Ruffa Gutierrez and the currency of hard work

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Ruffa Gutierrez has worn many crowns — beauty queen, actress, model, host — but these days, the title she carries with the most pride is being a single mom.

Despite her many roles, the title Ruffa Gutierrez carries with the most pride is being a single mom. PHOTO FROM KABAYAN REMITTANCE

She's been one for nearly two decades, raising daughters Lorin and Venice largely on her own after her separation and annulment from Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas in 2007 and 2012, respectively. She doesn't shy away from this part of her story. In fact, it's become the foundation of how she lives, works and parents — with grit, humor and a steady hand on the finances.

Gutierrez (center) with Princes Manalo (left) and Karina Salve Untalan of Kabayan Remittance during her launch as brand ambassador. The two executives, along with members of their staff, flew in especially for the event from the company’s offices in the US, Canada and the UK, where the service is currently available.

"I'm really grateful to all the brands that still believe in me — even at this age," the now 50-year-old yet ever young and gorgeous looking Ruffa said in her latest endorsement launch on April 10 in Quezon City.

"Every year, blessings come in, and because of these opportunities, I've been able to raise my daughters by myself. It's not easy, but it's fulfilling because I know that everything I'm doing is for them."

That particular launch wasn't just another campaign for Ruffa. She was formally introduced as the first-ever brand ambassador of Kabayan Remittance — a financial service dedicated to overseas Filipino workers. And this role, for her, means more than a title.

"I know what it feels like to be far from your family," Ruffa shared. "When we lived in the States during my teenage years, my parents were working hard abroad to raise us. We weren't rich, but we were raised with values — resilience, hard work and love."

It's those same values she now passes on to Lorin and Venice, both currently pursuing their studies in the United States. Ruffa lights up when she talks about them. "They're not just beautiful girls — they're smart, grounded and independent," she said. "I always remind them: don't be lazy. Work hard. Don't rely on others for your success."

A big part of that is managing their own money. Ruffa makes sure they understand the value of saving early. "Every time they earn from endorsements, we put it straight into savings," she explained. "They also have their allowances, of course. But I tell them — save for the rainy days."

She's not overly strict, though. "I also want them to enjoy what they work for," she said. "It's okay to splurge once in a while — it encourages them to stay motivated."

Lorin put that lesson into action when she decided to buy her first car in the US using money she earned from her own first endorsement.

"She said, 'Mom, I want a nice car,' and I told her, 'I don't care what it looks like as long as it runs and has wheels,'" Ruffa laughed. "But I get it. Kids today want something stylish. So I advised her to just get something practical but still decent. She ended up buying a second-hand Mercedes-Benz. She listened. And I was proud."

Ruffa's money lessons come from experience. At 13, she earned her first paycheck worth ₱3,000 for a Christmas TV special. "I didn't save it. I went shopping right away!" she said, grinning. "But with my first big contract at Regal Films, I saved. That's when I started learning the value of money."

That full-circle perspective is why she feels at home working with Kabayan Remit. Last year, they flew her to Canada to connect with overseas Filipinos, many of whom have followed her career for decades.

"They've seen me grow up, and I've enjoyed meeting so many of them," gushed the former teen star. "Their stories are very inspiring. They remind me so much of my own parents and all the sacrifices people make for family."

For Ruffa, what OFWs give her isn't just admiration — it's affection that feels personal. "When I run into Filipinos abroad, it's never just small talk," she said. "They'll say things like, 'You make us feel closer to home,' or 'We're proud of you.' It's not the usual fan moment— it's family energy. And that kind of connection? It means everything to me."

It's this very openness — the willingness to connect beyond the surface — that Ruffa has always brought to her own life stories, too. Because let's face it: no article about this beautiful celebrity is ever complete without a touch of intrigue, right?

Lately, that intrigue surrounds her ex-husband, Yilmaz, who's reportedly planning a visit to the Philippines — his first since 2008. There's even talk that he wants to woo her back, but Ruffa isn't fazed in the least.

"It's not about me anymore," she said simply. "It's about Yilmaz's relationship with the girls. I've always told them the truth [about what happened between us]. But I've also always told them to respect their father. At the end of the day, he's still their dad, and whatever happened between us shouldn't get in the way of [the girls getting to know him]. I want them to have a bond with their dad on their own terms."

True to her famously witty and straightforward style, though, Ruffa couldn't resist adding with a laugh, "Pero ibang usapan na pag sinabi niyang gusto niyang magpadala ng support (But it will be a different story if he says he wants to send support) via Kabayan Remit. As the mom, we'll gladly accept."

It was classic Ruffa— humorous, unbothered and unafraid to speak her truth. But beneath the quip lies the real story: of a woman who's done the work, who continues to show up, and who, no matter the twists and turns of life, stays centered on what matters most — her daughters, her values and the kind of life she's built all on her own.