Rayver Cruz/ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — Kapuso actor Rayver Cruz has proven his mettle in show business, showcasing his acting chops in movies and series, as well as his explosive moves on the dance floor. But he has also dabbled into hosting, and most recently had his first dose of pageantry, something many other personalities are shying away from for fear of committing major gaffes a la Steve Harvey.
At the revived Miss Manila pageant held last month, no other than 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray shared hosting chores with Cruz. “She’s very kind, and very helpful. I told her it’s my first time, and she guided me throughout,” he told INQUIRER.net at the sidelines of a basketball event hosted by a food delivery app in Pasig City, streamed online on July 23.
“I never would have imagined the day will come that I will host a pageant, and it’s Miss Manila, and alongside our Miss Universe. That’s really a huge blessing and opportunity for me, and I’m really, really thankful. I hope more will come,” said Cruz, who admitted his hosting was honed in “The Clash” and “All Out Sundays.”
Cruz shared that he has been hanging out with Gray, because her fiancé Sam Milby is a friend. “We get together when I have coffee with Sam. She’s really very nice, you never would have thought she’s a Miss Universe. Thank you, Cat,” Cruz said.
For the basketball tournament, Cruz teamed up with singer and “Hashtags” member Wilbert Ross and a delivery rider, and finished fourth overall. “Delivery Dunkers” of TikTok sensation Eric Tai and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde hoopster Prince Carlos with another deliver rider claimed the championship.
He said it has been a while since he played on the court, but dancing regularly on TV has helped him get in the groove of basketball quickly. “The balance and footwork are still there. And I will never get tired of taking part in events such as this because I also love basketball. If you were to ask me before, I would have said I also wanted to be a player. But they told me I’m a better dancer,” he said with a hearty laugh.
Aside from “All Out Sundays” every Sunday on GMA, Cruz said he will start working on a yet-to-be-titled series soon in the same network. He stars alongside real-life girlfriend San Jose in the romance-drama film “The Cheating Game” now showing in cinemas. EDV