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Geneva Mendoza Cruz (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈkɾus]; born April 2, 1976) is a 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.
Geneva Cruz | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Geneva Mendoza Cruz |
| Born | April 2, 1976 |
| Origin | Tondo, Manila, Philippines |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, composer, dancer, actress, model. |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, Guitars |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Relatives | Sheryl Cruz (cousin) Donna Cruz (cousin) Sunshine Cruz (cousin) Rayver Cruz (cousin) Rodjun Cruz (cousin) Tirso Cruz III (uncle) Ricky Belmonte (uncle) |
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 edit
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]
Career edit
Cruz began her career in 1989 as one of the lead singers of the popular group Smokey Mountain.[2] 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 edit
Film edit
| Year | Title | Role | Film Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Anak ng Pasig | ||
| 1993 | Secret Love | Carmina | |
| 1995 | Campus Girls | Diane | |
| I Love You Sabado | Band Member | (Gen's 1st comedy movie) | |
| 2001 | Weyt A Minit, Kapeng Mainit | Joy | |
| 2002 | Burles King (Daw O...)! | Jessica | |
| Walang Iba Kundi Ikaw | Abril | MMG Films[3] | |
| 2020 | Coming Home |
Television edit
| 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 | Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas | Sari-a | |
| 2011 | PNP Pacers | UniversiTV | |
| Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Showdown | Castaway | GMA Network | |
| 2020 | I Can See Your Voice (season 2) | Guest Singer / Contestant | ABS-CBN |
| I Can See Your Voice (season 3) | Guest Singer / Contestant (with Jeffrey Hidalgo) | ||
| 2021 | Your Face Sounds Familiar (season 3) | 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: Pangarap | Tessie | ||
| Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis | Iris "Mrs. Virus" Dehado | ||
| 2024 | Abot-Kamay na Pangarap | Irene Castro-Benitez |
Discography edit
Albums edit
- Smokey Mountain
- I Like You
- In the Name of Love
- On Fire!
- Geneva
- To Manila
Singles edit
- "Sinungaling" (2021)
Personal life edit
Cruz dated former MTV VJ KC Montero in 1999 and was married from 2004 until 2010.[2]
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. [4]
Cruz has been a long-time Environmentalist and an Animal Rights advocate.[5]
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.[6]
Awards edit
- Catholic Mass Media Awards – Best song for Anak ng Pasig[7]
References edit
- ^ Chavez, Yong (July 26, 2016). "GENEVA CRUZ IS FEELING FABULOUS AT 40". Balitang America. Archived from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
- ^ a b c Conception, Pocholo (April 28, 2008). "Geneva finds her roots". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on January 9, 2009. Retrieved January 24, 2010.
- ^ "Mikey Macapagal Arroyo Shuttles Between Showbiz And Politics". Manila Standard. November 16, 2001. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "Geneva Cruz is engaged again". ABS-CBN News. August 19, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
- ^ "Geneva Cruz strips anew". ABS-CBN News. August 17, 2009. Retrieved January 24, 2010.
- ^ "Models bare bodies for ailing elephant Mali | Lifestyle: InterAksyon.com". Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2014.
- ^ Jose G. Burgos; Jose Mari Chan (2003). CMMA, 1978–2003: 25 years of Philippine mass media through the eyes of CMMA. Catholic Mass Media Awards Foundation. ISBN 978-971-92807-1-2.
External links edit
- Geneva Cruz at IMDb