The missing link in Rufa Mae’s life

"It is major — not you know general one." That’s Rufa Mae Quinto, in her signature Booba style, describing her post-Valentine show When Erik Met Rufa The Repeat... to the Max! tonight at 9 at Aliw Theater with boyfriend of barely one year Erik Santos.

"I had three concerts last year," boasts Rufa Mae. "Gusto ko todo na ito. It will be my biggest show for the year."

Asked why she considers her Aliw concert the biggest considering the first quarter — or even the year — is not yet over, she replies, "I need to move on. Mag-wo-world tour ako. You know, Hollywood and Las Vegas."

Those close to the comedienne know a world tour is possible, given Rufa Mae’s determination and talent. However, it will definitely take time.

Yes, When Erik Met Rufa The Repeat... to the Max! might be the biggest show or her last for now. Rufa Mae will shift to the movies in March. She is bound to do two films — one for Octo Arts with Ai-Ai de las Alas and directed by Wenn Deramas, and another, under Wenn Deramas for Viva Films and Octo Arts.

Movie projects are always welcome, pleasant surprises for Rufa Mae since her roles in Booba and Super B boosted her career a lot. Through them, Rufa Mae honed her comic skills and became one of our most-sought after funny ladies.

She is also grateful to Eat, Bulaga! and M-Zet for the TV guestings and appearances they have generously given her all these years.

"Ever since, M-Zet and Tape have been supportive of me," recalls Rufa Mae. "I was given breaks and good TV spots on the defunct Mixed Nuts. There was even a time I appeared every Saturday on Eat, Bulaga! for one season."

Speaking of Eat, Bulaga!, many think Rufa Mae’s recent guesting on the show was a sign that she is replacing Gladys Guevarra, who took a break from the noontime show for health reasons.

"There are no offers yet," Rufa Mae clarifies. If ever she is invited to be part of Eat, Bulaga!, Rufa Mae will accept it. "It’s a blessing," she quips.

Among the talents who impersonate her, she finds Gladys — with all her quirks as a performer — the funniest and the closest to her heart.

"It’s okay kung may gumagaya," says Rufa Mae. "I like them. They are all beautiful and sexy. Imitation is the highest level of flattery, right?"

She assures everyone that her Aliw concert will be on a different level. "This time with enhancer. Costumes will be enhanced," Rufa Mae explains.

Seriously, When Erik Met Rufa The Repeat... to the Max! will be an evening of comedy and music. Besides, the element of love — from the two real-life sweethearts — will fill the air.

The post-Valentine concert will be extra special as Erik and Rufa Mae return to Aliw Theater where Erik planted a kiss on her lips a year ago. That kiss started the beautiful relationship they now share and relish.

Way before Valentine’s Day, Erik gifted Rufa a metallic Gucci pouch bag with a chain and gold (bling-bling) bracelet.

As an actress, Rufa Mae wishes to explore drama as she did in four previous episodes of Magpakailanman, where she played Rochelle Pangilinan, Eva Eugenio, Giovanni Picco and Annalyn, a mentally-retarded rape victim.

Although she seems to have everything, Rufa Mae says relaxing or going on vacation is heaven for her. But this is something she has yet to schedule. That’s why even the simplest things bring joy to busy Rufa Mae. She has to make do with whatever her packed schedule has in store for her.