Geneva Cruz started her career in the 1990s
as lead singer of the popular group Smokey Mountain. She soon became a successful
solo artist and released her first album, I Like You, which went platinum.
The album produced several hit singles, including the title track and "Anak
ng Pasig" (from the movie of the same name. in which Geneva appeared). "Anak
Ng Pasig," a Jimmy Antiporda composition was also chosen as Best Pop Song
by the 1992 Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Soon after going solo, Geneva was chosen to
represent the Philippines at the three-day Voice of Asia Song Festival
in Kazhakstan, USSR, where her impressive talent earned her the Grand Prize.
Her second album, "In the Name of Love," was
not only a success in the Philippines, it was also a big hit in Malaysia
and Indonesia. The title single reached #1 on several Indonesian radio stations.
 Her 1998 album, "Geneva
on Fire," contained hits such as "Hindi Ko
Kaya" and a song she composed herself, "Di Na Ako Aasa."
The album cover raised some eyebrows, showing
Geneva in various sexy outfits, a sharp contrast to her former wholesome
teenage image. Her concert appearances also began to reflect the more mature
Geneva, not only by her more revealing clothes but by a more exuberant dancing
style. As she explained in a 1999 interview with Philmusic.com, "Everything
is coming from my heart... so there are no pretensions, there’s no image.
I dress this way because I love dressing up this way… And they were
telling me that it’s like a drastic change for me, because they were
used to seeing Geneva Cruz … you know, very wholesome and… I
can’t be like that anymore... I’m just really comfortable with
myself now."
Her latest album is simply titled "Geneva"
and four of the songs have been released as singles: "Don't Need Your Money,"
"Tanging Dahilan," "Shout" and "Kailan Ba."
 Geneva continues to
be very much in demand on the
concert circuit. She is a total entertainment package:
an excellent singer, a high-energy dancer, and a "looker" as well. Last year
she appeared with APO Hiking Society on their US tour, and in December, 2003
she and Rachel Alejandro did a concert with Martin Nievera in Dubai, United
Arab Emirates. Geneva had first teamed up with Rachel for a "Showdown" concert
at Manila's Music Museum in October 2002. As Hanzel Villafuerte wrote in
the Philippine Star, "Rachel Alejandro and Geneva Cruz stand out because
of their unbelievable energy levels. They are the only singers I know who
can sing and dance for two hours straight without tiring! This is why I am
looking forward to their joint concert, Showdown... It will be interesting
to see how these two young, sexy and energetic performers will match up."
The concert was a big success, and Geneva and Rachel are bringing the show
to the US in February 2004.
Personal info: Geneva is the oldest of the
four daughters of Renato "Boyet" Cruz and Marilyn Cruz. She has an eight-year-old
son, Heaven, by ex-hubby Paco Arespacochaga of the group Introvoys. She is
part of the showbiz "Cruz Clan" which includes her cousins Sheryl, Donna
and Sunshine Cruz. In her spare time Geneva enjoys horseback riding and bowling.
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