Rayver Cruz recalls how romance with Julie Anne blossomed in ‘The Clash’

Rayver Cruz is one of the country’s most versatile actors because he can sing, dance, act, and host. This doesn’t surprise anymore as he comes from the talented and famous Cruz clan, which also includes Tirso Cruz III, Jesse (the late Ricky Belmonte), Sheryl, Sunshine, Donna, and Rodjun. Rayver’s performing talent runs deep in the genes from being part of a family of showbiz royalty.

The actor admitted feeling pressured when he was younger. “At first, sa akin mayroon kasi growing up lahat sila magaling kumanta pati si Rodjun noong bata pa lang. Ako, hindi ko talaga matono iyong songs, so ang sabi ko kung hindi ako magiging magaling kumanta, ilipat ko na lang. Kailangan maging magaling ako na dancer. Kumbaga mayroon din aangat na Cruz na magaling sumayaw,” he explained during our conversation on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”

Rayver, however, said there are certain things that he can’t do despite being an accomplished performer. “Hindi ako marunong tumambling. Hindi ako flexible kasi akala nila lahat ‘pag dancer ka, flexible ka, and kaya mo rin tumambling or mag-break dance. Hindi ko siya kaya. Talagang strictly dancing lang ako.”

He is a picture of a man, so happy and in love. His beautiful relationship with Julie Anne San Jose is getting stronger each day. They are currently reprising their roles as hosts of “The Clash 2024,” together with Ai-Ai delas Alas, Lani Misalucha, and Christian Bautista taking the helm as judges.

How does it feel to be working with his girlfriend? “Mas madali for me, Tito Boy, kasi nandoon na iyong rapport and chemistry. Pero ‘pag nandoon kami sa work, professional kami,” Rayver said.

“The Clash” has a soft spot for Rayver and Julie Anne because this is where their romance blossomed. They started out as friends until they fell in love with each other. Rayver confessed to Julie Anne over the phone that he was beginning to have a crush on his best friend. “Eh, siya iyong best friend ko. Hindi pa siya masyado nakasagot, pero parang naramdaman ko sa paghinga niya sa phone na parang kinilig din siya,” he shared.

The actor is aware that some JAmantes, Julie’s fandom, are not in favor of their relationship. Rayver doesn’t pay attention to the bashing when he reads them on social media. The core group of the fandom sometimes sends him messages that reassure him of their full support for Rayver and Julie Anne.

This is not an easy conversation, but they look on the bright side. “Ngayon si Julie kapag may mga ganoong pangyayari or mahirap pag-usapan imbes na pag-usapan in a negative way, pinag-uusapan namin siya in a positive way,” he said.

The actress is now more engaging and more open in talking about difficult topics like this when she would choose to keep quiet in the past.

I wish them only the best.