John Lloyd Cruz and Isabel Santos. Images: Instagram/@straysworthsaving, Screengrab from YouTube/GMA Network
John Lloyd Cruz has finally confirmed that he’s in a relationship with visual artist Isabel Santos, two years after they sparked dating speculations in September 2021.
In a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview and uploaded on GMA Network’s YouTube channel last Tuesday, Oct. 24, Cruz stated that Santos is his “girlfriend” and that he got to know her when he took a break from the entertainment industry.
“Si Isabel [Santos] ay girlfriend ko. Boyfriend niya ako (Isabel Santos is my girlfriend. I’m her boyfriend),” he said, adding he crossed paths with the visual artist at a gallery.
“Matagal na kaming magkakilala. Gallery nila ang una kong [nabisita] and at the time na tumigil ako with ABS-CBN, napadpad ako sa pag-e-explore ng art, so gallery nila ‘yung una kong napasok (We’ve known each other for quite some time. I visited their gallery first and at the time when I took a break from ABS-CBN, I got into exploring art. So I first walked into their gallery),” he continued.
The actor said Santos helped him realize the importance of marriage, although he didn’t disclose if they have plans to settle down.
“Malaki,” he said, when asked if the artist helped him realize the value of marriage. “She’s very elemental sa mga ganyang bagay, kung paano namo-mold ‘yung nalabas sa bibig ko, nabuo sa isip ko, the consideration lagi for the two of us, lalo na sa kanya, laging nand’un,” he further added.
(She made a huge impact. She’s very elemental in these kinds of topic such as helping me with the words coming out of my mouth, my thoughts, and the consideration for both of us—especially with her—it’s always there.)
The actor also shared that Elias, his son with actress Ellen Adarna, saved his life while expressing his gratitude to his ex-partner and her husband Derek Ramsay for being considerate of the child’s welfare. “Sobrang panalo. Napakaswerte ko. Ang lupit ng naging role niya sa buhay ko (I feel like a winner. I’m so lucky. He played a huge role in my life).”
“Hindi ko ma-imagine ang buhay ko [nang wala si Elias]. Ang dami niyang binigay na bagong kahulugan, bagong duties,” he continued. “Napakaswerte ko. Ako ay nagpapasalamat kay Ellen at Derek dahil iniisip nila ‘yung kapakanan ng bata.”
(I can’t imagine my life without Elias. He gave my life a new meaning and new duties. I’m very lucky. I’m also thankful to Ellen and Derek because they think of the child’s welfare.)
Cruz and Santos, who’s a granddaughter of cartoonist Mauro Santos, were first speculated to be in a relationship in September 2021, after the latter uploaded a photo of the actor in her place.
Multiple sightings of the couple circulated on social media afterwards, and they were recently spotted together in Europe at what seemed to be a vacation with the artist’s family. /ra