After 21 years, Binibining Pilipinas World 1993 and former ‘That’s Entertainment’ star Ruffa Gutierrez is officially making her GMA Network comeback through the highly anticipated revenge drama series ‘Beauty Empire’.
Ruffa, who began her showbiz career on GMA Network at the young age of 13, expressed her excitement and gratitude during an interview with GMANetwork.com.
“It’s been 21 years po since my last project dito sa GMA and I’m very, very happy, grateful, thankful for the warm welcome. Talagang excited ako sa project na ito, Beauty Empire,” she said.
‘Beauty Empire’, produced by GMA Public Affairs and based on an original concept by CreaZion Studios and Viu, delves into the intense rivalries and high-stakes drama among powerful women navigating the beauty industry driven by ambition, revenge, and power.
Joining Ruffa in the series are Sparkle stars Barbie Forteza and Kyline Alcantara, South Korean actor Choi Bo-min (in his first Philippine project), Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, Sam Concepcion, Chai Fonacier, and Sid Lucero.
Ruffa expressed her excitement to work with Barbie Forteza and Kyline Alcantara, sharing, “It’s a dream come true to be working with such fine, young actresses Barbie Forteza and Kyline Alcantara. Ngayon ko lang sila makakasama so excited akong makaeksena sila.”
In a recent social media post, Ruffa proudly shared her admiration for Barbie, saying, “Excited to be working with the talented and ever-versatile Barbie Forteza for the first time in Beauty Empire! Mark your calendars — coming this June 2025 on GMA Network Primetime and streaming on Viu Philippines. Can’t wait for you all to see the drama, glamour, and power unfold. Abangan!”
She even tagged Barbie in her post, further showing their warm dynamic.
In previous interviews, Ruffa consistently praised Barbie’s kindness and respectful attitude, especially after working together during the story conference and look test for the series.
“She’s so nice!” Ruffa shared, noting that Barbie was humble and did not carry an air of entitlement.
Barbie, for her part, expressed her gratitude for Ruffa’s kind words and her excitement to work alongside the beauty queen-actress.
Ruffa also took a trip down memory lane, recalling how ‘That’s Entertainment’ marked the start of her career and how her grand wedding to Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas was broadcasted by GMA Network in 2003.
“Actually, 14 or 13 years old ako nag-start sa GMA sa That’s Entertainment at ‘yung huli, ‘yung kasal ko… kaya I miss working with the directors, with the staff, the crew. Lahat ng crew noon, sa production, mga boss na ngayon so ang sarap-sarap tingnan sila na they’ve elevated already and they are now in power, and yet mababait pa rin sila sa ‘kin so I’m happy to see old faces and work with new faces,” Ruffa shared.
‘Beauty Empire’ is currently in production and is set to premiere soon on Viu before airing on GMA Network this June 2025.
