MANILA, Philippines – If she is given a choice, Ruffa Gutierrez said she wants Gretchen Barretto to replace her on “The Buzz.”

Gutierrez, who signed a non-exclusive contract with network TV5, said she believes Barretto can work well with co-hosts Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino.

“I think she can carry the show really well with Tito Boy, who she is close to. I think kaya niyang dalhin ang show at si Kris. Pareho silang smart,” she said.

Barretto is also “very glamorous and intelligent,” she noted.

Barretto is a recent addition to the roster of ABS-CBN celebrity talents. Early this month, she signed an exclusive contract with the Kapamilya network.

Gutierrez's statement came amid speculations that Barretto would take her place. ABS-CBN, however, has yet to make a formal announcement with regard to Gutierrez’s replacement.

Gutierrez is expected to bid farewell to “The Buzz” on Sunday. She was the show's host for 3 years. “All I want talaga is a graceful exit. Nagpaalam na ako sa ABS-CBN at naintindihan naman ako ng big bosses.”

Recently, Gutierrez got embroiled in a controversy after her mother, Annabelle Rama, pulled her out of “The Buzz” in what was perceived by many as a walk-out.

Gutierrez admitted that she got hurt by Aquino’s remarks about her decision to move to TV5 that she decided to leave in the middle of the celebrity talk show.

Gutierrez said she wanted to go back on-air, but she was already “emotional” and could no longer proceed with the program. She also clarified that it was no walk-out.

Aquino later said sorry to both Gutierrez and Rama, an apology the mother and daughter had accepted. Aquino and Gutierrez have yet to see each other again after the incident.

“Obviously, we are going to see each other again. We are going to bump into each other again. And I’m sure it’s just going to be like [the old times] kasi Kris never holds grudges,” Gutierrez said, adding:

“Krissy wherever you are, I’m not mad at you. Minsan nahu-hurt ako. Minsan nagiging emotional ako. And I’m sure you understand me kasi matagal na naman ang pinagsamahan natin... I hope to see you soon and I hope to talk to you soon.”

Family time

Meantime, Gutierrez confirmed that former husband Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas will fly to the country third week of March to spend time with their 2 daughters.

“We will probably spend time on the beach kasi it’s summer. Na-miss niya talaga ‘yong 2 bata. So, I guess I will give him the time to spend time with the kids,’ she said.

She also shared: “Gusto lang daw niyang [magbasa] ng story books sa mga bata under the coconut tree so I’ll give that to him. Kahit papaano the kids miss their dad.”

Gutierrez has the sole custody of Lorin and Venice.