From Yilmaz Bektas's Tumultuous Marriage to Herbert Bautista's Steady Romance: Ruffa Gutierrez's Enduring Love Story

Ruffa Gutierrez, a prominent figure in Philippine entertainment as an actress, host, and beauty queen, has captivated the public not only with her career but also with her dynamic and often high-profile romantic journey. Her love life has been a subject of widespread interest, marked by passionate beginnings, challenging separations, and a consistent pursuit of lasting happiness. From early romances that blossomed under the public eye to a significant marriage, and subsequent relationships, Ruffa's romantic history reflects a woman navigating love amidst fame and personal growth.

In the early 1990s, Ruffa's youthful charm led to a well-publicized romance with actor Zoren Legaspi. Their relationship was a popular topic among young fans, though it eventually concluded, with Legaspi later marrying actress Carmina Villarroel. Following this, Ruffa also had a notable relationship with heartthrob Aga Muhlach in the mid-1990s, a pairing that garnered significant media attention due to their celebrity status. These early relationships set the stage for a life often lived in the public glare.

Her romantic path then led her to Richard Daloia, an American, whom she dated in the late 1990s. This relationship, while less intensely scrutinized than her local celebrity pairings, was part of her journey before she embarked on her most significant marital commitment. These experiences contributed to her understanding of relationships, preparing her for the complexities that lay ahead.

Ruffa's life took a dramatic turn when she met Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas in 1999. Their whirlwind romance culminated in a lavish wedding in 2003, a grand affair that captured national attention. The couple soon welcomed two daughters, Lorin Gabriella (born 2003) and Venice Alexandra (born 2004), establishing a family amidst their cross-cultural life.

However, their marriage was fraught with challenges, and reports of a tumultuous relationship, including allegations of domestic abuse, eventually surfaced. Ruffa and Yilmaz separated in 2007, leading to a highly publicized annulment process that was finalized in 2012. Despite the painful separation, Ruffa has since maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship with Bektas, stating in recent years that they are on good terms for the sake of their children.

Following her annulment, Ruffa entered another high-profile relationship with acclaimed Filipino actor John Lloyd Cruz. Their romance, which began around 2009 and lasted until 2010, was a constant source of media fascination. The pairing of the glamorous former beauty queen and the intense, private actor sparked much discussion, but ultimately, differing lifestyles and public pressures contributed to their breakup.

After the intense scrutiny of her relationship with Cruz, Ruffa was briefly linked to actor and politician Edu Manzano around 2011, though this was not a confirmed long-term romance. She then embarked on a significant relationship with French-Israeli businessman Jordan Mouyal, which began in 2014. Their romance was characterized by its on-again, off-again nature and was often a topic of discussion on reality television and in interviews, particularly due to her mother Annabelle Rama's vocal disapproval of Mouyal.

Despite the public and familial challenges, Ruffa and Mouyal maintained their relationship for several years, often appearing together at events and on social media. However, by late 2019 or early 2020, the couple ultimately decided to part ways, reportedly due to distance and differing priorities. Ruffa openly discussed the breakup, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and focusing on her personal happiness.

In more recent years, Ruffa's romantic life has found a new, steady chapter with actor and former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. Their relationship became publicly known around 2021, and Ruffa officially confirmed their romance in 2022. The couple has since been open about their affection, frequently appearing together at public events, on social media, and in interviews, showcasing a mature and supportive partnership. Their relationship signals a period of stability and contentment for Ruffa, who continues to embrace love and life with grace and resilience.