Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

From any standpoint, it’s easy to see why Ruffa Gutierrez is the star that she is--the life of every party.

This much was evident at her Hollywood birthday bash/fashion soiree last June 28 at the CBS Studios Center--New York Street.

Her statuesque presence, the glowing skin, the infectious laugh, the edifying good-girl manners, her gumption to be herself even with many people watching, and, not to mention, her acute proneness to be the controversial topic of every other showbiz conversation.

Ruffa is Ruffa because of all these, and more.

And from a common perspective, it does seem like this golden child of showbiz lives a fairytale life. She was a popular teen actress and an international beauty queen who married a Turkish prince and had two beautiful children as a result of that high-profile partnership.

In the end, that marriage came to naught. The debris from the fairytale union, when it came tumbling down, was unpleasant and became fodder for showbiz gossip.

But in the aftermath, Ruffa has refused to live a life less rosy.

Where others in a similar position would choose to dwell on negativity, this beauty queen-actress and TV host is charting her own course to lead the beautiful life. By choice, Ruffa is willing only beautiful things to keep coming into her life.

"I’m living life to the fullest," Ruffa has declared with resolute mindfulness.

In a way, this young mother of two is starting her life over. She’s re-ignited an entertainment career that has surpassed all expectations and lately, she’s been rumored to be dating again.

At her Beautiful Life! Celebration last June 28, Ruffa tickled her guests with the admission that yes, she is ready to be romanced by a "fair prince" once again.

More excitement electrified the crowd with the mention of one John Lloyd Cruz, the young actor rumored to be Ruffa’s current squeeze.

"We’re friends...," a blushing Ruffa quipped. Any and all audible undertones from her inflection were enough to send the crowd into a roaring frenzy.

With her never-fading goddess good-looks and slender figure, it’s sometimes hard to imagine she’s given birth to two young kids.

Motherhood, to Ruffa, is a role she embraces with absolute commitment and dedication.

Her hectic schedule may sometimes make it challenging, but Ruffa says she has her priorities straightened out. Priority number one is raising healthy, happy, and God-fearing daughters.

"I read Bible stories to them. They love stories about princesses. They love the encyclopedia. They love I Spy and activity books."

The rest of her priorities fall neatly into place: nurturing a long-standing career, forging a stronger relationship with members of the celebrated Gutierrez clan and continuing to be an inspiration to her legions of fans.

Besides her goals, Ruffa’s advocacies keep her grounded. As Avon spokesperson against domestic violence, Ruffa is proud to do her part in breaking the cycle of abuse for all women.

"Domestic violence is an issue that affects everyone, whether you’re young or old, rich or poor, famous or unknown. Each one of us can do something to support this cause. It doesn’t have to be big. What’s important is that in our own little way, we are making a difference," Ruffa said.

She has also dedicated much effort into sending Filipino kids to school under her organization, the Roof-A-Child Foundation.

"The world of entertainment has been very good to me. I owe much of what I am today to it, but more so to those in the industry who have helped me along the way; and to the countless people, young and old, who patronized my body of work. It is because of these that I have made up my mind to give back to society as much of my time, effort and resources as possible, not only as a demonstration of the social accountability we all face as responsible citizens, but as a fulfillment of my sincere desire to help and comfort the most disadvantaged sector of our society--the children and the poor."

Fairytale or not, Ruffa seems determined to at least live a life full of meaning. Not only for herself but for everyone around her who makes the view from her castle more panoramic.

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( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on July 1, 2009 in Asian Journal MDWK Magazine p. 2 )