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Geneva Mendoza Cruz (Tagalog pronunciation:[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.
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]
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.
Cruz dated former MTVVJKC 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-fiancé) 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 songwriter 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
Catholic Mass Media Awards – Best song for Anak ng Pasig[10]
^ abcConception, Pocholo (April 28, 2008). "Geneva finds her roots". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on January 9, 2009. Retrieved January 24, 2010.
