RUFFA GUTIERREZ, after appearing in the role of former First Lady Imelda Marcos in “Maid in Malacanang”, has now officially signed up with Viva Artists Agency.
She signed her contract with VAA last Tuesday in the presence of her mom Annabelle Rama, Viva's Boss Vic del Rosario and Viva Artists Agency head Veronique del Rosario.
“I’m very happy, honored and excited to be a part of Viva Artists Agency,” she says.
“It’s important to have longevity in this business and I’ll have to thank the press people na kasama ko na since the 80s. Everytime I’m down, I rise up again like the phoenix. I’ve had several rebirths and now I’m with VAA.”
So what’s the secret of staying power?
“You just have to go with the flow, keep reinventing yourself, be nice to everyone because fame is fleeting. Don’t ever burn bridges kasi maliit lang ang industriya. Yung mahuhusay makisama are the ones who stay the longest.”
With “Maid in Malacanang” such a big hit, would she like to do another movie playing Imelda?
“Yes, meron daw Part 2 and 3 so I want to be a part of it. At kung magkakaroon ng solo biopic movie on her, I’d love to play her.
"I’m just happy I got the role. Alam ko na maraming kinonsider for this role and I’m glad Direk Daryl pushed for me to get it.”
Some bashers criticized her portrayal of Imelda in “MIM”. How does she deal with them?
“I’ve been in the industry for 36 years and lahat naman ng artista, may bashers, so dapat hindi na natin sila iniintindi.
"Let’s face it, some people will like you and some naman will always not like you. Kung ayaw nila sa akin, just close their eyes and sleep, para paggising nila, it’s a new day.
"I’m just very grateful na patuloy pa ring dumarating ang blessings sa buhay ko.”
Her mom, Annabelle Rama, will be managing her with Viva.
“Yes, my mom is the co-manager. She’s my mom, so she will always be part of my career.
"Kahit makulit at inaaway ako lagi, that’s just the way she is. She now has the Viva family to help handle my career.”
And how’s her lovelife?
“Para naman akong teenager. At this age, may mga bagay na mas mahalaga para sa atin kaysa sa lovelife, like our family and career. But ang pangit din naman kung walang nagi-inspire sayo at puro career ka lang.
"Dapat lang, i-balance natin ang lahat. If ever I’d love again, I need someone who’ll understand me and support my career.”
So what’s in store for her now that she’s with Viva?
“May mga naka-lineup na pero secret pa. Ibang presscon na yun.
"Actually, matagal na nila akong nililigawan. When we see each other, they’d ask, o when will you sign up with us. But it’s ‘Maid in Malacanang’ that sealed the deal.
"In fairness to Viva, all my projects with them before are all successful including my version of ‘Pinakamagandang Hayop’. Signing up with them is just a matter of good timing and I think now is the right time.”
What kind of roles would she like to do with them?
“Ako naman, I’m open to do different kinds of roles, on movie or on TV and it’s nice that Viva works with all the networks. I want to try action.
"I want to try doing a Koreanovela adaptation playing a strong woman. I’m also open to working with anyone sa Viva, specially their new stars, I’m open to doing different genres.
"Right now, hosting a podcast is in the works. As a host, I’m always candid, so abangan nyo.”
How about working with her daughters Lorin and Venice?
“Lorin will definitely be part of my podcast, so we can share the feelings of the Gen Z crowd.
"She’s in second year college right now in California, but she’s coming back in December kasi may offers sa kanya. Si Venice naman, you’d be blown away sa sobrang galing ng boses niya.”
She’s optimistic Viva will bring her career to new heights.
“Ang maganda sa Viva, they have the most successful movie pre-pandemic (“Miracle at Cell No. 7”) and also post-pandemic (“Maid in Malacanang”.) So I feel confident that I’m in very good hands.”