The woman formerly known as Booba

MANILA, Philippines - She took an excruciating hiatus from the silver screen, which has since missed her trademark sexy, funny one-two punch. But now, in the hands of Marlon Rivera, Rufa Mae Quinto stages the ultimate comeback in the multi-genre bender, Ang Huling Henya. Supreme sits down with the bodacious babe to discover what new tricks she’s got in her bag, and to take a moment of silence for the persona formerly known as Booba.

The movie Ang Huling Henya is said to be your “comeback” film. What’s been keeping you so quiet, and what made you decide to come back?

I haven’t really been quiet, it’s just that ngayon lang naging “todo na to” ang mga ganap ko, especially now that I will celebrate my 20th anniversary in show business next year. It’s bound to be a pasabog year. I believe in the saying, “Work hard in silence and let success make the noise.”

What do you miss most about Booba?

Yung feeling na tanga-tangahan. To be innocent looking!

The word is that Ang Huling Henya was really a film crafted in your honor. How did the project come about?

I texted Direk Marlon, “This is Rufa Mae Quinto. Can I call you?” and he said, “Aba casualan! Since this is Rufa Mae Quinto, why not answer her?”

In short, we had lunch and we talked about a movie. He was the one with the idea that I’d play a scientist and tumawa ako ng tumawa ng wagas! Ayun, nabuo na ang Henya.

There aren’t many real action stars left in the local showbiz scene, and within that number, hardly any are women. Was this movie an exciting challenge for you as an actress?

Doing action movie is very tough, but I like it. It’s not new anymore to me because I’ve done action movies already — remember Booba, Super B and the movies I’ve done with action stars, namely Bong Revilla, Philip Salvador, Jinggoy Estrada, and Mikee Arroyo?

What do you love most about Miri, the character you play in Ang Huling Henya?

Miri is very strong and tough. (And she has lots of) positivity.

Are you now more determined to pursue other more dramatic roles?

Why not? (Laughs.) Type ko din ang dramatic roles. Todohin ko na lahat ng roles! (Laughs.)

Speaking of drama, how has show business changed the way you approach romantic relationships?

With regard to romantic relationships, for now dapat wag muna dibdibin masyado kasi masasaktan lang ako. If I feel na serious yung guy sa akin, saka ko na rin sya didibdibin masyado. (Laughs.)

Are you currently seeing anyone? Would you say you have any showbiz crushes?

Syempre naman I’m seeing a special someone! Showbiz crushes? Marami! (Laughs.)

What do you look for in a partner?

Right now, my feeling is hindi hinahanap ang right partner. Kusa na yun darating.

What impression do you hope to leave with the audience after this film that is different from Booba or the other roles you’ve played before?

That I’m tough but loving, which is true in real life.