Ruffa Gutierrez: I would rather be alone than get hurt

MANILA, Philippines – Years after her failed marriage with Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas, Ruffa Gutierrez said she wants to get married again.

“Before kasi, ayoko na magpakasal talaga. Pero since ang daming nagpapakasal lately and every time na may nagpapakasal umiiyak ako, sabi ko, 'Ay, I'm really a romantic at heart.' So gusto ko talaga magpakasal ulit,” she said at the sidelines of the red carpet preview of the reality show “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez” on Monday, May 26.

Ruffa married Yilmaz in 2003 and admitted they have parted ways in 2007. Their marriage was annulled in 2011.

The 39-year-old actress, who said she is currently single, revealed that her daughters, Lorraine and Venice, have accepted that Ruffa will “follow love again” someday. 

READ: The Gutierrezes in reality TV

“Ang gusto nila, ang dream nila, kaming tatlo lang. Pero sabi kasi nila, they're not selfish. And they know that they want me to be happy one day,” she said. “As long as that person is kind-hearted, mahal ako, mahal sila (her children), can be a kid sometimes, doesn't smoke, would treat me well.”

The “Maybe It's Time” co-star said she is choosy when it comes to men this time.

“Dapat lang maging choosy, ano! Hindi naman pwedeng sige lang ng sige, kung sino-sino na lang,” Ruffa quipped. 

“We have to be choosy because number one, I have two kids I have to take care of, their future is at stake. And number two, marami na akong naranasan na heartbreak. So ayokong masaktan ulit." 

She further explained, “I would rather be alone than get hurt.”

Although she admits falling for younger men in the past, Ruffa said she has no preference when it comes to the age of the guys she dates.

“Wala naman sa edad yun, e. Ang importante, mamahalin ako, aalagaan ako, mamahalin yung mga anak,” she said. “I mean, sana huwag naman kasing edad ng daddy ko. Hello, may daddy pa ako!” 

Since Ruffa is currently single, she doesn't have a time frame for when she wants to get married. “Hopefully that dream would come true in the next five years,” she said.

Ruffa spoke to the press to promote “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez,” which will premiere Sunday, June 1 at 9 p.m. on entertainment channel E!

The show—which will focus the Gutierrez showbiz headed by parents Annabelle Rama and Eddie Gutierrez and children Ruffa, Richard, and Raymond—will air in the Philippines as well as other countries in Asia. 

“Maraming mga pasabog,” she said of the show.

Many viewers expect the show to answer to some controversies that Gutierrez are currently facing—including reports claiming that actor Richard Gutierrez already has a child with girlfriend Sarah Lahbati.

Ruffa is coy on what would be revealed about the Gutierrez family on the show, but said, “Lahat ng mga taong ninyo, masasagot. At kung hindi masagot, tanungin mo kami ulit after one month.”