Rufa Who?

She looks like Rufa Mae Quinto, and sounds like her too, but really, who is this upcoming comedienne who calls herself Rufa Mi? Text by Loretta G. Ramirez. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. Rufa Mi, whose real name is Maria Krista Aguilar, joined Pinoy Pop Superstar twice but failed to make the cut. She also tried her luck in Eat Bulaga’s EB Babes Search but again, unfortunately, did not succeed. But the rejections didn’t stop this young lady from pursuing her dreams and getting great reviews as a comedienne. Why Rufa Mae? “I love joining contests, kahit anong contest where I can showcase my talent in singing and performing. I tried impersonating Rufa Mae Quinto,—her style, moves, the way she laughs, acts. And it worked to my advantage,” shares this young comic. Rufa Mi is not ashamed to admit that she joined those contests on TV to look for her big break in show business. And despite the disappointments, she found her big break, indeed, when she impersonated Rufa Mae Quinto and caught the attention of a talent manager. “Sumali ako sa look-alike contest sa Eat Bulaga. Nanalo ako pero hindi sa finals, tapos kinabukasan tinawagan ako na mag-guest daw ako sa Nuts Entertainment,” she says, describing her humble beginnings matter-of-factly. Now, she is a semi-regular of the gag show, making everybody laugh with her antics and punch lines. Living the Dream Quite serious in making it big in the business, Rufa Mi makes sure she does everything she can to improve her craft. “I tried na gayahin 'yung pagsasalita niya, tapos hanggang sa nasanay na ako na everyday, every night gamit-gamit ko siya, kaya minsan nagiging natural na sa akin 'yung pananalita niya,” says Rufa Mae’s impersonator, who undeniably speaks like the real thing. However, Rufa Mi admits that imitating Rufa Mae is just a means for her to enter the business: “Siguro, stepping stone ko na ginagaya ko si Rufa Mae, pero siyempre kung mapagbibigyan ako ng pagkakataon na umarte na bilang ako, bakit hindi, 'di ba? Kahit ano, kahit drama o comedy, go!” Rufa Mi even hints that she wanted to give dancing a try because it is her true passion. But no matter what happens and whatever breaks come her way, she assures everyone that she will give it her 100 percent. She knows how hard it is to work and strive for a dream, and she would never give up without exhausting all the avenues that will lead to her success. Rufa Mi then encourages people from all walks of life: “Sana kayo din, kung may pangarap kayo, kahit umpisa matalo, go, go, go lang! Huwag kayong magsasawa, mag-strive kayo para makamit ninyo ang inyong pangarap!” For a sample of Rufa Mi’s comedic antics, watch the following videos: Who is the real Rufa Mae Nutty gang invades Tagaytay Log on to the iGMA forums and talk about how funny Rufa Mi can be!