Ruffa Gutierrez moves to TV5

CEBU, Philippines - "It's official! I'd like to share that I just signed a three-year, non-exclusive contract with TV5."

The beauty queen turned host made the confirmation that she was transferring from ABS-CBN to TV5, owned by telecom tycoon Manny Pangilinan, via a series of Twitter posts yesterday, adding it was not an easy decision to make.

"I had to make the most difficult decision of my life. To stay or spread my wings. I was confused, emotional... it took time."

"I met with TV5 President Ray Espinosa and Head of Entertainment Perci Intalan who gave an offer I couldn't resist. What sealed the deal was when I met TV5's new Chairman Manny Pangilinan. All my worries were laid to rest. It wasn't the high talent fee, it was my trust and belief in MVP that TV5 will be a force to reckon with. A visionary, and savvy businessman we all know that MVP has the midas touch, whatever he touches, turns to gold."

She added, "I'm really excited by TV5's aggressiveness. TV5 is pouring P7 billion this year to beef up the network's menu of shows, distribution reach and build two new state-of-the art studios."

Ruffa, who will still be seen on ABS-CBN's Sunday showbiz program The Buzz until March 14, also thanked her soon-to-be-former station. "From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank ABS-CBN for allowing me to shine in my three years as a Kapamilya. I will forever be grateful that they gave me the opportunity to stage a successful comeback when I left Istanbul in Feb. 2007."

It will be remembered that Ruffa returned to the country with her two children after the breakdown of her marriage and amidst allegations of being a battered wife to Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas.

"It was the lowest time for me in my personal life, but a start of a new chapter as well. The industry is small...who knows what tomorrow brings. One thing is for certain I will miss being a Kapamilya!"

Ruffa also shared The Buzz co-host Kris Aquino's message to her. "Krissy sent me a message on BBM last week: You've been really consistently nice to me... Heard you are leaving. Wishing you only the best!'

She also tweeted her appeal to the entertainment portal Pep.ph to "stop posting false scoops" as she was still doing four movies for Regal Films, contrary to the website's reports. 

TV5 will hold its big launch on March 25.