufa Mae on GMA 7’s Bubble Gang, Darna and Showbiz Central.