Rayver Cruz

Raymond Oliver Cruz Ilustre (born July 20, 1989), better known by his screen name Rayver Cruz (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈkɾus]), is a Filipino actor. He is the younger brother of fellow actor and dancer Rodjun Cruz. He is currently an exclusive actor of GMA Network.

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Cruz and the surname or paternal family name is Ilustre.

Rayver Cruz
Cruz in 2014 promotional short about the making of Dilim
Born	Raymond Oliver Cruz Ilustre (1989-07-20) July 20, 1989 (age 35) Las Piñas, Metro Manila, Philippines
Other names	Rayver, Ray, Ray Ray, Raymond
Occupations	Actor dancer singer host model
Years active	1993–present
Agents	Star Magic (2002–2018) Sparkle (1995–2002; 2018–present)
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Family	Rodjun Cruz (brother) Ella Cruz (sister) Sunshine Cruz (cousin) Donna Cruz (cousin) Geneva Cruz (cousin) Sheryl Cruz (cousin) Tirso Cruz III (uncle) Ricky Belmonte (uncle) Danny Cruz (uncle)

Personal life

Rayver is a member of the Cruz family, a noted family line in the Philippine entertainment industry. He has two older brothers, Rodjun Cruz and Omar Cruz-Ilustre. His father, Rodolfo L. Ilustre, died in 2009 from kidney failure. He finished Grade 6 in Saint Mark's Institute in Las Piñas.^{[citation needed]}

He graduated in 2010 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration Management from St. Francis of Assisi College, Las Pinas City, Philippines.^[1]

Rayver is also a cousin of Sheryl Cruz, Sunshine Cruz, Geneva Cruz and Donna Cruz.^[2]

Cristine Reyes and Cruz began their romance in 2011 when Rayver allegedly left his ex-girlfriend Sarah Geronimo. Reyes and Cruz separated ways in 2012.^[3]

Cruz and Julie Anne San Jose began dating in February 2022 as they also exchanged "I love you's" on November 26, 2023 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.^[4]

Career

Cruz started as a former host together with his brother Rodjun in a children's magazine show 5 and Up on ABC (now TV5). In 1994, he moved to GMA Network and started as a child actor in the comedy show Kiss Muna, then moved to ABS-CBN in 2002 and became part of their contract talents before becoming a Star Magic talent.

His first lead role was in the 2005 primetime TV series Spirits as Red, with actress Maja Salvador. He played another lead role as Mythos in the 2007 primetime show Rounin.

On June 14, 2018, he left Star Magic, but he remained in Bagani, his final project at ABS-CBN.^[5][6] After 18 years, Cruz returned to his home network, GMA Network as he signed a contract on September 6, 2018.^{[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]} Aside from acting and dancing, he is given a big break in singing and hosting career^[15] when he hosted some GMA programs like the defunct variety show Studio 7, and singing competition The Clash along with Julie Anne San Jose.

Cruz is currently a part of variety show All-Out Sundays.

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Production companies
2002	Pakisabi Na Lang Na Mahal Ko Siya	Geomar	Regal Films
2003	Mr. Suave	Carl	Star Cinema
2007	Happy Hearts	Alvin	Regal Films
	Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po!	Cholo
	Katas ng Saudi	Kyle
2008	Kelly! Kelly! (Ang Hit na Musical)	Boom
2009	You Changed My Life	Marcelo "Macoy" Romero	Star Cinema
	Shake, Rattle & Roll XI: Lamang Lupa	Archie	Regal Films
2010	Cinco: Mata	Alvin	Star Cinema
	Shake, Rattle and Roll 12: Isla	Ray	Regal Films
2011	Forever and A Day	Mico	Star Cinema
	A Mother's Story	King	Star Cinema & The Filipino Channel
2013	On the Job	Bernabe	Star Cinema Reality Entertainment
	Saturday Night Chills	Mark	Cinema One Originals
2014	Dilim	Emerson	Regal Films
2015	Ex with Benefits	Andrew	Star Cinema Viva Films
	Filemon Mamon	Mr. Magdalo	MegaVision Integrated resources production
	Buy Now, Die Later	Ato	Quantum Films
2017	Ang Larawan	Charlie Dacanay	Culturtain Musicat Productions
2018	K9	Francis Dominador	CineBro & Reality Entertainment[16]
	Badge of Honor: To Serve and Protect[17]	PCpl. Jumeil Javier	PinoyFlix Films Active Media Events Production
2021	On the Job: The Missing 8	Bernabe	Reality MM Studios[18] & Globe Studios
2023	The Cheating Game	Miguel	GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs[19]

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Network
1993–2002	5 and Up	Himself	Host	ABC GMA Network
1997	Ibang Klase	Contestant		GMA Network
1999	F.L.A.M.E.S.	Vince		ABS-CBN
2000	Kiss Muna	Piolo	Supporting role	GMA Network
2002	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Yearbook			ABS-CBN
2004–05	Spirits	Red	Leading role
2004	Maalaala Mo Kaya: CD
2005–06	Nginiig	Himself	Host
2005	Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin	Nat	Supporting role
	Maalaala Mo Kaya	Billy Crawford
	ASAP Fanatic	Host
2006–18	ASAP	Himself	Host / Performer
2006	Komiks Presents: Agua Bendita		Ronnie
	Love Spell: Charm & Crystal	Johnny
	Your Song: Cuida	Samuel
	Star Magic Presents: My Friend, My love, My Destiny	Jun
	Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko	Allan / Aswang II	Guest role
	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Rugby	Jomar
	Star Magic Presents: Abt Ur Luv	Genesis 'Gens' Brondial
2007	Love Spell: Shoes Ko Po, Shoes Ko ’Day!	Stephen
	Rounin	Mythos	Leading role
	Your Song: Break It To Me Gently	Nico
	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Ilog	Eden
	Your Song: Just A Smile Away	Brian
2008	Your Song: Kapag Ako Ang Nagmahal	Jack
	That's My Doc	Jai
	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Board Game	Dennis
2009–10	May Bukas Pa	Francisco "Cocoy" Bautista	Main role
2010	Magkano ang Iyong Dangal?	Troy Sandoval	Main role / Antagonist
	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Cross-Stitch	Rey
	Wansapanataym: Inday Bote	Greg
2010–11	Precious Hearts Romances Presents:Kristine	Lance Navarro	Main role
2011	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tsinelas	Joward "Jawo" Johnson
2011–12	Reputasyon	Henry Aragon	Main role / Protagonist
2011	Gandang Gabi, Vice!	Himself	Guest
2012	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Saklay - The Bringas Brothers Story	Kurt Bringas
	Ako ang Simula	Himself	Guest
	Toda Max	Jun-Jun	Guest role
	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Motorsiklo	Xerces
2013	Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin	Marcus Ramirez	Main role / Primary Antagonist
	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Pasa	Raymond
2014	Ipaglaban Mo: Akin Ka Lang	Anderson
2014–15	Two Wives	Robert Dale Gopez-Del Valle	Supporting role / Antagonist
2015	Nathaniel	Arkanghel Josiah	Guest role
	All of Me	Marlon Santos
2016	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Alkansya	Ryan
2016–17	Doble Kara	Banjo Manrique	Main role
2017	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Mesa	Lan
	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Karayom	Joey
2018	Bagani	Kidlat	Supporting role / Anti-Hero
	Day Off	Himself	Guest	GMA News TV
	Tonight with Arnold Clavio
	Sarap, 'Di Ba?			GMA Network
2018–19	Studio 7		Host / Performer
	Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko	Gavin Corpus	Main role / Anti-Hero
2018	Magpakailanman: Impyerno sa Dagat	Arnel
2019	Hanggang sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko	Matteo Divinagracia	Main role / Anti-Hero
2019–present	The Clash	Himself	Main host / Clash Master since its 2nd season
2020–present	All-Out Sundays		Main host / Performer
2021	Nagbabagang Luha	Alex Montaire	Supporting role / Protagonist
2022	Bolera	Miguel "El Salvador"
	Bubble Gang	Himself / Various	Guest
	TiktoClock[20]	Himself
2024–present	Asawa ng Asawa Ko	Jordan Manansala	Main role / Protagonist / Anti-Hero

Web series

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Network
2023	Pag-ibig na Kaya	Miguel	Main role / Protagonist	Universal Records (Philippines)

Discography

Singles

• 2007: "Kembot" (as part of ASAP)
• 2016: "Bitaw"
• 2023: "Pag-Ibig na Kaya" (with Julie Anne San Jose)^[21]

Appearances

Year Released	Album Title	Details	Record Label
2007	ASAP Ultimate Dance 4	First ASAP dance album certified platinum; single: "Kembot"	ASAP Music/Star Records
2010	ASAP Supahdance 2	Second dance album with Kim Chiu, John Prats, Gab Valenciano & Mickey Perz

Concerts

Year	Title	Artists	Details
2012	Star Magic 20	Star Magic Artists	Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles[22]
	Teleserye Princes	Gerald Anderson, Sam Milby, Pokwang, Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Jason Abalos	James Logan High School, Union City, California[23]
	Teleserye Bida		US Tour[24]
2013		Gerald Anderson, Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Enrique Gil	US and Canada Tour with John Lapus
2014	Primetime Hearthrobs		The Indian High School football ground in Dubai[25]
	Teleserye Bida		Australia Tour!
		Gerald Anderson, Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Enrique Gil, Maja Salvador	Al Gharafa Sports Club Stadium in Al Gharafa, Doha, Qatar
2015		Gerald Anderson, Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano	The Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Toronto[26]
2017	Star Magic 25	Star Magic Artists	U.S. and Canada Tour!
2019	Kapusong Pinoy: Studio 7 Musikalye Sa Brooklyn	Christian Bautista, Alden Richards, Julie Anne San Jose, Kyline Alcantara, Golden Cañedo, Betong Sumaya	Kings Theatre in New York
2022	One Magical Night	Sam Milby, Catriona Gray, Marcelito Pomoy	Canada Tour[27]
	Together Again: A GMA Pinoy TV at 17 Concert	Dingdong Dantes, Bea Alonzo, Lani Misalucha, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Julie Anne San Jose	Pechanga Theater, Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California[28]
	JulieVerse	Julie Anne San Jose, Kyline Alcantara, Mavy Legaspi	Newport Performing Arts Theater[29]
2023	Taste Of Manila 2023: Isang Dekada Na! (JulieVer Concert)	Julie Anne San Jose	Toronto, Canada[30]
	Luv trip na, Luff trip pa!: JulieVer in Concert With Boobay!	Julie Anne San Jose; Boobay	Tel-Aviv, Israel
2024	Sparkle Tour	Julie Anne San Jose, Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali	Canada Tour[31]
		Alden Richards, Julie Anne San Jose, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Isko Moreno, Boobay	USA Tour
		Julie Anne San Jose, Jillian Ward, Ken Chan, Bianca Umali, Ruru Madrid	Japan
	JulieVer Live in Melbourne	Julie Anne San Jose	Australia
	JulieVer Live in Sydney

Accolades

Awards and nominations

Year	Award-Giving Body	Category	Work	Result	Ref.
2004	Aliw Awards	Best Dance Group (Modern)	Anime	Won	[32]
2012	60th FAMAS Awards	Best Supporting Actor	A Mother's Story	Nominated
2013	Cinema One Originals Awards	Best Actor	Saturday Night Chills	Won
2019	4th Gems Awards	Best Single Performance	Magpakailanman "Impyerno Sa Dagat"	Nominated
2021	34th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Talent Search Program Hosts with Julie Anne San Jose	The Clash	Nominated
2022	Gawad Karangalan Para Sa Pilipino	Outstanding Performer and Actor of the Year	Bolera and All Out Sundays	Won
	Dakilang Filipino Awards	Best Male Celebrity Of The Year	Himself	Won	[33]
	6th Gems Awards	Best Male Talent Search Program Host	The Clash	Nominated
	5th Asia Pacific Luminare Awards	Most Versatile Actor and Host of the Year	Nagbabagang Luha and The Clash	Won
2023	35th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Talent Search Program Host with Julie Anne San Jose	The Clash	Won
2024	Gawad Dangal	Best Actor	Asawa ng Asawa ko	Won

References

1. "Rayver graduates from college". Philippine Star. June 17, 2010. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
2. Abanilla, Clarizel (June 15, 2018). "Is Rayver Cruz moving to GMA?". Retrieved February 22, 2019.
3. "From Dennis Trillo to Marco Gumabao: Cristine Reyes' relationship history". Rappler. February 2, 2024. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
4. "Julie Anne San Jose + Rayver Cruz Dish On Their *First* Celebrity Crushes: 'Crush naman kita ngayon!'". Cosmopolitan. December 8, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
5. Anarcon, James Patrick (June 15, 2018). "Rayver Cruz leaves Star Magic after 14 years". Retrieved February 22, 2019.
6. "Rayver Cruz bids goodbye to Star Magic - LionhearTV". www.lionheartv.net. June 17, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
7. "Rayver Cruz, kumpirmado na ang paglipat sa GMA-7". Philippine Entertainment Portal. September 4, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
8. Soriano, Gia Allana (September 5, 2018). "Rayver Cruz, balik Kapuso na!". GMA Network. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
9. "WATCH: Returning Kapuso Rayver Cruz began career at GMA-7". GMA Network. September 5, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
10. Soriano, Gia Allana (September 6, 2018). "Rayver Cruz, naimpluwensyahan ba nina Rodjun Cruz at Janine Gutierrez para lumipat sa GMA?". GMA Network. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
11. Geli, Bianca (September 6, 2018). "IN PHOTOS: Rayver Cruz inks deal with GMA Network". GMA Network. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
12. Geli, Bianca (September 6, 2018). "Rayver Cruz, excited na sa bagong Kapuso project". GMA Network. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
13. "GMA may Bonggang salubong kay Rayver". The Philippine Star. September 6, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
14. "Rayver Cruz officially a Kapuso". GMA Network. September 7, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
15. Dabu, Rose (November 13, 2018). "Kapamilya stars react to Rayver Cruz' song number in 'Studio 7'". Kami.com.ph - Philippines news. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
16. Torre, Borgy (March 16, 2018), K9 (Action), CineBro, Reality Entertainment, retrieved January 23, 2023
17. PEP Troika (August 15, 2023). "'Barbie,' di pa rin natitinag sa No. 1; 'Badge of Honor,' nagbigay-pugay sa mga pulis" ['Barbie' still not yet budging from No. 1; 'Badge of Honor' honors the police]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal Inc. Retrieved August 16, 2023. Inabot ng pandemic itong pelikulang Badge of Honor, kaya bukas pa lang nila ito isu-showing sa mga sinehan.
18. "'On the Job: The Missing 8': Film Review | Venice 2021". The Hollywood Reporter. September 10, 2021.
19. "GMA Public Affairs unveils its 2023 content slate: Dreams, diversity....and dakila". Manila Bulletin. November 30, 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
20. "Bianca Umali, Kylie Padilla, at Rayver Cruz, live na mapapanood sa 'TiktoClock' | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
21. Llemit, Kathleen A. "Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz cover 'Pag-ibig na Kaya'". Philstar.com. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
22. "Star Magic 20 Live in Los Angeles". Berce LLC. August 19, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
23. "Xian Lim and Gerald Anderson Together in a US Tour! | BIDA KAPAMILYA". Xian Lim and Gerald Anderson Together in a US Tour! | BIDA KAPAMILYA. February 4, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
24. "Berce Enterprises - The Teleserye Bida Tour w/ Sam Milby, Gerald Anderson, Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Rayver Cruz, Jason Abalos, Pokwang Coming this FALL 2012 :) More info soon! | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
25. "Filipino 'Primetime Heartthrobs' live in Dubai". gulfnews.com. October 2, 2014. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
26. "TFC Canada - Teleserye Bida with Liza Soberano Live in Toronto October 23, 2015. Check poster attached for more details! | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
27. "Miss Philippines International of BC & Canada - A. Royal Productions is a proud sponsor of One Magical Night featuring Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray! With Sam Milby, Marcelito Pomoy & Rayver Cruz. Presented by MAP Entertainment An exciting special event for the Miss Philippines International of BC & Canada 2022 Candidates! Reserve your tickets now! 🎵 | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
28. "IN PICTURES: GMA Pinoy TV's 'Together Again' concert a sold-out hit". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
29. Llemit, Kathleen A. "'I love you, too': Julie Anne San Jose reveals true feelings for Rayver Cruz at JulieVerse concert". Philstar.com. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
30. "Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz headline Taste of Manila and Pista ng Bayan Vancouver 2023 in Canada". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
31. "Sparkle in Canada Tour: Dates, Tickets, and Featured Stars". PEP.ph. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
32. "Aliw Awards aired tonight on RPN 9". Philstar.com. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
33. News, G. M. A. (October 18, 2022). "Rayver and Rodjun Cruz honored at the Dakilang Filipino Awards". GMA News Online. Retrieved April 26, 2023. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)

External links

• Rayver Cruz at IMDb