MANILA, Philippines - From the illustrious Cruz clan, which includes celebrities Donna Cruz, Sheryl Cruz, Geneva Cruz and Sunshine Cruz, comes another rising star — Djanin Cruz, the only daughter of actor Tirso Cruz III and the former Lynn Ynchausti.
Twenty-year-old Djanin (pronounced Janine) is the youngest of three children of Tirso and Lynn. “I have a good relationship with my parents and I’m very open to them. I’m friends with my parents but I have high regard for them and I truly respect them,” she says. The best lesson she learned from her dad was to always do her best in anything and never do anything half-baked. Her father has always been her inspiration in terms of acting. “If I can only achieve even a small percentage of his vast experience in the business, I would be the happiest.”
Djanin graduated at the De La Salle University with a degree in Business Management. She first appeared on Eat Bulaga, where she accompanied their family helper in joining a contest. One of the GMA executives saw her, called her mom and asked if she wanted to sign up with them. She eventually signed a contract with GMA in November 2009 and did her first soap in February 2010. At present, she plays Lucy in My Beloved, which has Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes in the lead roles. “Acting can be very challenging at times but it is definitely very fulfilling especially when your colleagues are supportive,” Djanin expresses.
Despite having an actor for a father, she says her childhood was pretty normal. “My parents made sure that we were firmly grounded,” she adds. Their family would go swimming on weekends and spend the whole Sunday together with their relatives. She also remembers dreaming to be a teacher when she was a child. “It seemed fun and I enjoy being around kids!”
Ever since she was young, she has enjoyed singing, which simply fits to the saying that if one is a Cruz, one has to sing or dance well. She was, in fact, part of her school’s choir. She also likes playing tennis and badminton, and baking. Once in a while, she would search for a recipe then try to do it until she feels it’s perfect. Of late, she’s been trying to perfect the red velvet cupcakes.
Djanin means it when she says that she’s not very difficult to please. “My happiness ranges from the tiniest thing to something bigger. But ultimately, what make me happy are my family and true friends.” Aside from her parents, her role models are her titas and titos, who are also in showbiz. “Sina Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon, Gina Alajar, Amy Austria, Sandy Andolong, Edgar Mortiz, Laurice Guillen. They have this group called ‘The Legends.’ Not only do I admire them for the dedication they have for their craft but also the friendship they share with my parents. Most people would say that it’s hard to find true friends in this industry but my parents and their friends show otherwise. And it’s also nice because their children are the ones I hang out with the most. We’re like a big family,” she proudly says.
Being born with her own place in an orbit of stars and having profound love for her craft, Djanin Cruz is definitely one lucky star whose light may never cease glowing.
Photography by MAU AGUASIN • Styling by REG RODRIGUEZ • Makeup by RIA AQUINO • Hairstyling by AVRIL SEGUIN • Clothes by MORLIE • Shot on location at DUSIT THANI HOTEL