Ruffa G.: Take 3

Ruffa Gutierrez is in pain. No, it has nothing to do with affairs of the heart. For three years now, she has been suffering from recurring back pains caused by the five-inch heels that she’s wearing, so she’s keeping in mind her doctor’s advice to wear flats.

But for this Conversation, Ruffa shows up dressed in dramatic black, fresh as morning dew even in the sweltering summer heat, and, you guessed it, in five-inch heels.

She glows even if, she insists, she’s loveless (only at the moment) and attributes it to Cosmo Skin L-Gluthathione (with Advance Skin Whitening Technology, the flagship product of Bargn Farmaceutici Phils. Co [BFPC]) which she’s endorsing.

She and her parents (Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama), daughters (Lorin and Venice) and siblings (twins Richard and Raymond, Elvis, Rocky and Ritchie Paul) are in the homestretch of the shoot for It Takes Gutz To Be A Gutierrez, the reality-TV scheduled to premiere on E! Channel in May.

In the meantime, Ruffa is packing her things for a six-day Holy Land pilgrimage with her daughters, departing on Wednesday, April 16, and back after Easter Sunday hopefully spiritually renewed and recharged after visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea.

For now, Ruffa is baring more of herself in this corner’s broken series “Take 3.”

3 places most memorable to me

1. Los Angeles — This is where I grew up and had a happy childhood. Life was much simpler then. Mom would always cook for us. Dad would take me to school. Sometimes, I miss that. I wish to re-live those memories again.

2. Istanbul — Bittersweet memories. This is where I fell in love and started a family. My time in Turkey taught me many life lessons that made me the woman I am today.

3. Manila — This is my home. The people I love most are here.

3 valuable lessons I learned from my mistakes

1. When you are true to yourself in all your actions, your life takes on a whole new level of joy you never thought was possible.

2. Follow your gut instinct. You’ll thank yourself later on.

3. Love like you’ve never been hurt before.

3 things I can’t do without

1. My phone! I need it 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless I want to disappear then you will never be able to reach me! 

2. Cologne during the day and perfume at night. Gotta smell good!

3. Mints/sugar-free gum. Gotta have fresh breath!

3 people who have changed my life

1. God — He’s not a person but He has managed to save me each time I needed saving!

2. Lorin and Venice. I couldn’t imagine how my life would be now without them. They mean everything to me!

3. My parents. They have accepted me with open arms at the lowest point of my life. They will never turn their back on me...come what may. Kahit maingay si Mommy at may kasamang sermon...they love me to pieces!

3 ways to turn down a suitor without offending him

1. Ignore his calls and messages. He’ll get the picture sooner than later.

2. Always say you’re busy. He will get bored waiting.

3. Say you want to have babies and get married soon. That will keep him away!

3 (or more) qualities I want in a man

1. Trustworthy. Has Integrity. Is selfless. Respects me and those I love. Shares my beliefs. Doesn’t give me reason to be jealous...because I am...within reason.

2. Strength in character. I need a real man who will protect me, hold my hand and make decisions that are best for us. He should lead me to the right path and love me and my children unconditionally. Of course, he should be smart, fun, dresses well, and must be attractive! Haba!!! LOL!!!

3. These are non-negotiable. Life has taught me the hard way. Truthfully, I would rather be alone than be with someone who will give me problems and make my life miserable.

3 most treasured possessions in my life

1. My children Lorin and Venice. Together, we make a cute, happy family!

2. My family. They are my rock. We may not get along sometimes and have our issues like most other large families, but at the end of the day, we love each other and support one another.

3. Photo albums/old scrapbooks. Captured memories that   take me back to those precious moments.

3 goals I want to achieve this year

1. To go to a new country where I’ve never been with my children. I will achieve this goal in a few weeks as we explore Israel together. We will be visiting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea.

2. Pursue my studies. Last year, I took a short course in King’s College London. Perhaps if I find ample time this year, I’ll take a short business course.

3. My fitness goal is to have abs!!! LOL!!!

3 things I don’t like about myself

1. I’m always “connected.” Instead of savoring and enjoying the moment... I’m on my phone!

2. My laziness to exercise. I’ll pack workout clothes for a trip then chill at the spa instead! Hahahahaha!

3. When I’m mad I don’t see things clearly and don’t listen.

3 things I like about myself

1. Strength of character. It’s tried and tested that I can practice grace under pressure and rise like a phoenix after a hard fall.

2. I’m loyal. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, I’ll stand by you, hold your hand and weather any storm with you.

3. I’m a go-getter. If I want it, I must have it. I’ll do whatever it takes for me to achieve that goal!

3 things I will pray

for in the Holy Land

1. I will pray that God will reveal His perfect plan for me this year.

2. I will pray for my family to remain intact. That we may be kept away from harmful situations, bad influences and bad people. That each one will be happy, successful, have peace of mind and good health.

3. I will pray for spiritual guidance. That God will lead me to the right path and bless me with the man who will make me happy for the rest of my life.

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