Kris Aquino apologized on Monday to Ruffa Gutierrez, on the behest of Ruffa’s mother/ manager Annabelle Rama, about... come to think of it, what was that about?

As viewers of The Buzz— which the two girls co-host with Boy Abunda—all know, Kris has cut most everybody in mid-sentence on that program, not just Ruffa and Boy, but also their guests!

Did Kris do worse than usual last Sunday, making Annabelle, by her own admission, order her daughter to walk out? Whatever the answer to this, Kris’ apology was a wise move. And spontaneous though it seemed as the whole country watched her deliver it, hindsight suggests a very clever hand, too, that covered all the bases. In one fell swoop—and in under five minutes—she 1) apologized to Ruffa but 2) defended herself and 3) suggested that Annabelle Rama had best leave the matter between them two girls, 4) took up the cudgels for Dingdong Dantes, who’s backing up Noynoy Aquino for president, 5) quoted  Noynoy’s views on politics and 6) freedom of choice, 7) reminded televiewers of President Cory (the balance beam of her life, then and now) 8) promoted TFC and her 9) teleserye.

Not a few cheered when she declared, selflessly it would seem, that she’d 10) pack her bags and bring her boys to live anywhere there’s TFC (The Filipino Channel), should her brother become president and she proved to be a “source of stress for him and his presidency.” Was that possibility ever in the picture?  Here’s how it went down:

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“I had dinner with Noy tonight after his TVC shoot. He told me di raw ba pwede na may quiet Sunday kami? And he asked why s’ya nadamay when he’s not even part of ‘Buzz.’

“I would like to 1) extend a loving hug to Ruffa. I viewed the tape and although I still feel 2) I gave my comment with affection maybe it made her feel even worse because she’s now moving in a new direction.

“We had what I believed was 3) a good working relationship in the almost two years we were together on ‘The Buzz.’

“I can also understand that 3) Ruffa’s mom dislikes Noynoy and my family 4) maybe because of association and our vocal proclamation of admiration for Dingdong and his selfless contribution to help Noy’s presidential bid.

“It is with Ruffa that I enjoyed a healthy working relationship with 3) and I only have good words to say about her.

“To Ruffa, 1) I sincerely apologize for causing you hurt. My brother Noynoy would like to add that 6) we live in a democracy—one where we are very free to make our own choice for president.

“This text came from my sister Pinky: 7) Tomorrow is Women’s Day and March is Women’s Month. FYI, it was mom who passed the laws making this possible (Proclamation No. 224 and 227, both signed in March 1988 and Republic Act No. 6969, signed in April 1990, declaring March 8 as National Women’s Day).

“We celebrate women who triumphed despite odds and need to look at ways to further improve. That’s why I want Ruffa to have a great career ahead of her—because she’s a woman, raising two beautiful daughters. And I champion all women who triumph despite the odds—just like my own Mom.

“Noy told me 5) in any election, we’ll have our share of fervent supporters and harshest critics. And if you can’t take the heat, then politics isn’t for you.

“As a woman, 3) and as Ruffa’s Mom and the Lola of Lorin and Venice, I respect you, Tita Annabelle, and on behalf of our family, 1)  I apologize for the distress we caused yours. 2) Hindi po ako mayabang, kaya ako nagpapakumbaba ngayon.

“On a last note, 10) I promised Noy that if he does win, and I’m the cause of stress for him and his presidency, I’ll gladly take my two boys to live 8) anywhere there is TFC so that I can continue to work but with our overseas Filipino brothers and sisters. 9) Of course Noy said, dinner daw yun, hindi teleserye ko.

“I love my family and I’m so grateful to have such a supportive and grounded brother and sisters, who have learned to love me for all that I am. Thank you for your time and may God bless all of us with a peaceful week ahead.”