OPM icon Geneva Cruz revealed that she was inspired by her boyfriend, national athlete and gold medalist Dean Roxas, to be the best version of herself as she prepares for her major concert entitled "Gen Evolution" at the Music Museum, Greenhills on May 30 at 8 p.m.

During a media conference held in Morato, Quezon City, Geneva said she's happier and thrilled to celebrate her 35th year in showbiz."I'm happier now than I've ever been. I'm grateful, and I'm more inspired. My boyfriend is pushing me to be the best version of myself. Sabi nga nila, you attract who you are and what you are. I don't know if it's true," said Geneva when asked about her inspiration.

Geneva acknowledged that being with a national athlete is challenging, as he pushes her to excel through hard work and passion."Being with a national athlete is not easy. Laman ng gym talaga siya. I see his dedication. Talagang workout pa rin. I see the hard work and passion. Hindi mo talaga pwedeng dayain yung lakas at sigla. Pagdating ng competition or concert, ako rin ang hinihingal sa dami kong dance number na gagawin. You must be with someone who inspires and improves you as a person or artist. Kung hindi ganun, then what's the use? (He goes to the gym. He still really works out. I see the hard work and passion. You really can't fake the energy and enthusiasm. Regarding competitions or concerts, I'm also the one who gasps at the number of dance numbers I'll do. You must be with someone who inspires and improves you as a person or artist. If not, then what's the use?" she said.

Geneva encouraged everyone to cherish life and to embrace love."Life is short. But that's life. I pray na humaba pa ang buhay ko dahil gusto ko pang makita ang mga apo ko. Pero hindi natin alam what's in store for us. Mag papaka-totoo ako, in love ako pero hindi naman ako magpapaka-tanga. Hindi na tayo mga bata. So enjoy life and enjoy love. (I pray that my life will be longer because I want to see my grandchildren. But we don't know what's in store for us. I'll be honest, I'm in love but I won't be a fool. We're not children anymore. So enjoy life and enjoy love)," she added.

Geneva, 49, expressed gratitude for her continued energy on stage."Sabi nila may mga bagay na hindi na natin kaya. Lahat yan nasa utak na lang natin. I'm grateful na binigyan ako ng ganitong lakas despite my age. Health is wealth. Sa concert, gusto kong ipakita na age is just a number. (They say there are things we can't do anymore. It's all just in our minds. I'm grateful that I was given this strength despite my age. Health is wealth. In the concert, I want to show that age is just a number.)"

With proper growth, kaya pa rin natin makipagsabayan sa mga kabataan. If they can do some things, we can do it. Kahit na ano ang age natin, kaya pa rin natin mag-evolve. (With proper growth, we can still keep up with the youth. If they can do some things, we can do it. No matter what our age is, we can still evolve)," she said.

Geneva's concert coincides with the 35th anniversary of the singing group Smokey Mountain. "We were launched by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab noong November 1990. Pero 1989, nag-training na kami under him."

The Smokey Mountain reunion is unlikely, but fans can enjoy her performing the group's hits."Since there will be no Smokey Mountain reunion this year, I decided it's time to celebrate after talking to my manager, Arnold Vegafria. Isa yan sa mga dahilan bakit kinuha ko rin ang aking 'kapatid' na si Jeffrey Hidalgo to direct this concert. (That's one of the reasons why I also hired my 'brother' Jeffrey Hidalgo to direct this concert.)

"Yung mga kasabayan ko na lumaki, gusto ko lang naramdaman nila yun sa mga song na kakantahin ko through the years. Gusto kong kiligin kayo because music takes us back whether good or bad, broken hearts or a memory of being in love. Gusto ko lang ibalik kayo sa inyong mga kabataan kapag pina-practice ko na yung mga kanta. (My contemporaries who grew up, I want them to feel that in the songs I'll sing through the years. I want you to be thrilled because music takes us back, whether good or bad, broken hearts, or a memory of being in love. I want to take you back to your youth)," she said.

Maestro Ryan and James Colonel, also a member of Smokey Mountain, own the songs of Smokey Mountain. Her favorite Smokey Mountain songs are "Paraiso" and "Hideaway."'

“This has always been part of my bucket list, even from last year,” Geneva confesses. “I feel it’s high time to reacquaint the younger generation with my music and my brand of high-octane concert performance.”

More than just a ‘Best Of’ compendium, ‘Gen Evolution’ also reprises the soundtrack of her times – the glory days of the analog age when radio reigned supreme, the crucial juncture after the tail end of the New Wave era, and in the local setting, the halcyon days when OPM was at its finest.“It’s a good story to share,” she adds. “By sharing my music, and the music from my time, I want my younger audience, the millennials, to appreciate the music from a creative level  -- the songwriting, the prose, which unfortunately we don’t see or hear much of these days.”

“And since this happens shortly after my birthday, I want it to be a big party where I can celebrate with friends and fans alike.”Though many might remember her as the sweet yet reticent child prodigy who burst into the limelight with Smokey Mountain, Geneva has since held her own as an electrifying concert livewire. Her dynamic presence—not to mention her sensuous allure—gives a nod to Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Gloria Estefan, and even Miley Cyrus.

More than her stature as an enduring OPM icon, Geneva has managed to level up her ‘A’ game by being a poster girl for women's empowerment. As a fitness buff, she continues to defy age with her drop-dead gorgeous looks and voluptuous curves—a product of rigorous workouts and a positive mindset.

As a staunch patriot, she is currently a proud reservist who earned her rank of sergeant in the Philippine Air Force’s Reserve Command last March 2022, and continues to support the organization’s medical missions, tree-planting and clean-up sorties, and other grassroots outreach projects.

Through her social media platforms, Geneva continues to inspire others with her ‘never say never’ approach to life – bravely taking on challenges and other lifelong stumbling blocks such as taking up swimming lessons or even participating in her first-ever triathlon (the 2024 Clark Triathlon Classic).Last year, she also proudly rekindled her songwriting talent by composing her very first Christmas song, ‘When Christmas Comes.’

Not many fans know that she started composing even when she was just 15.She says, “I’ve composed some songs that have been part of my past albums, starting from my first solo album when I was 15. Some of my songs include ‘Love Can Wait,’ ‘To Manila,’ ‘Love Is Here,’ ‘Set You Free,’ and ‘Peace.’ Writing has always been an outlet for me. I’ve written more and composed the melodies on my unused files.”

Arnold lauds her for constantly reinventing herself and staying relevant, especially in an industry where new stars pop up overnight. He says, “Even as a young girl, she was always fierce. She was a fighter. She knew what she wanted and would fight for something she believed in. And it’s amazing how even up to now, such a mindset has led her to accomplish so many things – not just in music, but in finding her true calling and being a light that shines bright for others.

”‘Gen Evolution’ is a production of ALV Events International and ALV Talent Circuit, with Nikko Rivera as musical director. For ticket inquiries, check out ALV Talent Circuit and Music Museum Group on Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates.