As she turns 51 this June 24, Ruffa Gutierrez shows no signs of slowing down—not in life, love, or career.

The former beauty queen, actress, and now the formidable Queen CEO Velma Imperial in the upcoming series Beauty Empire, is entering a new chapter both professionally and personally. But when asked by Boy Abunda on Fast Talk who she wishes would walk into her birthday party this year, Ruffa didn’t hesitate: “I want Yilmaz.”

She was referring to her ex-husband, Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas. The former couple has not seen each other in more than two decades, having separated in 2007 and finalized their annulment in 2012. Still, Ruffa says there’s a new kind of peace between them.

“On the phone, we’ve become friends again,” Ruffa shared. “We talk for hours. If we saw each other in person, baka umabot kami ng walong oras. We even argue playfully about how we first met—he says I chased him, I say he chased me!”

With the humor comes honesty. “Of course siya [ang naghabol],” Ruffa laughed. “Hindi nga siya marunong mag-English noon—ako nagturo sa kanya!”

She also clarified longstanding rumors that Yilmaz had remarried. “He’s single. He never married after me. He had a fiancée, but it didn’t push through. He doesn’t have other kids aside from Lorin and Venice,” Ruffa said, referring to their daughters.

While the open lines of communication between Ruffa and Yilmaz are refreshing, she’s realistic about the future. “Probably not,” she replied when asked if she would consider marrying him again. “I’m not saying never, but I love the friendship we have now—for the sake of the girls. And honestly, when he gets jealous, he’s hard to deal with,” she said with a knowing smile.

It took time—and healing—to get here. “We didn’t speak for years. There were times I was so angry on the phone,” Ruffa admitted. “But now, I’m careful with my words. I’ve learned a lot.”

Her daughters, meanwhile, are supportive of her happiness. “They respect it. They’re happy when I’m happy.”

As Ruffa prepares to command the screen as the powerful Velma Imperial starting June 16 on Viu Philippines and July 7 on GMA, she enters her 51st year not only as a star but as a woman who has come full circle—with grace, strength, and yes, a little space left for the unexpected.