Ruby Ruiz contrasts past on-set snub with Gloria Romero’s kindness

“Status: Rejected” lead Ruby Ruiz recalled an uncomfortable encounter with a celebrity she once shared a tent with on set, an experience that made her question how she would survive in the showbiz industry.

“Pina-stay ako doon [sa tent]. Mag-isa lang kasi siya doon. And nakita ng production assistant konti lang gamit ko and mainit kasi. Nag-good afternoon ako. Pleasant naman siya,” she said during a press conference in Quezon City on Wednesday to promote the nationwide screening of “Status: Rejected.”

However, when the cast member came out, the person questioned why Ruiz had been allowed inside. After hearing the scolding remarks directed at the production staff, Ruiz decided to leave.

“Sino may sabi sa inyo papasukin sa tent yung babaeng ‘yun? Ako lang naman andoon. Walang iba,” Ruiz recalled the actress saying. “So habang nagtatalak siya, kinuha ko silya ko and isang  bag ko. Lumabas ako slowly. Kasi pahiyang-pahiya PA and production, kasi sila nag-initiate noon.”

With no other space available, Ruiz said she settled outside the tent of another cast member.

“Wala naman ibang tent — solo na silang mga big names. Sa gilid ako ng tent umupo. Sabi ko ‘Ah, OK, this is showbiz.’ Siyempre may konti self pity. Pero inisip ko, Paano ako magtatagal sa industry? Sa ganitong sistema? I know it was a system I had to live with,” she detailed.

Despite the incident, Ruiz said her ambition to pursue acting outweighed the disadvantages.

“Mas nanaig sa akin ‘yung ambition ko to prove na wala akong ibang balak kung hindi ang pag-arte. And’ yung kaya ko iambag sa pag-arte. Maaring hindi ako kasing ganda ng ibang artista, pero meron siguro ako maiaambag,” she reasoned.

But while show business also came with difficult experiences, Ruiz highlighted there were cherished moments with other artists that made it worthwhile.

Ruiz fondly recalled sharing a van ride with the late veteran actress Gloria Romero, who wanted to stop by a fast food restaurant. At the time, Ruiz said she did not have enough money to buy food.

“Nakasabay ko siya sa van. Nagpadaan siya Jollibee — wala akong pera. Tulog-tulugan ako kasi sakto lang pera ko pamasahe para sa pag uwi pagbaba ng service,” she remembered.

Romero, however, insisted to treat everyone in the group, a gesture that deeply touched Ruiz.

“Hindi ko alam na nanlibre pa artista. Siguro sensitive niya. Almost teary-eyed and doon ako na-touch — hindi kasi ako sanay masyado sa kindness. So when it’s given to you, even if it’s simple, you get moved.”

Ruiz believed Romero had noticed her situation.

“Sabi niya, ‘Manlibre ako. Lahat tayo.’ Siguro nabasa niya zero ako. And sabi ko, kaya siguro siya Gloria Romero. Ang gracious,” she said.

“Status: Rejected” will be shown in cinemas beginning November 18.