Rufa Mae Quinto is prioritizing her family while returning to the entertainment industry after spending years in the United States.
Despite a busy schedule filled with various projects, the actress-comedian ensures she dedicates quality time to her 7-year-old daughter, Athena, and her husband, Trevor Magallanes.
After a long hiatus from the spotlight due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rufa expressed her eagerness to work again in front of the camera. She currently appears on the Kapamilya noontime show ‘It’s Showtime’ as a semi-regular judge in the ‘Kalokalike’ segment.
During a recent press conference for her upcoming film ‘Mujigae,’ Rufa shared her thoughts on the delicate balance between her career and motherhood.
“Na-miss ko (ang showbiz). Pero, ang laging iniisip ko ang anak ko. Pero parang siya na rin mismo ang nagsasabi na parang siya na rin ang sagot sa lahat ng (offer) na, ‘Ano, tatanggapin ko ba? Baka kailangan pa niya ako. Pero siya na rin mismo ang nagsasabi na, ‘sige mag-work ka na muna,’” Rufa stated, highlighting her daughter’s supportive nature. The actress acknowledged that she did not expect to return to the industry after her time away but is grateful for the opportunity.
Reflecting on her absence, Rufa admitted, “Actually hindi (inasahang makakabalik pa sa showbiz). Hindi ko rin alam kung ano ang…kinuwestiyon ko rin nga ang sarili ko noon and ganu’n pala after nu’ng pandemic. Sabi ko ‘Ano ang kahihinatnan ko? Ganito lang?’ Maganda naman ang buhay ko, pero normal na tao, wala akong katrabaho doon ‘yung alaga lang – housewife, mommy, ganyan. Tapos sabi ko, ‘bakit ganito?’ kasi nasa US ka na e.”
Upon her return to the Philippines, Rufa realized that her concerns mirrored those of many others in the industry. “Pero alam mo pagbalik ko, ‘yung tanong hindi lang pala tanong ko, tanong rin pala ng lahat na, ‘ano na ba, ganito na lang ba tayong lahat?’ So, magmula noon ayun na. Basta masaya ako, ‘yun na lang ang dahilan kung bakit ako mandito sa showbiz. Kaya lagi akong good vibes, kasi kumpleto na, nagkapamilya ako, I’ve been here, done that till there and everywhere,” she explained.
Rufa’s charm and humor continue to resonate with fans, evidenced by her viral moments on ‘It’s Showtime.’ She attributes her ongoing popularity to her relatable humor that connects with different generations. “Nag-e-enjoy ako pero parang hindi ko na rin alam kung bakit nangyari ‘yun. Siguro kapag mabuti kang tao, nakakatuwa ka, may magaganda rin na jokes siguro kasi ang generation ko, ‘di ba? Eh, ang generation ko lahat na ng millennial, Gen Z, XX at kung ano man ‘yung generation, nandu’n ako eh, kaya ngayon alam ko siguro ‘yung joke hanggang baby pati tita. Lola na lang hindi ko alam,” she remarked.
In her new film ‘Mujigae’, Rufa plays a special cameo role in a heartwarming story about a five-year-old child capable of healing broken bonds. The film stars ‘Mini Miss U’ Ryrie Sophia as Mujigae, a cheerful and kind-hearted child cared for by her aunt Sunny, portrayed by actress Alexa Ilacad. The story takes a turn with the arrival of Mujigae’s biological father, played by South Korean actor Kim Ji Soo, leading to unexpected developments in their lives.
Directed by Randolph Longjas under Unitel Pictures, ‘Mujigae’ also features Richard Quan, Donna Cariaga, Kate Alejandrino, Anna Luna, and Cai Cortez in key roles. The film is set to premiere exclusively at SM Cinemas starting October 9.
