Actress and former beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez recently inked a contract with Viva Artists Agency as the latest addition to the talent arm’s roster of stars.
In an interview, the 48-year-old screen star said she’s simply honored to be part of Viva family. Ruffa used to be a Regal Baby, Viva’s main rival during the ‘80s.
“Regal offered me a contract first during that period when I just came back from the States. But you know, the showbiz industry is just small and we just move in circles, so after two decades, I’m here now with Viva,” she says.
Ruffa recalls that her closeness with Viva dates back to the early ‘80s when she was just a teenager.
“For those who don’t know yet, I’m close to Boss Vic Del Rosario and his late wife. In fact, it was her who took me to shopping after my arrival from America. She was convincing me then to sign up with them. All these years, they’ve been asking me to join their talent arm. I would just smile every time. But when I did Maid in Malacañang with them, I think that sealed the deal,” she admits.
“The good thing with Viva is that all the movies I did with them, particularly, Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa Ngayon in 1995 became blockbusters. I believe it just comes with timing and for me, this is the right time,” she carries on.
For the longest time, it’s her mom Annabelle Rama who’s managing her career. Under Viva, her mom will still co-manage her career.
“She’s my mom, she’s never going to go away and I honor her. The doctor advised that she should not get tired or get stressed out. That’s why she lied low on managing artists. I think the situation now is much better since apart from my mom, Viva is there to handle my career. My mom will always be a part of my life and career, not just because she’s my mother but I think she also has a lucky streak. Anything she touches turns into gold,” ends Ruffa.
• • •
After the top-rating afternoon soap Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit, Yasser Marta has a new regular program as he is part of GMA’s latest drama series titled, What We Could Be starring Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega where he completes the love triangle with the two. The actor is grateful for the fact that he was handled by the award-winning Laurice Guillen in Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit which helped him approach his character well in his new show under the helm of another critically-acclaimed director, Jeffrey Jeturian.
“I’m proud to be a product of Direk Laurice. I can’t get relaxed in my new show considering that I got trained under her. After Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit, the more I valued my craft. Because of the training I got, I didn’t feel awkward or nervous. I developed confidence,” states Yasser.
How different is What We Could Be from Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit?
“My new show is a rom-com. It has a bit of drama but is not that heavy. So, our acting here is just natural. It’s a feel-good project I’m sure the youth can very much relate to.”
Many find him sexy and this is evident in the pilot week of What We Could Be where viewers will see his prized abs in some scenes.
“Yes! I really prepared for my role as Lucas. I have topless scenes, but it’s as far as that.”
For those who don’t know yet, Yasser auditioned for the movie Lockdown directed by Joel Lamangan last year. The controversial role went to Paolo Gumabao. During the audition, he didn’t have inhibitions in some scenes which required him to show some skin.
“That’s right! But Sparkle told me not to pursue it because I was doing Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit then and they were pushing my love team with Kyline Alcantara. I guess it was still too early at that point.”
