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RUFA MAE QUINTO: IT'S ALL IN THE HEART

MANILA, FEBRUARY 20, 2004  (STAR) DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda - Rufa Mae Quinto is extremely grateful for all the blessings that are coming her way. One of the busiest (and most visible) sexy comediennes in show town, Rufa Mae juggles three GMA 7 top-raters (the gag show Bubble Gang, the sitcom Idol Ko Si Kap, and the Sunday noontime musical-variety S.O.P.), as well as her first big-screen offering for 2004, Masikip sa Dibdib: Ang Tunay na Buhay ni Bobita Rose, under her home studio Viva Films.

With this latest comedy flick, which teams her up once again with favorite director and good friend Bb. Joyce Bernal, Rufa Mae goes all the way, in more ways than one. As she would giddily exclaim: "Todo na ‘to!"

After all, Bb. Joyce is the same creative mind behind Rufa Mae’s previous big hits: Booba and Super B. Rufa Mae herself acknowledges that it took a while, that they both waited for the right time and the right project before reuniting on the silver screen.

"Direk Joyce really put a lot of thought into the script," Rufa Mae explains. "We went all out in terms of the jokes, but at the same time, it‘s no ordinary comedy movie. There’s also a little drama. This movie has a lot of heart."

For one thing, Rufa Mae serves as the movie’s line producer and she is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that her first venture is a blockbuster. "I have a new career," she guffaws. "It’s as if I belong to the same league as Demi Moore, Drew Barrymore, Nicole Kidman, and other Hollywood stars who are now producing movies."

Another great perk about being the movie’s producer is that Rufa Mae was able to gather the industry’s biggest and brightest stars (most of whom are her bosom buddies) to guest not only in the movie, but on its original soundtrack as well.

"Lots of my friends readily gave their support because they all love me," she quips. The likes of Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Salbakuta, Bituin Escalante, and Mark Bautista made special guest appearances in the movie and lent their voices to the soundtrack.

But the most significant (and heartfelt) show of support was extended by Rufa Mae’s boyfriend, cager Rudy Hatfield of the Coca-Cola Tigers. Although Rudy is a bit camera-shy and averse to all things showbiz, he made an exception for Rufa Mae’s debut as a producer.

"Kumbaga he really wanted to support me," Rufa Mae says enthusiastically. She, however, would like to correct the impression that she was the one who pushed for Rudy’s inclusion in the movie. "It was Direk Joyce’s idea," she recalls. "It’s because I have two leading men in this movie. The first one who was cast was Antonio Aquitania. And since there was a role that would suit Rudy, Direk Joyce suggested that I ask him."

At first, Rufa Mae feared Rudy would say no. "He turned down a lot of offers to do commercials in the past," she remembers. But for the love of Rufa Mae, Rudy agreed, much to her surprise. That is precisely one of Rudy’s most endearing traits, she remarks.

"He‘s a funny guy," she attests. "He’s very responsible. Very sweet. And he has a soft, kind heart. But what I love most about him is that he understands my work."

Since breaking up and reuniting last year, the couple has discovered that love is indeed lovelier the second time around. "At first, we were ill at ease," she looks back. "But after a short adjustment period, we were able to regain each other’s trust." Now, they are in perfect sync. They both agree that work is their priority and that they should support each other’s goals.

"We grow together," she gushes. "He doesn’t stop me from doing anything. He doesn’t interfere in my career. Same thing with me. I don’t make comments about basketball because I don’t know anything about sports."

But when it comes to things that truly matter, they are both certain that they can rely on each other completely. "If he has an important game, like the championship, and I am free from work, I would watch it and cheer him on," she beams.

In a lot of ways, Rufa Mae is basking in the glow of pure bliss – both in the personal and professional realms. Even her business, Booba’s Salon for Ladies and Gentlemen in BF Homes Parañaque is booming. As such, she has no time to fret about petty intrigues.

"I just laugh about it, really," she volunteers. "I don’t want to think about anything negative. I just want to focus on the positive."

Eight years in the biz have taught her a lot about her work, about herself. "I’ve come to accept that you cannot please everybody," she says. "Bahala na sila. Basta I’m just doing my job and I’m not hurting or stepping on anyone, I‘d be fine."

Rufa Mae is one tough cookie. "They can’t put me down just like that," she affirms. "I’m not saying that I’m a saint, but I know myself very well. I know I have a good heart. That I help a lot of people. That I am very caring and loving to my family, my pamangkin. I know that I work hard, that everything that I’ve achieved, I‘ve attained through hard work."

One shining testament to her perseverance is the home she built and bought with her "blood, sweat, and tears." "Until now I still can’t believe my good luck," she shares. "Imagine, I came from nothing. From rags to riches talaga. It just goes to show that nothing is impossible once you put your heart into it, once you pray for it."

In a nutshell, that is the piece of advice she’d like to impart to other starry-eyed, starstruck wannabes out there. "Never lose hope," she intones. "Always love your job. Always give your best. Always give your all."

And that is Rufa Mae’s secret, revealed.