Geneva Cruz Explained

Geneva Cruz
Background:solo_singer
Birth Name:Geneva Mendoza Cruz
Birth Date:2 April 1976
Origin:Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Instrument:Vocals, Guitars
Occupation:Singer, composer, dancer, actress, model.
Years Active:1989–present
Associated Acts:Smokey Mountain
Sheryl Cruz
Donna Cruz
Sunshine Cruz
Tirso Cruz III
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Relatives:Sheryl Cruz (cousin)
Donna Cruz (cousin)
Sunshine Cruz (cousin)
Rayver Cruz (cousin)
Rodjun Cruz (cousin)
Tirso Cruz III (uncle)
Ricky Belmonte (uncle)

Geneva Mendoza Cruz (in Tagalog pronounced as /ˈkɾus/; born April 2, 1976) is a multiplatinum Filipina singer and actress known for her songs, "Anak Ng Pasig" (Child/Children of Pasig) and "Kailan" (When). She was discovered and mentored by National Artist of the Philippines for Music, Ryan Cayabyab who formed the defunct iconic music group Smokey Mountain, which she was a member of. In 2020, Cruz moved back to Manila in the Philippines, from the United States, where she worked as a weight-loss coach for a few years.

On March 9, 2022, Cruz earned the rank of sergeant under the Philippine Air Force Reserve Command after she graduated from its military training.[1]

Early life

Geneva Cruz was born in Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila. One of the great-granddaughters of Tirso Cruz, Sr., her family includes actors like Tirso Cruz III, Sunshine Cruz, Sheryl Cruz, and Donna Cruz.[2]

Cruz first married Paco Arespacochaga, with son, Heaven. After declaration of nullity, she married KC Montero. After their 10-year marriage, she dated non-showbiz partners, Nikolaus Booth and Lee Paulsen, with a daughter, London, born on May 10, 2014.[3] In May, 2024, Cruz and KC Montero joined "It's Showtime"'s “EXpecially For You.”[4]

In 2024, Cruz enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration course at Philippine Christian University. She studied Bachelor of Literature at the University of Santo Tomas.[5]

Career

Cruz began her career in 1989 as one of the lead singers of the popular group Smokey Mountain. The Smokey Mountain album went double platinum. She also represented the Philippines in 1992 at "The Voice of Asia" in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, Russia, where she won Gold and became the Grand Champion, where she was also, and still is, the youngest winner. Cruz's first solo album, I Like You, went double platinum and produced several hit singles, including the title track and "Anak ng Pasig" (from the movie of the same title) in which Geneva appeared. "Anak Ng Pasig" was also chosen as Best Pop Song by the 1992 Catholic Mass Media Awards. Her second solo album In the Name of Love went platinum and produced hits like "Ang Gaan ng Feeling" and "In the Name of Love."

Cruz's most recent album was released in August 2013 entitled, To Manila.

She moved back to Manila, Philippines, in 2023 to pursue acting and continue performing worldwide. Aside from singing and acting, Geneva also dances and plays the guitar.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Film Production
1992 Anak ng Pasig
1993 Secret LoveCarmina
1995 Campus GirlsDiane
I Love You SabadoBand Member (Gen's 1st comedy movie)
2001 Weyt A Minit, Kapeng Mainit Joy
2002 Burles King (Daw O...)! Jessica
Walang Iba Kundi IkawAbril MMG Films[6]
2020 Coming Home Ellen

Television

Year Title Role Network
1995–2001 ASAP Herself / Performer / Host ABS-CBN
1999–2001 Bingo Filipino Herself PTV
2001–2002 Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin Melody GMA Network
2004 Mulawin Haraya
2005 Bubble Gang Herself / Guest
2006 Sari-a
2011 PNP Pacers UniversiTV
Castaway GMA Network
2020 Guest Singer / Contestant ABS-CBN
Guest Singer / Contestant (with Jeffrey Hidalgo)
2021 Herself / Contestant Kapamilya Channel / A2Z
2022 Little Princess Odessa Hidalgo-Montivano GMA Network
Tadhana: The Stepdaughter Betty
Wish Ko Lang: Tita Matet
Tadhana: Isabella Elvira Reyes
2023 Wish Ko Lang: Lihim ni Mister Jenny
Tadhana: PangarapTessie
Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na MisisIris "Mrs. Virus" Dehado
2024 Abot-Kamay na Pangarap Irene Castro-Benitez

Discography

Albums

Singles

Personal life

Cruz dated former MTV VJ KC Montero in 1999 and was married from 2004 until 2010.

On May 10, 2014, Cruz gave birth to a healthy baby girl named London Lee Cruz (with her ex-fiance) and is currently living in Manila, Philippines, with her. Her son Heaven Arespacochaga, with musician Paco Arespacochaga, resides in Los Angeles, CA. is a rapper and a song writer that goes by the name HEAVENKNEW. [7]

Cruz has been a long-time Environmentalist and an Animal Rights advocate.[8]

In 2013, Geneva joined the PETA campaign to free Mali, an elephant currently in captivity at the Manila Zoo, and have her transferred to Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand. She posed for a photo shoot with Sanya Smith, Amanda Griffin, Ornussa Cadness, Mia Ayesa, Julia Sniegowski, Sheena Vera Cruz, and Daiana Menezes, all of whom were asking for Mali to be freed.[9]

Awards

Notes and References

  1. News: GENEVA CRUZ IS FEELING FABULOUS AT 40. Balitang America. Chavez. Yong. July 26, 2016. September 15, 2016. September 16, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160916041028/http://www.balitangamerica.tv/geneva-cruz-is-feeling-fabulous-at-40/. dead.
  2. News: Geneva finds her roots . April 28, 2008 . Pocholo . Conception . Philippine Daily Inquirer. January 24, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090109131618/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20080429-133494/Geneva-finds-her-roots . January 9, 2009 .
  3. News: Chua. EJ . Geneva Cruz's wonderful moments with her beautiful daughter London. May 5, 2024 . . March 7, 2024.
  4. News: Evangelista. Jessica Ann . Geneva Cruz cries at reunion with KC Montero on 'It's Showtime'. May 5, 2024 . . May 4, 2024.
  5. News: Geneva Cruz, balik-kolehiyo: ‘There's no such thing as being too late. August 17, 2024 . . August 15, 2024.
  6. News: Mikey Macapagal Arroyo Shuttles Between Showbiz And Politics . 16 September 2023 . Manila Standard . 16 November 2001 . en.
  7. News: Geneva Cruz is engaged again. September 14, 2014. ABS-CBN News. August 19, 2014.
  8. News: Geneva Cruz strips anew . August 17, 2009 . ABS-CBN News. January 24, 2010.
  9. Web site: Models bare bodies for ailing elephant Mali | Lifestyle: InterAksyon.com . March 5, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130801152620/http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/models-bare-bodies-for-ailing-elephant-mali . August 1, 2013 .
  10. Book: CMMA, 1978–2003: 25 years of Philippine mass media through the eyes of CMMA . Catholic Mass Media Awards Foundation . Jose G. Burgos . Jose Mari Chan . 2003 . 978-971-92807-1-2 .