The ‘ideal wedding’ Rayver Cruz imagines for girlfriend Julie Anne San Jose

Rayver Cruz (right) with Julie Anne San Jose —PHOTOS FROM RAYVER CRUZ/ INSTAGRAM

“When I’m already sure, you’ll definitely know,” declared actor Rayver Cruz, who added that while he was certain of settling down with no one but singer-actress Julie Anne San Jose, he has not set a timeline for it just yet.

Rayver and Julie Anne publicly admitted that they were dating on Nov. 26, 2022 during their “JulieVerse” concert. Over a year later, Rayver, 34, said, “It’s hard to declare anything definite, but for sure, this will happen soon because we’re not getting any younger. There’s no timetable but, definitely, I want to have my own family soon. I know this is what you want to hear: ‘Yes, I will marry Julie Anne San Jose.’ I just can’t say the exact time, but God knows, and she knows, how much I love her.”

Rayver admitted to finding it funny when show biz scribes would ask him again and again specific details about his wedding plans. “To be honest, I just laugh at questions like that because I really can’t share when I intend to propose to her. I will only spoil the surprise if I do. Also, if I declare something and it doesn’t happen when expected, I will surely get criticized,” Rayver told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent interview. “I just know deep in my heart that it’s really meant for Julie Anne. We also want to enjoy our relationship as boyfriend-girlfriend first.

“Again, when the right time comes, you will know. This will be in God’s time, all things considered. I respect her family so much. I respect Julie Anne so much.”

The actor did let on what for him would be an ideal wedding. “I just want it simple. I still want to get married in a church. My family and I still hear Mass every Sunday. We may not go together anymore—because my brother Rodjun lives with his family up north, while my other brother, Omar, is now based in Cebu—but we make sure to fulfill our weekly obligation to Him.”

Rayver considers Rodjun as his role model when it comes to being the “family man.” He said: “I actually don’t need any advice from him anymore. I learn just by observing him. I consider him the perfect role model. I’m lucky to have a big brother like him—he’s a family man. Don’t you see how cute his son Joaquin is? If you have a Kuya like him who supports you all the way, you’ll be okay.”

The “JulieVer” tandem

Center of relationship

As for Julie Anne, Rayver thinks they are still together because they click. “We’re so much alike. We share everything—our kind of music, our interests. You will surely say the same thing about us when you see us on TikTok. Aside from that, we’re both family-oriented and God-fearing. We’re also cheerful and happy people,” he pointed out.

Prior to dating each other, Rayver was with Janine Gutierrez, while Julie Anne went out with Benjamin Alves. Rayver was then asked what lessons he has learned from his past relationship that he now applies to his current. To this, he said: “I don’t think about my experiences from past relationships anymore. When I love a person, I give the relationship my all. I just know that if you make God the center of your relationship, everything will be okay.”

Rayver’s holidays

For Christmas, Rayver promised to visit Julie Anne and her family. “That wasn’t much of a hassle because she also lives in the north and their house is close to Rodjun’s,” the actor said.

When Rayver, who used to be a talent of ABS-CBN before transferring to rival GMA 7, was asked to describe what 2023 was like for him, he replied: “I’m so thankful. I feel super blessed. I don’t take for granted all the projects that the Kapuso network entrusted me to do. I constantly work on improving myself. I feel flattered whenever I’m given the opportunity to be part of an important TV project. And already at the start of 2024, my new show will be launched. I’m really excited.”

“Ito ay Asawa ng Asawa Ko,” which will also feature Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Joem Bascon, Martin del Rosario and Gina Alajar, will be directed by Laurice Guillen.