THEY say it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, especially when it comes to your education. And this is exactly what former Miss World 2nd Princess Ruffa Gutierrez is doing these days.
In an article in PEP.ph, the actress/TV host shared that she will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program. The story also shared part of an original article that appeared online in ABS-CBN News where the 47-year-old shared her story on pursuing her college degree.
It was during a segment in the show “It’s Showtime” where Gutierrez is a judge in a pageant segment where Ruffa revealed that she has been busy with school work.
Asked why she had been absent from the noontime show recently, Ruffa replied, “I was studying. I had academic deadlines! It’s my practicum already. Tomorrow is my last day.”
“I’m graduating college in July,” she added, which was cheered by the hosts.
“At least I’m not just a high school graduate. But, excuse me, I’ve been working since I was 13 years old, right? [It’s] never too late!” she further stated.
Daughter Lorin Gabriella, who is currently studying at Pepperdine University in Malibu, celebrated her mom’s impending accomplishment by posting on her social media. She said, “my mom is getting her college degree!!! she beat me to it and is gonna graduate before me [emoji] its never too late, so proud of you @iloveruffaq [emojis]… she started working at 13 and never got the chance to finish her studies… until now & you are so inspiring @iloveruffag.”
It was in 2021 that Ruffa, the only daughter of Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama, initially revealed her plans via Instagram.
“You’re never too old to chase your dreams,” she began. “I am both humbled and excited to share with you that I am currently enrolled in the Philippine Women’s University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Communication Arts under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).”
“After 34 years of working in the entertainment industry, I have chosen to further my education. Not only do I want to fulfill a long-held dream and take control of the next chapter of my life, I want to set a good example for my children,” she continued.
She ended with: “I hope you can support me in my new journey.”
Congratulations to Ruffa!!!
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Director Brillante Mendoza recently clarified that his new film with the same title is not a remake of the 1985 movie “Virgin Forest” directed by Peque Gallaga under Regal Films that starred Sarsi Emmanuelle, Miguel Rodriguez and Abel Jurado.
The new film, according to the director has a different theme and delves into illegal logging, which is the reason for the title. Principal photography for Mendoza’s new film, which was started shooting in late February, is being done in the provinces of Batangas and Quezon, according to a story on PEP.ph.
The new “Virgin Forest” movie stars Ivan Padilla, Angeli Khang, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Sid Lucero, Vince Rillon, Markki Stroem and Alma Moreno.
“Virgin Forest” is just one of the films that Mendoza has helmed that features the same title as past movies. The other one is “Sisid,” another movie that also has pro-environment themes that features Kylie Verzosa, Paolo Gumabao and Vince Rillon in the cast that is being released by Vivamax. This is not to be confused with the same-titled 2001 movie helmed by Joey Romerio that featured Assunta de Rossi, Raymond Bagatsing and Rodel Velayo under Seiko Films.
Speaking of Markki Stroem, he was full of praises for his director, Brillante Mendoza, in an Instagram post.
Stroem said, “An absolute pleasure working with the icon that is direk @brillante_mendoza. Such a surreal experience learning about the complexities of deforestation and its effect on mother nature. This is a social commentary on the injustices towards people in lower socio-economic classes. A wake up call per se.”
He continued: “Watch out for #VirginForest starring one of my favorite actors in the industry @sidluceroalongside the likes of veteran actress @iamalmamoreno @vince_rillon my foreigner loggers @realgreghawkins and @ivangermainepadilla and some amazing female award worthy performances from @katrinadovey@angelikhang_ and @rblyngnt.”
“Of course, who can forget Zoe, my favorite reticulated python,” he added in the post.
Stroem also gave further props to his pet co-star in another post as he said, “Such a well trained reticulated python! Even if she was hungry and a little stressed, she acted her part so well.”
