Lorin Bektas looks up to her mom, Ruffa Gutierrez. Truly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. But while many expected Lorin to follow in her mother’s footsteps in show business and pageantry, she says she has no such plans.
In an email interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, the 22-year-old daughter of Ruffa said that although she admires her mother’s achievements, she prefers to carve out her own path.
“I’ve always admired my mom and everything she’s achieved, but I’d rather create something that’s uniquely mine,” she said. “She’ll always be the pageant queen of the family, and I’m proud of that. I want to explore my own passions and create something that’s uniquely mine, while still carrying the lessons and values she’s instilled in me.”
Raised by Ruffa as a single mother after her split with Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas, Lorin learned early the value of independence and hard work.
“She’s always been an example of a woman who doesn’t rely on anyone but herself. Watching her made me want to be strong too,” she shared.
While pageants are not part of her plans, Lorin continues to embody the lessons her mother taught her, to be confident, disciplined, and always grateful.
“Everything I am now, it’s because of my mom,” she said. “She taught us to stay grounded despite our family’s prominence.”
Now a student and social media personality, Lorin hopes to build a meaningful creative career. With her interest in business and marketing, she aspires to represent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands as a global voice for her generation.
Having lived both in the Philippines and abroad, Lorin believes those experiences shaped her personality and outlook.
“Living both in the Philippines and abroad has made me more open-minded and adaptable,” she said. “It gave me a broader, more cultured perspective on life and helped me appreciate different people and ways of thinking.”
Recently, Lorin became the newest face of beauty and wellness brand Brilliant Skin, founded by entrepreneur Glenda Dela Cruz.
