Geneva Cruz evolves in concert — and in life

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

Who says you can't out-sing, out-dance, or outshine your younger self at 49?

Geneva Cruz is set to prove that age is just a number in her two-night concert titled "Gen Evolution," happening May 30 at the Music Museum in Greenhills. Celebrating both her birthday and the 35th anniversary of her career, Cruz's return to the stage is more than a milestone — it's a statement.

"This has always been part of my bucket list," she shared during her press conference. "I feel it's high time to reacquaint the younger generation with my music and my brand of high-octane concert performance."

But don't mistake "Gen Evolution" for a greatest-hits rehash. Cruz and concert director Jeffrey Hidalgo, her longtime best friend and fellow Smokey Mountain original, have shaped a setlist that's both nostalgic and fresh.

‘Gen Evolution’ will not only revisit the artist’s early hits but also weave in her solo releases, ‘90s OPM classics, and her newer material. PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/GENEVACRUZOFFICIAL

"Technically, this is the anniversary of Smokey Mountain — we were launched by the maestro, our National Artist for Music, Ryan Cayabyab, back in 1990," she recalled. "Since a Smokey Mountain reunion isn't happening this year, we decided it's still worth celebrating."

The concert will revisit her early hits — yes, including "Paraiso" and "Hideaway" — but also weave in her solo releases, '90s OPM classics, and her newer material, including original compositions.

"Music has a way of taking us back to the past, whether it be good or bad," she said. "I want my audience — especially those who grew up with me — to feel all of that."

Beyond music, Cruz's evolution is as physical as it is emotional. From being a teenage mother to a fierce fitness advocate, Cruz has rebuilt herself repeatedly, even when life threw its toughest blows.

"A lot of people say I'm old now, I can't do it anymore. But that's all in the mind. If your mind believes it, your body can do it too."

That mindset pushed her to finish her first triathlon in 2024 — just months after learning how to swim. These days, she doesn't just rehearse choreography, she trains like an athlete. Her boyfriend, a national athlete himself, inspires her to constantly level up.

"Dating someone like that means you're always at the gym or outdoors," she laughed. "You see their dedication and realize you can't fake it. You need to be ready — for a concert, for life."

The years away from the spotlight weren't idle either. Cruz co-founded a wellness business in Alabang, dabbled in acting (she plays a nun in the upcoming film "Nasaan Si Jesus?"), and reconnected with songwriting. Her 2023 Christmas release, "When Christmas Comes," marked her return to composing — a skill she started nurturing at 15 with tracks like "Love Can Wait" and "Set You Free."

Still, what fans will likely notice most on concert night is not the high notes or the dance breaks — but the grace of a woman who's lived and learned. She spoke candidly of healing from failed relationships, of learning to love herself before loving anyone else.

"I realized I had to be whole before giving love away. For five years, I didn't have a boyfriend — I needed that time to heal."

Now in love and grounded, she adds, "You attract who you are. I'm with someone who makes me better — not just as a woman but as an artist."

"Gen Evolution" isn't just Geneva Cruz's celebration — it's her offering. A reminder to fans, young and old, that growth doesn't stop.

"I'm still evolving," she said. "And if I can, you can too."

Tickets are available through ALV Talent Circuit and Music Museum Group on Facebook, X, and Instagram.