Rayver Cruz

Raymond Oliver Cruz Ilustre (born July 20, 1989), better known by his screen name Rayver Cruz (ˈkɾus), is a Filipino actor. He is currently an exclusive actor of GMA Network.

Early life and education

Rayver Cruz is a member of the Cruz family, a notable family line in the Philippine entertainment industry, which includes his cousins Sheryl Cruz, Sunshine Cruz, Geneva Cruz and Donna Cruz.^[1] 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]}

Cruz graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Saint Francis of Assisi College in Las Piñas.^[2]

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.^[3][4] After 18 years, Cruz returned to his home network, GMA Network as he signed a contract on September 6, 2018.^[5][6] Aside from acting and dancing, he is given a big break in singing and hosting career^[7] 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.

Personal life

Cristine Reyes and Cruz began their romance in 2011 when he allegedly left his ex-girlfriend Sarah Geronimo. Reyes and Cruz separated ways in 2012.^[8] He also dated Janine Gutierrez for four years and the couple confirmed break-up in November 2021.^[9]

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.^[10]

Filmography

Film

Television

Web series

Discography

Singles

• 2007: "Kembot" (as part of ASAP)
• 2016: "Bitaw"
• 2023: "Pag-Ibig na Kaya" (with Julie Anne San Jose)^[12]
• 2026: "Dust of the Universe"

Appearances

Concerts

Accolades

Awards and nominations

References

1. ^ Abanilla, Clarizel (June 15, 2018). "Is Rayver Cruz moving to GMA?". Retrieved February 22, 2019.
2. ^ "Rayver graduates from college". Philippine Star. June 17, 2010. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
3. ^ Anarcon, James Patrick (June 15, 2018). "Rayver Cruz leaves Star Magic after 14 years". Retrieved February 22, 2019.
4. ^ "Rayver Cruz bids goodbye to Star Magic - LionhearTV". www.lionheartv.net. June 17, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
5. ^ "Rayver Cruz, kumpirmado na ang paglipat sa GMA-7". Philippine Entertainment Portal. September 4, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
6. ^ Soriano, Gia Allana (September 5, 2018). "Rayver Cruz, balik Kapuso na!". GMA Network. Retrieved February 22, 2019. *"WATCH: Returning Kapuso Rayver Cruz began career at GMA-7". GMA Network. September 5, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
7. ^ 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.
8. ^ "From Dennis Trillo to Marco Gumabao: Cristine Reyes' relationship history". Rappler. February 2, 2024. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
9. ^ "No 3rd party': Janine Gutierrez, Rayver Cruz have broken up, source confirms". ABSCBN. 16 November 2021. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
10. ^ "Julie Anne San Jose + Rayver Cruz Dish On Their *First* Celebrity Crushes: 'Crush naman kita ngayon!'". Cosmopolitan. December 8, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
11. ^ 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] (in Filipino). PEP.ph. 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.
12. ^ Llemit, Kathleen A. "Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz cover 'Pag-ibig na Kaya'". Philstar.com. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
13. ^ "Star Magic 20 Live in Los Angeles". Berce LLC. August 19, 2012. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
14. ^ "Xian Lim and Gerald Anderson Together in a US Tour! | BIDA KAPAMILYA". Xian Lim and Gerald Anderson Together in a US Tour! | BIDA KAPAMILYA. 2012-02-04. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
15. ^ "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 2023-04-26.
16. ^ "Filipino 'Primetime Heartthrobs' live in Dubai". gulfnews.com. October 2, 2014. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
17. ^ "TFC Canada - Teleserye Bida with Liza Soberano Live in Toronto October 23, 2015. Check poster attached for more details! | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
18. ^ "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 2023-04-26.
19. ^ "IN PICTURES: GMA Pinoy TV's 'Together Again' concert a sold-out hit". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
20. ^ Llemit, Kathleen A. "'I love you, too': Julie Anne San Jose reveals true feelings for Rayver Cruz at JulieVerse concert". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
21. ^ "Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz headline Taste of Manila and Pista ng Bayan Vancouver 2023 in Canada". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
22. ^ "Sparkle in Canada Tour: Dates, Tickets, and Featured Stars". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2024-04-05.
23. ^ "Aliw Awards aired tonight on RPN 9". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
24. ^ "Rayver and Rodjun Cruz honored at the Dakilang Filipino Awards". GMA News Online. October 18, 2022. Retrieved 2023-04-26.

External links

• Rayver Cruz at IMDb