The Lioness, the witch and the wardrobe
Waving to the people with one flinching gesture, Ruffa Gutierrez causes clamor among her fans. This I experienced personally, being her arm candy for the premiere night
of the most recent box-office bonanza, For the First Time. Amid shrieks from the crazed crowd, she glides effortlessly and effervescently, smiling blithely in the glare of flashbulbs and sudden fan calls. Call me a self-confessed “Ruffanian” but I really do admire her as a person more than a movie star.
Growing up with the glare of klieg lights trailing her every move, the reel and real character traits are often blurred — not that it’s a bad thing. Ruffa owns both her reel and real sides and is able to glaze sweetness over anything and everything that comes her way. And it’s that unique kind of sweetness that is neither cloying nor forced. Her career comeback is one of the best that this generation has seen. Her childhood years may have overflowed with intrigue but so has her adult life, and in both stages, she has spun all the rumor fodder to her favor.
Now, the tables will be turned once more. The glamazon who once essayed more kawawa roles like heartbroken girlfriend, battered wife, and rape victim will now be the tormentor and supposed mentor to Bea Alonzo’s Betty La Fea. Will she charm her way out of this? Let’s find out.
You are so used to playing roles that are “loved” — now you play the villain. How did you prepare for this role?
It truly was a challenge for me to play Daniella Valencia... antagonist to Betty La Fea. I not only took acting workshops with the whole cast but did an afternoon with Laurice Guillen as well. Watched Devil Wears Prada, some episodes of Ugly Betty US version. I went through so many hairstyles — straight, curly, wet look — thank goodness for Pantene! Shiny pa rin. I truly forgot about what others would think and just played with my role. Now I love it! Si Daniella ang babaeng mamahalin at gagayahin ng lahat! Gooooooooooo!!!
Pinoys are so reactive to telenovela characters that they sometimes “hate” the villain when they see them in person. Are you ready for this kind of reaction?
I believe our Filipino viewers have matured and understand that this is simply a role that I’m portraying. In real life, I’m sweet, kind, loyal, funny and bubbly. My friends in and out of the industry can attest to that! (Laughs.) No one would ever believe me as Betty so I’d rather be Daniella! (Laughs.)
Did you channel your inner Annabelle Rama for this?
Not at all — Mom has the Italian temper. She fights, fights, fights, reacts with big, loud movements, then after the storm has calmed down, she’s back to her lovable but still talkative self. She doesn’t keep grudges... Daniella does. Daniella is cool, cold, vengeful, ambitious, scheming but beautiful. She will do everything to get what she wants and whoever gets in her way... she will make life like hell for them!!!
On the style front, do you think you still commit fashion mistakes?
Yes, much less than before, but what’s important for me is that I’m comfortable in my own skin. Since I’m always so dressed for the buzz and Betty la Fea... lately I’m just super comfy wearing my Lululemon yoga outfit when I’m off and flipflops especially when I hang out and do girly things with my girls.
We’ve noticed that you’ve moved from wearing foreign labels to supporting pinoy young designers. What made you expand your fashion choices?
I still love wearing international brands, but I also support Filipino designers since most of them are my friends. I wear their pieces, thank them on my shows, they get good reviews, people who watch me on TFC order from them (including me) and I get to promote the talented, brilliant young designers in the country today. I love Pinoy!
Who are your favorite designers?
Valentino, Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin. Local — too many!!
How do you react when blogs refer to you as “Amazona” or “Ruffarigno?”
Hire an assassin and have them bring me their head on the table! Seriously now, I thank all the bloggers out there who find time to write, bash, mock and condemn me... I didn’t know I made such a difference! Haha! I also thank all those that continue to love me, support me and defend me. You are the reason I challenge myself to be the best I can be. I’m a public figure and it comes with the territory. When they stop bashing me, thinking about me and gossiping about me, then that would mean the end of a career in the crazy world of showbizness! Reading the bible also keeps me sane!
How do you handle criticism, especially online?
What’s the difference between criticism online, face to face and in the papers or tv? For me, it’s all the same. People can say whatever they want and judge me. What’s important is I have my family, a few close friends I can run to in times of trouble, my two beautiful sweet angels and the rest honestly really do not matter. I take it with a grain of salt.
How fierce are you?
Like a lioness.......rrrrrrrrr!!!
When was the last time you got mad?
Last night. When a co-star was late and didn’t apologize to the director for her tardiness. In showbiz kailangan marunong kang makisama sa lahat ng tao.
Do you easily forgive?
Yes. God forgives and people can change for the better.
As a mom, how do you keep your kids entertained?
Tell stories about them and real life events when they were babies, read educational books, when we “raid mommy’s closet” and play dress up.
Have Lorin and Venice watched your old movies like Underage 2 on Cinema One?
Venice and Lorin are not allowed to watch television unless it’s the Disney Channel, my family’s shows and dvds I have screened. One day, I will definitely have them watch my films. (Smiles.)
Who do you like for Chard?
I have my top pick and favorites but at the end of the day, it’s Chard’s decision. Whoever will make him happy, be loyal, bring out the best in him, and love him unconditionally.
What’s your dream tv show about, or do you already have it?
About women’s empowerment... a mix of Desperate Housewives, Sex In The City and Oprah.
Do you actually do household chores like cooking and cleaning?
I love to clean...except the toilets. Ewww! My favorite chores are ironing, vacuuming, sweeping the floors, getting rid of dust, washing the dishes and setting the table. When I finally retire, my dream is to take up a culinary course and cook gourmet meals for my family. In the meantime, I’m happy helping with the barbecue. (Smiles.)
When do you think you’ll fall in love again?
When it snows in the summertime.
Have you been dating?
I work four times a week. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays are for Betty La Fea. Sundays are for Christian fellowship and The Buzz. Starting end of September my Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are for Desperadas 2 ... entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. Whatever free time I have is reserved for pampering myself and my family.
There are admirers but with my hectic schedule.. .matira ang matibay! (Laughs.)
Did you ever think that your comeback would be this well received?
When I got married, I said goodbye to the crazy world of show business. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be right smack in the middle of the rat race all over again. To everyone who believes in me... my producers, directors, multinational companies that have chosen me as their endorser... maraming, maraming salamat po for trusting me and believing in me! I’m not perfect, but I will try to represent your brand in the best way I can. Hope the work keeps coming because I truly enjoy my job! (Smiles).
How different will Ruffa be five or 10 years from now?
Ruffa in 10 years will be a happy, content, fullfilled Christian woman, with or without a man. She will be a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, a mogul. Hello, Kimora Lee Simmons! Hello, Tyra Banks!
I see myself skiing in the Swiss Alps during the winter, enjoying the summer breeze in the Amalfi Coast with my kids with a cute dog while sharing my stories with other women out there who have been through similar situations over a cup of hot chocolate.
Hey, dreams are free! If you believe, who knows? They may one day come true!
