Sibling rivalry not part of the script of brothers Rodjun and Rayver Cruz

When it was time to move on, it was Rayver, the youngest in a brood of three, who first joined ABS-CBN’s Star Magic. Rodjun, the middle child, followed sometime after. Thus it’s no surprise that the youngest is more popular than the older brother, even as both are members of the famous all-male song and dance group, Anime, of ASAP ‘07. Yet, Rodjun, who together with Iya Villania were guests last Wednesday for the month-long 14th anniversary celebration of Gaisano Countrymall, made it clear that there is no sibling rivalry between them.

“Wala po. Masaya nga po kami kasi wala po kaming inggitan. Kung anong nagawa ng isa, proud kami sa na-accomplish ng isa,” Rodjun told some members of the E-Group (entertainment group) during an intimate merienda.

He used to have a love team partner in Star Circle Quest 2 grand winner Erich Gancayco but it did not work out so well. Now, he is gradually being packaged as a solo performer. Rayver, on the other hand, is getting popular with his team-up with Shaina Magdayao (they are paired off in two entries to the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival—“Bahay Kubo” and “Katas ng Saudi”, even if they are set to be separated because they are not effective too, especially in the light of persistent rumors that Vina Morales’ younger sister is actually in love with John Prats. Good-natured as he is, Rayver refused to comment on the rumor, courteously saying it is better to ask the parties involved.

“Ako talaga promise, hindi ko masasagot. Mas maganda kung sila ang tatanungin,” Rayver opined when he was in Cebu two weeks ago for a mini-show at Gaisano Main and Countrymall with Karel Marquez. “Kahit papano, iniiwasan namin (Shaina and him) pag-usapan kasi baka makasira lang lalo sa trabaho namin, di ba? Kahit anong mangyari nandito pa rin naman ako para sa kanya. Kahit kaibigan lang kami, nandito pa rin ako.”

Rodjun and Rayver are really brothers because they almost have the same interests and pursuits. Rodjun admitted that he doesn’t mind being a virgin at 20, while Rayver has yet to have his first relationship at 18. Rodjun broke up with his girlfriend two years ago, after the girl went to the States and did not want a long distance relationship. Both brothers have the same crush on Kristine Hermosa. But they share the same mindset, which is to finish studies first, because they believe that there is always a right time for matters of the heart. And because Rayver idolizes his Kuya Rodjun so much, he enrolled in a Business Management course at St. Francis of Assisi in Pampanga. But if Rodjun has yet to decide what sort of business he would establish in the future, Rayver is quite sure of his plan, which is to put up his own restaurant, as he has observed that in Parañaque where they live, the food business is booming.

As brothers and as Cruzes they almost have the same talents—acting, dancing, and singing. But Rayver would always be ready to say that his Kuya is his idol, because the latter does not only dance hip-hop like him but is also good in social dancing, being the winner of the recently concluded “U Can Dance” version 2. And not only that, Rodjun, according to Rayver, is a good singer that is why he is learning to sing as well. After all, Rayver added, musical talent runs in their blood.

While Rayver is being molded as a matinee idol who is set to be reunited with first screen partner Maja Salvador via the remake of “AnnaLiza” early next year, Rodjun has yet to find the perfect packaging. He said he loves to try everything and being a superhero fan, he hopes to star as either Superman or Spiderman in a teleseries. He is open to doing mature movies and pictorials but on two conditions, that the directors are prominent and that he will be given time to build up his muscles that will fit his 5’10 frame. “Siguro pwede pero mag-gym gym muna ako para at least ready,” he declared before breaking into laughter. If this would be the case, then it is certain that they will not be competing with each other. They are proving to be different in terms of appeal. The 6’ flat Rayver has the makings of a matinee idol while Rodjun is your poster boy type.

When they don’t have showbiz commitments, they bond a lot just by hanging out in their home or going out to the malls. “Basketball, tapos yun sa sayaw magkasama kami sa rehearsal minsan. Pag sa bahay, playstation, tapos ‘pag sa family lumalabas kami nanonood ng movie,” shared Rodjun.

But if Rayver has learned to open up and talk with ease to the press, Rodjun has yet to master that. “Siguro ako po tahimik po talaga ako kasi minsan medyo mahiyain po talaga ako. Pero kung nakikilala nyo na ako at naging close mo ako, sobrang kulit ko po talaga,” Rodjun admitted. Rayver was actually like his Kuya—a guy of a few words—when I first met him two years ago also for a Gaisano Incorporated gig.

Despite these differences, they have the same character—soft spoken and refined. Add to that is their high respect for girls. Therefore, it would not be a surprise if five years from now, Rayver and Rodjun would be the most successful names in whatever endeavors they have chosen in showbiz or in the field of entrepreneurship, as their actions speak of how they are properly raised by their parents. Good people will always be blessed, right? Way to go, Cruz brothers!   

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