UNRAVELLING RUFA MAE
Words by Florence Pia G. Yu | Pictures by Hadrian Hernandez/Gulf News
"Everytime I come herze there is always a new shop opening at the mall," said comedienne and actress Rufa Mae Quinto as she settled in for an exclusive interview with tabloid!.
The popular Filipino actress had just visited the Dubai Mall, but news that the Mall of the Emirates has opened the Fashion Dome for designer labels has excited the self-confessed shopaholic. Is she buying anything new? Definitely, she answers. But probably not another expensive bag, she says.
She had made headlines in the past when she revealed that a part of her bag collection included an orange ostrich Hermes birkin that she bought for approximately 1 million pesos (Dh84,000). She arrived at this interview carrying a pink Hermes bag.
"I'll probably buy something for my other collection. It's something that has not been reported before and not many people know about me," she said.
Her advice on how to avoid an after-shopping guilt trip? "While you can afford to buy it, buy it because you don't know if tomorrow you will still be alive," she said.
The comedienne, who has starred in a long list of hit sitcoms and movies, is performing on Thursday and Friday night to relaunch the Marco Polo Hotel's entertainment venue, Chikka Grill, which has undergone a massive facelift as it begins its aggressive campaign to bring in more visiting Filipino celebrities to Dubai.
Quinto was joined by singer-actor Alex Castro and comedian Ate Gay, and made good of a promise of a night of "laughter and romance".
Her mystery man
Speaking of romance, the actress-comedienne was tight-lipped about her love life, but gave tabloid! a few clues.
Just who is the mysterious "Mr M." in Rufa Mae Quinto's life? In an interview with tabloid!, ahead of her performance at the Marco Polo Hotel's entertainment venue Chikka Grill in Dubai on Friday, the popular actress-comedienne was tight-lipped about her mystery man, but gave away a few clues.
"I am engaged but I'm not getting married any time soon. I don't want to put a timeline," she said, ending rumours that she could be married this year.
There have been reports that Quinto's mystery fiance may be Joey Marquez, her co-star in her latest sitcom Kaya ng Powers.
One report named Mikey Arroyo, son of the Philippines' former president. The truth? None of the two, Quinto said.
Although she wouldn't disclose her fiancé's identity, Quinto said that he is a "non-showbiz, very private personality". Does she enjoy her time with him? "Enjoy na enjoy!" she said.
How would she describe their relationship? "It's romantic, very entertaining."
Quinto is quick to add that she's not quitting show business anytime soon. She first wants to finish her contract with TV network GMA before deciding to settle down.
Besides, "I can't seem to leave the industry because I can see that my fans don't want me to," she said. The industry probably still needs more "love, romance, laughter," she joked.
She means business
Rufa Mae Quinto's serious side is revealed when she talks about her businesses. The actress-comedienne owns a travel agency and a salon. She also co-owns Textures Hair Extension and has dabbled in producing movies and concerts.
Does she find it difficult to juggle career and business? "It just takes time management," she said. She plans on concentrating on being a businesswoman if and when she decides to quit her career in the entertainment industry.
Not all of her business ventures have taken off though — case in point the now-defunct Bubble Gang Toppings restaurant. It appears she's learned from that lesson, though.
"You have to be conservative [in your investment] so that whatever happens, you won't lose," she said. "And you have to be focused. And start small so that you won't feel overwhelmed, especially if you are not sure," she said.
Quinto's shoe fetish
We've heard about her expensive taste for bags. But what's Quinto's best kept secret? Shoes, she reveals to tabloid!
"It's something that has not been reported before and not many people know about me," the self-confessed shopaholic said.
She confessed to having 700 pairs of shoes with plans to buy another pair before she leaves Dubai.
"They don't know I'm more of a shoe-person. I'm really fond of shoes. I never go home to the Philippines without buying a pair," she said. She adores high heels. And her favourite brand? Christian Louboutin. She also collects Alexander McQueen, Manolo Blahnik, Miu Miu, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Chanel. She wore Miu Miu leather tan platform pumps during the interview.
Her collection has grown so big that she has two walk-in closets just for her shoes.
Does she plan on becoming the next Imelda Marcos? "Why not? But I never thought of that!" she said, explaining that she accumulated pairs of shoes through her travels and tours.
