Ruffa Gutierrez revealed getting a proposal again from her ex-husband, Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas. However, the actress and former beauty queen made this clear about their current relationship status.
In an interview with selected press members, including The Philippine STAR, Ruffa expressed joy over her and her daughters’ much improved relationship with Yilmaz.
Despite their past challenges — wedding in 2003, controversial separation in 2007 and annullment in 2012 — they have established open communication, mainly due to the reunion of their daughters, Lorin and Venice, with Yilmaz in 2022.
Ruffa shared that she and Yilmaz now have a friendly, supportive relationship, occasionally joking and maintaining regular communication.
“Kami rin ni Yilmaz, okay din kami. Minsan nagbibiruan kami and nagpapadala na rin siya ng (financial support),” the actress was quoted as saying in the interview.
Ruffa also joked about Yilmaz not being able to find someone like her and revealed her recent marriage proposal.
“‘Di siya makakahanap ng isang katulad ko, hanap siya ng hanap sa buong mundo, and as a matter of fact, he wanted to propose and get married to me again, and I thought it was a joke.”
Ruffa then revealed Yilmaz’s invitation to an overseas trip, which she declined.
“Gusto niya akong yayain mag-train… mga three months ago lang… Sabi ko, ‘Is this a joke?’ ‘No, I want to take you with me’ and mag-train daw kami all over Europe. Totoo ba ‘to?”
Ruffa further shared Yilmaz’s plans of visiting her in the country instead. The two apparently have not seen each other for 18 years.
“Sinabi niya, I will just visit you nalang there. So okay, you’re welcome to visit… This year daw (he will visit),” said Ruffa.
Ruffa, however, maintained: “I don’t say that he’s courting me again. At least, we’ve come to that decision that at this time in our lives, we can joke and be happy with one another.”
She described their relationship “best friends,” where they now share mutual respect and care for each other’s well-being, particularly for the sake of their children.
Ruffa also mentioned that her daughters are happy with her and Yilmaz’s improved dynamic and even encourage communication.
