Here is a look back at the scandal that nearly derailed her career, the media frenzy that ensued, and the aftermath that followed.
In the Philippines, Gutierrez was known for glamorous gowns and bikini photoshoots. In Brunei, she adopted the baju kurung (traditional Malay dress) and tudung (headscarf) during public outings. In interviews, she noted that she respected the Sultan’s rule by covering her shoulders and knees, even in private resorts. This shift was not merely practical but strategic: it signaled her acceptance into the upper echelons of Bruneian society, where wives of foreign businessmen are expected to mirror local Muslim norms. Ruffa Gutierrez Brunei Scandal
For Ruffa, the scrutiny was intense. Tabloids printed blind items and exposes with little verification. Her mother, Annabelle Rama, known for her fiery temperament, fiercely defended her daughter. Rama held press conferences and gave explosive interviews, vehemently denying that her daughter was involved in any illicit activities. She claimed that Ruffa’s trips were legitimate and that the gifts she received were simply tokens of friendship from wealthy admirers. Here is a look back at the scandal
In 1993, Ruffa Gutierrez was among several high-profile Filipina celebrities linked to allegations of illegal recruitment for entertainment services in Brunei. In interviews, she noted that she respected the