What’s Ruffa up to? - FUNFARE by Ricardo F. Lo

Today is the 59th birthday of Eddie Gutierrez (who looks 10 years younger, much to the envy of his peers and colleagues) but, sigh, daughter Ruffa won’t be home (unlike on Eddie’s past birthdays when she would spring him a surprise). But for sure, Ruffa will call from wherever in the world she is to greet Dear Dad a happy, happy birthday (which Eddie will be celebrating with friends, as usual, at the Gutierrez White Plains home, with wife Annabelle Rama as the, as usual, hostess with the mostest).

Last week, Ruffa called Funfare to relay the good news that she was featured in a Turkish TV show while she was vacationing in Istanbul with her Turkish boyfriend Yilmaz Bektas. Last Jan. 28, she graced the Superbowl XXXV held at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, covered live by CBS and viewed by more than 750 million worldwide. Among the performers in the event were Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys (which sang The Star-Spangled Banner), Sting and Styx.

Due to her commitments abroad, Ruffa has to turn down an invitation for her to host the Bb. Pilipinas 2001 Pageant on Feb. 24 (a Saturday) at the Araneta Coliseum.

So what else is new about the jetsetting "international TV host"?

After watching the Superbowl XXXV, Ruffa is again hosting Century’s production of the US Comedy Arts Festival for the second year in a row. The event, held annually in Aspen, Colorado, will feature a tribute to famed producer George Lucas and renowned comedian Billy Crystal.
Century has been involved in producing comedy specials for HBO and The US Comedy Arts Festival these past four years. Ruffa will again do the commentary and will interview special guest stars and other celebrities. This year’s event will be televised on March 19.

Also on Ruffa’s busy schedule this spring includes a baseball spring training on March 4 to 6, where she will interview and host three live television specials from some of America’s finest Spring Baseball training camps. Ruffa will be hosting from Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, and Hollywood Florida, along with Century Production’s ace sports personality Joe Rocco.

But baseball isn’t Ruffa’s only new TV assignment. Century will produce its first ever sailing regatta, from Newport Rhode Island on March 28. Newport is noted for hosting some of America’s most prestigious yachting races and for its sprawling mansions and affluent lifestyle. Newport, home to America’s Cup for many decades, was recently the site of several major international yachting events.

Century is producing this event for ESPN2 and Ruffa will get her first opportunity to see what championship yachting in the USA is all about. Newport Rhode Island has also been the setting of many Hollywood movies, including The Great Gatsby, Meet Joe Black and True Lies.

The latest on Rio

More good news from abroad, this time about Rio Diaz-Cojuangco who wrote Funfare (dated Jan. 1) to update readers and those praying/sympathizing with her on her present condition. I’m letting Rio herself break the good news by printing her letter in full. Here it is:

My dearest Ricky,

Yesterday was my last day of chemotherapy. My doctors have declared me on remission and by the Grace of God, all my tests show everything is normal. I must admit, there were times the treatment would become quite difficult. During those trying moments, I would cry out to the Lord and my heart would be comforted to know His love would sustain me. When I bring my worries before the throne of grace I am at peace because I know my God is in full control. I give all praise and glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ricky, I want you to know how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness, and to your many readers who have taken the time to lift me to the Lord in prayer or have even allowed my name to pass their lips, I am sincerely grateful that the Lord has worked through them and I thank our Heavenly Father for making each of them a part of my journey.

Could you imagine, if we the Filipinos storm the gates of heaven in prayer for all our leaders, that God may give them the wisdom to do what is glorifying to God, we may see God’s will accomplished in our country.

I am so excited to go home to Negros, although Charlie insists I stay here for a longer period of time. He also knows that the desire of my heart is to be home with him. I love you dearly my friend. God willing I will see you soon.

Sincerely,
Rio