Rayver Cruz (left) and Julie Anne San Jose
Julie Ann San Jose’s palpable closeness and rapport with Rayver Cruz have fans wondering if romance is already brewing between the two. But that’s not for her to answer, she insisted.
“It would be better if you ask him instead,” she said in a recent virtual conference for “Rise,” the third and final installment of her documentary-inspired musical trilogy “Limitless,” which was shown online last April 9 and 10.
Piquing the supporters’ curiosity even further was the two Kapuso artists’ recent Instagram posts and TikTok videos, which show them either dancing or playing the guitar together.
“People were curious about what we have been busy with these days. We have been jamming and singing together. And that was actually in preparation for ‘Limitless,’” Julie Anne said of Rayver, who was one of her special guests for “Rise’s” live music segment, which was shot at The Sun Life Amphitheater in Taguig City.
‘Very OK’
Though she didn’t divulge the real score between her and Rayver, Julie Anne let on that they’re “very OK,” and that they have been “very close” for quite some time now. “Everyone knows that we’re very close and enjoy each other’s company. We’re comfortable with each other. What you see now is how we have always been,” she said. “We will see.”
Nonetheless, Julie Anne is thankful for their fans’ unwavering. “Their support for us individually and together is overwhelming,” she said. “We have had supporters since ‘Studio 7’ (defunct variety show). And then they stayed with us in ‘The Clash’ and all our other performances, guest appearances and projects,” she said. “We have been feeling their love and acceptance since day one… It’s heartening.”
Julie Anne San Jose
Singer
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old singer said she was surprised about Janine Gutierrez—Rayver’s ex-girlfriend—reportedly unfollowing her on Instagram. But no real issue there, she said.
Conscience is clear
“I was surprised to be honest. But wala naman po ‘yan. We all have our reasons [why we do the things we do]. But in the end, I know I don’t have anything, any problem against anyone. Wala akong masamang tinapay. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion,” she said. “My conscience is clear. We just have to understand each other. Times are challenging for everyone. Good vibes lang.”
For “Rise,” the production team initially thought of exploring and featuring different places in Luzon. But with the recent easing of pandemic-related restrictions, they opted to do a live segment instead. “We felt that we had to grab that opportunity, because a lot of people miss watching live events,” she said.
While the show was small and intimate, it wasn’t any less heartwarming. “I have been raring to do a live show as an artist. It’s very important to connect with people in person, because online fatigue is real and we want a breather from that… Being up close and personal with a live crowd is still different,” she said.
“Limitless” is one of the finalists in the variety special category of the upcoming 2022 New York Festivals TV and Film Awards. “I was shocked and overwhelmed. It’s no joke to be part of that. It’s surreal and I feel like all the hard work and hardships we had to go through paid off,” she said.
“I guess it’s like one of the things I’m really proud of. Aside from the fact that I’m able to sing my songs and showcase my talents, the show allows others to see and appreciate the beauty of the Philippines,” she said. INQ