Her image has always been that of a sexy comedienne and she has proven her mettle as such. But Rufa Mae Quinto revealed during a recent interview (at our favorite iRepublik Rest. along Tomas Morato) in connection with her appearance in GMA Network’s newest fantaserye “Darna” that her dream is to do serious drama.

“Kasi I’ve always been doing comedy, sa gag show namin (‘Bubble Gang’), sa mga past movies ko and concert shows. Eh gusto ko rin sana ma-test ang aking talent sa drama. Ito ang gusto kong gawin, drama sa isang love story. Di ba, maganda? Kaya lang, wala pang nag-o-offer eh,” Rufa Mae said with lament. Rufa Mae felt that she’s not growing as an actress because she has been stereotyped as a comedian. She felt that her acting craft isn’t being utilized to the fullest.

“Na-realize ko na lang lately, ang buhay ko ay sa dressing room na lang lagi tapos sa stage na nagpapatawa. Okay naman ito, I love making people laugh, nabibigyan ko sila ng tuwa, but I also want to be recognized as a true actress,” she said.

We suggested that if she wanted so much to do a dramatic role in a movie why not produce it herself? After all she has produced some movies in the past. “Maybe I should just do that – produce one love story movie para ma-realize ko ang dream ko. But I need your help ha? Suportahan niyo ako…” she pleaded.

Just to make use of her talent, Rufa Mae has been accepting guest roles in some indie movies (like the forthcoming “Kimmy Dora,” produced by Piolo Pascual and starring fellow comedian Eugene Domingo in the dual title role). She said that she has also discussed with director Maryo J. delos Reyes about another indie film where she will appear in.

Role in ‘Darna’

In “Darna,” which has been posting more than 44% in ratings ever since it started airing, Rufa Mae plays the role of Francesca, the bubbly secretary of Raymart Santiago’s character Crisanto. “It is a role close to home kasi you know dati when I was starting, feel ko maging secretary o kaya stewardess. May ibang twist po itong role ko,” Rufa Mae said. She had been taping for two weeks now but she hasn’t been in the series yet. “Baka in the next two weeks, lalabas na ang character ko.” Although the role of Darna is played by Marian Rivera, she said she’ll also get the chance to wear a Darna costume. “Yon lang, hindi yung totoo na ginagamit ni Marian…”

Rufa Mae, who has regular shows on GMA-7 (“SOP” every Sunday, “Bubble Gang” on Fridays and “Showbiz Central” on Sundays), is also part of the cast of “Wapakman,” topbilled by the Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao. “Wapakman” is an official entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

“I’m very thankful for all the blessings that I’ve been receiving from God,” Rufa Mae said. “Hindi Niya ako pinababayaan. I really feel so blessed kasi hindi ako nawawalan ng mga projects. I am happy that people still support me sa lahat ng mga shows at pelikula ko. Napapatawa ko rin sila. I hope I could do more projects para mas marami pa akong mapasayang mga tao.”

Another blessing that has come Rufa Mae’s way is her recently acquired apartment in San Francisco, California. She said she hopes to be able to buy another property in New York in the future.

On the personal side, Rufa Mae revealed she has a boyfriend now, who is a non-showbiz personality. Was he the one who gifted her with her apartment in San Francisco? “Hindi naman lahat, tumulong lang siya,” she said.

A Backroom artist, Rufa Mae endorses Talk ‘N Text and Philosophy by Mikaela.

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‘Engkwentro,’ Venice bound

“Engkwentro,” a Cinemanila 2009 finalist, has been selected as the lone Filipino film to represent the country in the forthcoming 66th Venice International Film Festival.
“Engkwentro” will compete at Venice’s Orizzonti (New Horizons) competition, a section that provides a spectrum of new trends in cinema.

The movie, which premiered at the 2009 Cinemanila Film Festival, is one of only 23 feature films selected from around the world. It is directed by Pepe Diokno, who at 21 is the youngest Filipino filmmaker ever to compete at the oldest prestigious film festival.

“Engwentro” tells the story of two teenage brothers on opposite sides of a gang war. Complications arise at a deadly midnight “engkwentro” (clash), when one is tasked to kill the other. All these happen while the City Death Squad, a band of vigilantes supposedly backed by a Big Brother-type mayor, is hot on their trail. The two brothers must find a way out of their squalid situation in order to stay alive.

The film features young actors Felix Roco, Zyrus Desamparado, Daniel Medrana, and Eda Nolan as well as singer Bayang Barrios, visionary director Celso Ad Castillo and indie filmmaker Jim Libiran.

Diokno said the film was inspired by actual “death squad” killings in some cities of the country, wherein the last decades, over 814 people have been murdered by hitmen allegedly sponsored by the state. Reports say many of the victims were minors – including gang members, petty criminals, and street children.

The 66th Venice Film Festival will have as president of the jury Oscar winner Ang Lee (“Brokeback Mountain” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”). The festival runs from Sept. 2-12, 2009.

By the way, the producers of “Engwentro” are hoping to get support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines and private sponsors. This will cover the production of a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) – a digital version of a 35mm film print – as well as airfare and accommodations.

The filmmakers of the movie say support of any kind is appreciated. To get in touch with them, e-mail them through engkwentromovie@gmail.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 17, go to Fred Elizalde, Apolinario Lozada Jr., actress Jean Saburit, Belen Lovina Ticzon, Elena Fernando, Fe Marzan, Jowee Mendoza, Elona Magwale, Michelle Foronda-del Rosario, Susan Sta. Ana, former Mayor Jose Yap, and former singer Rey Salac… Happy anniversary to Rudy and Vangie Fontanilla…