Geneva Cruz opens up on finding love again

MANILA, Philippines — Christmas 2024 was “extra special” for singer-actress Geneva Cruz because she celebrated it with love in her eyes, as one may put it.

“I have opened myself to love once again. I think that’s pretty special because for many years or since 2021, sarado talaga. I’m just really happier and grateful,” she said during the recent launch of her holiday tune When Christmas Comes.

Geneva was reluctant at first to reveal the identity of her special someone, but she finally gave in during the later part of the press conference.

Giving hints, she described her boyfriend as “national athlete, the one in the (music video) and is into jiu-jitsu.” He’s Dean Roxas, a jiu-jitsu national athlete and SEA Games gold medalist, who appeared in the singer’s When Christmas Comes music video, directed by her good friend Jeffrey Hidalgo.

“I’m happier, ‘yun yung kaibahan ng Christmas ko this year,” declared Geneva.

“And I’m very, very proud (of him). He inspires me to be better in life. And he (gives) positive reinforcement,” she further said of Dean.

For the past years, she had been single. But she was grateful for being in her “strong but soft girl era” and getting to tap that “feminine side” of her.

“Sabi ko nga minsan siguro parang mas dumarating kapag hindi mo i-ni-expect. I always say I’ve been happy for many years. I’m just happier now,” she added.

Geneva is dating Dean Roxas, a jiu-jitsu national athlete and SEA Games gold medalist. He also appeared in the When Christmas Comes music video, directed by her good friend Jeffrey Hidalgo.

Photos from Geneva Cruz’s Instagram

The catchy, upbeat song When Christmas Comes is about a woman who is catching feelings for her ex, who is currently long-distance. “She eagerly awaits his arrival and is giddy with excitement about seeing him again. The ex-partners share similar feelings and they plan their Christmas adventures,” Geneva elaborated.

She further told The STAR that the ditty is about falling in love with someone that you love from the past. “May mga ex na nagkabalikan parang ganun. So, in a way, it gives hope to people who are going through breakups, yung hindi maganda yung Pasko sa kanila. I believe that if you focus on the good, on yourself, on your growth and on the positive things, (then) positive things will happen to you,” she also said of the song’s message.

Geneva also collaborated with her friend, Dan Gil, for the track’s melody and arrangement.

“One of my besties, Jeffrey Hidalgo, directed the music video, and I’m truly grateful to him and the whole creative team. The video was my concept. We made it snow in QC (Quezon City)! Hahaha!” shared Geneva.

The Smokey Mountain alumni, Geneva and Jeffrey, have maintained their solid friendship through the years.

“I guess si Jeff, he’s one of those people… na kahit anong mangyari we just click and we get each other. We respect one another, ayaw nating kulitin ang isa’t isa, pero ayaw rin namin lubayan ang isa’t isa. The respect is there and we had fun together, all the time,” beamed Geneva.

“She’s stuck with me and I’m stuck with her. Walang choice. Hahaha!” reacted Jeffrey.

Geneva will celebrate her 35th year in the business through a concert in April next year. The show will be directed by Jeffrey.