NEWSFLASH

---

RUFFA CAPTIVATES INTERNATIONAL FOOD EXEC

Manila, July 3, 1998 - Lucky Ruffa Gutierrez is sporting a two-carat sapphire ring surrounded by clusters of diamonds, a gift from Del Monte International's chairman reportedly smitten with her beauty and charm.

Malaya newspaper's writer Ethel Ramos reports that The London-based South African executive, a Mr. Vivian Immerman, was Ruffa's escort during her birthday party which was also a fund-raiser for her Roof-A-Child Foundation.

Mr. Immerman and Ruffa met on a flight from London to Manila, while both were in the First Class section. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. They would have dinner or lunch whenever the executive is in Manila, where home is one of the best suites of the Mandarin Hotel.

His birthday gift to Ruffa is reportedly similar to the one which Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana when they announced their engagement.

Despite the ring, people close to Ruffa deny that any romance is brewing between the two.

The international business executive took time out from his very busy schedule and accompanied Ruffa when she distributed goodies and gifts to poor children in Malabon.