"I believe we’re victims no more!”

The above battlecry was from actress, model and TV host Ruffa Gutierrez during her recent advance birthday celebration at the Women’s Crisis Center at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City. It was in line with Avon’s Speak Out Against Domestic Violence local campaign wherein she is the ambassadress.

Despite her hectic work schedule, Ruffa expressed that she would always make time for such events because Speak Out Against Domestic Violence is an advocacy she believes in and could relate well.
“This is really personal,” she related. “It is something that I’ve been through. It’s important for me that I could help other women and share my story. Maybe they can learn something from it and apply it to their lives. I think they also need a ‘sister’ they can talk to… I can say that we’re survivors now because we’ve stood up and we have acknowledged our pains and now we’re picking up the pieces again!”

Her birthday celebration was opened by the Women’s Crisis Center Executive Director Theresa Bayalon who led the survivors through the “Solidarity Messages” wherein each participant shared their stories and how they were helped out and by welcoming Ruffa to the sisterhood. Afterwards, Ruffa was presented by the Women’s Crisis Center with a “balabal” or shroud that symbolizes protection from all harm.

The actress who is turning 35 this June 24 said that this was one of her best and most meaningful celebrations of her birthday.

“To be part of a sisterhood composed of some of the bravest women I know is an honor. As the local spokesperson for the Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence campaign, I promise to do my part in encouraging more women to speak up for themselves and for others,” she explained. With regards to Avon, they aim, through this program, to further awareness on the realities of domestic abuse. They will also raise funds through the sales of the Global Empowerment Necklace and the Avon Lotion. Proceeds will go towards the support of ongoing projects of local non-government organizations (NGOs) and ensure the activation of a hotline to allow women in abusive relationships to speak out.
Bob Briddon, Avon Philippines President and General Manager, stressed that the best weapon of any woman against domestic violence is empowerment and that through their program, Avon is helping these women take the first step which is the opportunity to speak out!

For Ruffa Gutierrez, she added that she has always considered it a privilege to be part of the Avon family as the Style Ambassador for the Avon Fashions Jewelry and Accessories line. But what has made her prouder was being given the chance to make a difference in the lives of women as the local spokesperson for the crusade against domestic violence!

“In life you will always learn from your mistakes. When I met my husband naman I never knew what would happen… so whatever I’ve been through with him, it would be just a story that I would be sharing to others as my personal experiences,” she quipped.

She doesn’t also find anything bad about sharing her domestic violence experience to other women victims. For her, domestic violence can happen to anyone, the rich or famous, a neighbor, a family member or a friend.

“It is not something you wish for but it just happens. What is important though is how much you love yourself. Before you could love another person you should love yourself first. Because if you lose your self-respect you’ll be broken and you’ll have pain,” she opined.

Looking back, Ruffa is just happy that she has a strong support system which starts from her family.
“I’m happy that I had a showbiz career that I was able to get back to.

I’m so lucky that producers still trust and believe in me that they have always given me work. My parents have always been supportive and they told me to stay here. I’m just lucky that a lot of people love me and what’s important is that my kids are with me. I could say that I’m a very strong person,” she remarked.

She also said prayers helped her go through her hardships. Ruffa Gutierrez is also celebrating her birthday in the US with an event called “The Beautiful Life! Celebration – A Toast to Ruffa Gutierrez” on Sunday, June 28 at the CBS Studios backlot.

The event is highlighted by a fashion show by LA designers Alan del Rosario and Mul Tayoba. While swimwear designer Nicollete Lacson will also showcase her LolliMe collection. The said event will also encompass red carpet arrivals, a designer raffle, charity fund-raising and performances by world-class entertainers as well as surprise celebrity guests. Portions of the ticket sales for the said event will also go to the Roof-A-Child Foundation, an organization that assists educational needs of Filipino children living in poverty!

At the moment, Ruffa Gutierrez is busy with her TV shows like “Ruffa and Ai” every weekday and “The Buzz” every Sunday. In the works too is a new TV series for Ruffa and a role in Regal Entertainment’s “Shake, Rattle & Roll” for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.