The author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry famously said, “Love is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction.”
That sentiment perfectly describes celerity couple Geneva Cruz and Dean Michael Roxas, who have been inseparable since officially becoming a pair. Cruz is a multi-platinum Filipina singer and actress, known for hits like "Anak Ng Pasig" and "Kailan," while Roxas is a two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in jiu-jitsu.
Individually, the couple has achieved remarkable milestones in their respective fields.
Cruz won Best Featured Actress in a musical at last year’s Aliw Awards for her performance in "Jeproks," while Roxas earned a gold medal in the men’s ne-waza 85kg division at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Geneva Cruz and Dean Michael Roxas
How their story began
According to Roxas, he has known of Cruz since he was in was a teenager, but he never actually had the chance to meet her.
“I just remember her to be a captivating performer because of her skills in both dancing and singing," he said. “Life went on, and come 2021, I was reminded of her, but through a personal encounter… from afar. I saw her walking across the walkway at Molito with a bunch of women. Little did I know, it was the start of her becoming a part of my subconscious.”
For some weird reason, Cruz’s private social media profile popped up on the ‘People You May Know’ tab on Facebook.
“I took it as a sign of divine providence to shoot my shot. Thankfully, because of some mutual friends, she agreed to my FB request, and later I was able to message her,” he said.
Geneva Cruz
What attracted them to each other
He promptly replied, “It’s how we made each other feel when we met. Felt weirdly familiar to even talk to each other. We felt so comfortable that whenever we saw each other, the time together was never enough.”
For Cruz’s part, she shared, “I loved that he was a total gentleman from the get-go -- very chivalrous, opening doors for me and pulling out seats for me.
“I also loved that he’s intelligent, spiritual, and funny. I love his sense of humor because it’s exactly like mine; we both got it from our parents, but most of all, I love how gentle and caring he is with me.”
They’ve been officially together for almost a year and a half, and they mutually feel that they have been together for longer than that.
Dean Michael Roxas
How they spend their time together
As a couple, they enjoy working out together and empowering each other.
“Training is part of our lifestyle for longevity because it's about adding life to your years, not just years to your life," he said. “It’s being strong, resilient, and capable to be able to have a good quality of life.”
She added, “We train almost every day. It’s not easy to train with him because he is very strong and intense.
“At first, I used to resist a bit, nakiki-usap kung pwede mas konti ang repetitions ko, pero I realized it was making me stronger, so now I just trust and listen to him."
A typical day for the couple begins with a cold plunge and some morning sunlight, followed by breakfast together.
Roxas, as an athlete, described their routine: “A workout at home, and go through the day with work and our events after lunch. After all our work and events for the day, we head into the sauna, and we end the day debriefing during our nightly walks before heading to bed.”
Roxas said his life with Cruz has helped him become a more balanced individual.
“She provides not just comfort, but also inspiration I can draw from to not just get better for myself, but for her as well. Whether it's working for a better future or training for a healthier life, it's the daily habits we build together that make our lives better,” he said.
Cruz, in turn, described Roxas as her cheerleader. “He pushes me to be better, and I believe I do the same for him. I also help him come out of his shell a little more,” she said.
On weekends, when they can, they visit either his parents or her family.
“Sometimes, we travel to a place with more nature, because part of our lifestyle is also to enjoy the beauty of the Philippines and to show London (her 11-year-old daughter with her former partner) the importance of experiencing the outdoors,” she said.
The perks of working out together
Studies have proven that couples who work out together can improve their teamwork and communication skills.
In certain aspects, it also enhances motivation and accountability. They serve as a built-in support system. It can also boost endorphins and mood and gives them that "natural high" together. With that, it reduces stress and increases overall happiness and positivity in their relationship.
For Roxas, a key factor in making their relationship work is setting goals together and mapping out the calendar for the whole year.
“To prepare for the important dates is what will give us fuel in between the events. Knowing we are a week closer to either a show or a competition that we are preparing for, nothing else gets us moving better than the excitement of performing/creating," he said.
“Build together, because the energy you have between you as couples can be very strong, and if unfocused or undirected, the energy can also go into destruction.”
Geneva Cruz and son Heaven and daughter London
Roxas envisions a life with Cruz filled with travel, shared experiences, milestone celebrations, and continued growth in both of their careers.
He adores her daughter, London. “She loves me and calls me ‘Dida (daddy),’” he said. “It feels as if we’ve known each other for years. Having her and her mommy in my life has been my greatest honor.”
Cruz sees the bond between Dean and her daughter as something truly special. “They are inseparable and so similar in many ways, which makes my heart full," she said.
“After losing the family I once had when my son Heaven was just a child, I dedicated myself to my job, my young daughter, and inner healing, and almost two years ago it finally happened… I now have the family I have prayed for over many years, and I am truly grateful.
“God gives second chances and truly answers prayers.”