Dannyka Manangan

Ruffa Gutierrez touched by ex-husband Yilmaz Bektas’s tribute: ‘You really have a unique way of making me cry’

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>Actress Ruffa Gutierrez thanked her former husband, Yilmaz Bektas, after he publicly acknowledged her sacrifices and dedication in raising their daughters, Lorin and Venice, as a single mother for nearly two decades. </p><p>Ruffa and Yilmaz, a Turkish businessman and member of the United Nations Defense Committee, got married in 2003 then eventually parted ways in 2007. Since then, Ruffa has openly embraced the role of being a hands-on single mother, with their annulment being granted in February 2012. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/5/4/ruffa-gutierrez-beams-with-pride-as-daughter-lorin-graduates-from-college-1449"><strong>READ: Ruffa Gutierrez beams with pride as daughter Lorin graduates from college</strong></a></div><p>Yilmaz recently took to Instagram Stories to celebrate a milestone in their family as their eldest daughter, Lorin, graduated from college. Alongside reposted photos from Ruffa’s account and throwback snaps of himself with Lorin as a child, he shared a message of gratitude, honoring the actress and former beauty queen. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778573410830snaptik_7638482006065663253_6_v2.jpeg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>“To the respected mother of my beautiful daughter, Sharmina Ruffa Gutierrez, who raised her with love, devotion, and great sacrifice to become the wonderful person she is today, I sincerely thank you for everything and carry endless gratitude in my heart,” Yilmaz wrote. </p><p>He continued his message by acknowledging the years Ruffa devoted to their daughters despite the challenges that followed their separation. </p><p>“Endless gratitude for everything you have given, every sacrifice you made, and every beautiful memory you left behind,” he added. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778573379750snaptik_7638482006065663253_7_v2.jpeg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778573396711snaptik_7638482006065663253_8_v2.jpeg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/4/28/look-lorin-bektas-finishes-college-degree-in-us-0954"><strong>READ: LOOK: Lorin Bektas finishes college degree in US</strong></a></div><p>The touching tribute did not go unnoticed by Ruffa, who later reposted Yilmaz’s messages on TikTok and opened up about how deeply his words affected her. </p><p>“You really have a unique way of making me cry, Yilmaz,” she began. </p><p>Ruffa went on to thank her former husband for acknowledging the sacrifices she made while raising Lorin and Venice on her own. </p><p>“Thank you for recognizing the years of love, strength, and sacrifice that went into raising our daughters. No matter where life has taken us, Lorin and Venice will always remain our greatest blessings.” </p><div><br/></div><div style="max-width:58vh"><div style="left:0;width:100%;height:0;position:relative;padding-bottom:173.0304%"><iframe src="https://iframely.net/fY07WsAD?theme=dark" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div><div><br/></div><p>“And hearing those words of gratitude from you means more than you know. Through every season since the day we met 26 years ago today in Cannes, I simply chose love for our children — and I would do it all over again,” Ruffa maintained.  </p><p>The actress ended her message by reiterating her appreciation to Yilmaz for honoring her journey as a single mother and for recognizing the way she raised their daughters with kindness, sincerity, and respect. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/5/8/ruffa-gutierrez-s-daughter-lorin-honors-her-yaya-fanny-after-college-graduation-1843"><strong>READ: Ruffa Gutierrez’s daughter Lorin honors her Yaya Fanny after college graduation</strong></a></div><p>Their recent interaction quickly warmed the hearts of netizens, many of whom praised the former couple for maintaining mutual respect despite their past. </p><p>“This is the best compliment a single mom can receive from her ex husband - - Gratitude!” one netizen wrote. </p><p>“Let us pause and appreciate this beautiful example of Separation but with the conviction of mutual understanding and respect to each other despite of the turmoil in their past. A simple reminder that we may not always end up like a Disney story with our partner but we can definitely make a better life story for our children,” another added.  </p><p>In July 2025, Ruffa also shared on Instagram that Lorin and Venice reunited with their father during a summer vacation in Turkey.  </p><div> </div>

<p>Ruffa Gutierrez turns emotional after her former husband, Yilmaz Bektas, publicly thanked her for raising their daughters, Lorin and Venice, with 'love and devotion.'</p>

Ruffa Gutierrez turns emotional after her former husband, Yilmaz Bektas, publicly thanked her for raising their daughters, Lorin and Venice, with 'love and devotion.'