For some, love is sweeter the second time around. But for former beauty queen and actress Ruffa Gutierrez, when her former husband, Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas, “proposed” to her again, she turned him down.
In an interview during her contract signing with Luxe Skin as its newest ambassador, Ruffa shared her initial reaction to the unexpected proposal, saying she thought it was a joke.
“I said, ‘Is this a joke?’ He said, ‘No, I want to invite you to be [on] a train with me and train all over Europe. So, I said, ‘Is this true, or maybe he’s planning my murder on the plane or train?’,” she quipped.
Despite the offer, Ruffa declined. Yilmaz then told her that he would visit her in the Philippines instead.
“I told him, ‘Okay, you’re welcome to visit in the Philippines.’ But make sure your children are here,’” said Ruffa.
Ruffa and Yilmaz were married in 2003 but separated in 2007. They share two daughters, Lorin and Venice, who recently reconnected with their father during a visit to Turkey.
The actress expressed joy over her daughters finally forming a personal bond with their dad.
“I’m very happy that they are more at ease. It’s like the pain I saw in their hearts for so many years, is already gone,” she continued.
She also noted that her relationship with her former husband has improved over time.
“Yilmaz and I are fine too, sometimes we joke around. He also now sends [money as financial support], you know, so we are all happy. Yes, communication is regular,” added Ruffa.
Ruffa continues to co-parent with Yilmaz while focusing on her career and family.