MANILA, Philippines - So what made Ruffa Gutierrez walk out from ABS-CBN’s The Buzz last Sunday (never mind if she insisted that it was not a “walkout” but more of a “walk into” her dressing room where she melted into tears)?
Two things presumably: Co-host Kris Aquino’s comment about John Lloyd Cruz, Ruffa’s “special friend,” and about Talentadong Pinoy in which Ruffa is a resident judge (part of her five-show contract with TV5) and which has the same format as the new ABS-CBN show Pilipinas Got Talent in which Kris is a judge together with Ai-Ai delas Alas and Freddie Garcia.
It was mom Annabelle Rama who “ordered” Ruffa to walk out. In her phone patch with GMA’s Showbiz Central also that Sunday, Annabelle called on televiewers not to vote for Kris’ brother, Sen./Presidentiable Noynoy Aquino because, according to Annabelle, “baka lalong yumabang si Kris kapag presidente na si Noynoy.”
Yesterday’s Funfare quoted Kris as saying that she didn’t mean to offend Ruffa and her comments were made “with affection.”
Very early yesterday morning, Kris texted Funfare the following message:
I had dinner with Noynoy tonight (Sunday, March 7) after his TVC shoot. He told me di raw ba puwede na may quiet Sunday kami? And he asked why siya nadamay when he’s not even part of Buzz. I would like to extend a loving hug to Ruffa. I viewed the tape and although I still feel that I gave my comment with affection, maybe it made her feel even worse because she’s now moving in a new direction. We had what I believed was a good working relationship in the almost two years we were together on the Buzz.
I can also understand that Ruffa’s mom dislikes Noynoy and my family maybe because of association and our vocal proclamation of admiration for Dingdong Dantes and his selfless contribution to help Noynoy’s presidential bid. It is with Ruffa that I enjoyed a healthy working relationship and I only have good words to say about her. To Ruffa, I sincerely apologize for causing you hurt. My brother Noynoy would like to add that we live in a democracy where we are very free to make our own choice for president.
Noynoy told me that in any election, we’ll have our share of fervent supporters and harshest critics. And if you can’t take the heat, then politics isn’t for you. I respect Tita Annabelle as a woman, and as Ruffa’s mom and the lola of Lorin and Venice. On behalf of our family I apologize for the distress we caused you. Hindi po ako mayabang, kaya ako nagpapakumbaba ngayon. On a last note, I promised Noynoy that if he does win, and I’m the cause of stress for him and his presidency, I’ll gladly take my two boys to live anywhere there is TFC so that I can continue to work but with our overseas Filipino brothers and sisters. Of course, Noynoy said dinner daw ‘yon at hindi teleserye ko.
I love my family and I’m so grateful to have such a supportive and grounded brother and sisters who have learned to love me for all that I am. Thank you for your time and may God bless all of us with a peaceful week.
Also, I just got this text message from my sister Pinky: Tomorrow (yesterday) is Women’s Day and March is Women’s Month. FYI, it was our mom who passed laws making this possible (Proclamation No. 224 and 227, both signed in March 1988) and RA 6949 (signed April 1990) declaring March 8 as National Women’s Day. We celebrate women who triumphed despite odds and need to look at ways to further improve. That’s why I want Ruffa to have a great career ahead of her because she is a woman, raising two beautiful daughters. And I champion all women who triumph despite the odds, just like my own mom.
Late yesterday afternoon, I got this text message from Ruffa:
I’ve heard from the whole world except from Kris. So until then I will remain graciously quiet about this. Thank you.
(Note to Kris and Ruffa: The sooner you sort things out and smoke the peace pipe the better for you and for a world already mired in catastrophies, recession and dirty politics. Remember the Flower Power battlecry? Yes: Make love, not war.)