Actress Ruffa Gutierrez has joined the long list of celebrities endorsing a lifestyle brand.
Called "Gutz & Glow," Ruffa launched the brand in partnership with entrepreneur Maricor Flores at Pandan Asian Cafe Restaurant in Quezon City on April 25.
"Gutz and Glow is the newest lifestyle brand made of the finest functional ingredients and best antioxidants to provide complete skin and body care," said Ruffa, a regular judge of the "Showtime Sexy Babe" segment, during the launch.
Among the products in the lifestyle brand include Butt and Body Scrub, Disinfectant Hand Soap, Feminine Lightening Spray Mist, Luminous Hand Cream, Lustrous Hand Sanitizer, Blazing Hand Sanitizer, Makeup Remover Wipes, and Intimate Feminine Wipes.
"These products will surely help empower everyone who has the gutz to conquer the odds, and exude the glow that will put everyone in awe," said Maricor, Ruffa's business partner and churchmate.
Also, Ruffa got real about her relationship with Herbert Bautista, one of the front-runners in the senatorial race. She is thankful for Herbert's words of encouragement that inspired her to finish college.
"Tama yung sinabi niya sa isang interview na we are in a mature relationship. Imagine I haven't been in school for more than 30 years and when we first met each other on the set of "House Arrest of Us," talagang ine-eng-courage niya ako. Sabi ko I really want to do master classes or short courses. Sabi niya bakit hindi mo tapusin ang college? Matalino ka. Parang I was doubting myself pa. Sabi ko 'can I really do it pa ba?' Why not di ba?
"So with him encouraging me, I was able to finish and get a college degree.I'll be graduating in July and my kids are so proud of me. I think ang kailangan natin sa buhay natin ngayon para mag-glow tayo ay yung nagbibigay sa atin ng encouragement at hindi stress. He doesn't give me stress, he just makes me glow, and that's just what we need," Ruffa said.
In July, Ruffa will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Communication Arts under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program at the Philippine Women’s University.
She also describes Herbert as respectful and doesn't take advantage of women.
"Naiiba si Herbert sa lahat because he's not the typical guy who wants to take me to the bedroom. He's the type of guy who is very slow, very respectful to my parents, and very respectful to my kids. Sometimes he would come to my house at seven hours kaming nag-aaral.
"Hindi makapaniwala yung mga friends namin na 'Marites' akala nila may ganap na. Girl, 'wag kayong excited. Step 1 pa lang kami, wag ninyong pangunahan. Kasi sa mga tsimis parang step 20 na kami eh. Nabuntis na ako, nagpakasal, nanganak, nakunan, nagbi-build na kami ng bahay. We're just in the process of getting to know each other. And remember, I'm a long termer and my last relationship was seven years. I just want to take my time. I’m not into whirlwind romances. I'm a turtle. I want things slower," Ruffa also said.
These days, Ruffa said she and Herbert are focused on their careers and respective goals. "I'm not dating any guys right now because I am focused on my career and improving myself. And I'm so thankful that Herbert has the same goals. Wala sa amin yung 'Oh my God! Let's get married na.' We're focusing on our goals individually."
Asked if she wants to get married again, Ruffa said: "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. Lahat kayo kasama ko sa journey ko noon kay Ylmaz (Bektas). It was a very adventurous and unforgettable experience, and it was also very traumatic. So I'm not the type who will just jump into a relationship and get married. I need my space. I don't even know if I can be with someone 24/7 anymore. And I'm so happy that Herbert feels the same way."
"Sino ba nagsabi na in love na in love kami? Ours is a very relaxed and happy companionship. No pressure. Sa mga Marites na nagsasabi na walang balak magpakasal si Herbert, they didn't care to bother to ask me, may balak ba ako magpakasal? Ayoko magpakasal unless some guy comes into my life and sweeps me off my feet that would give me a better life than I have now. We're not into promises. We keep things real," Ruffa added.