CRUZ CLAN – Tirso Cruz III, Pip to you and I, is the namesake of the patriarch of the Cruz clan, who was the most famous orchestra and band leader in the ‘30s and ‘40s. He composed the “unofficial presidential march” titled “Mabuhay,” which starts with, “We say Mabuhay under the blue sky.”
Now, Pip is the head of the present-day Cruzes. They include Donna, Sunshine, Sheryl, Geneva, Rodjun, and Rayver.
Pip’s three children – all graduates of La Salle – appear on TV every now and then. He’s married to Lynn Ynchausti.
Donna’s based in Cebu, married to Dr. Yong Larrazabal. Now that her children are grown-up, Donna’s open to showbiz, but only on part-time basis.
The late Ricky Belmonte was Pip’s cousin, Jesse Cruz offcam.
Other Cruzes: Carding Cruz of The Manila Hotel Orchestra fame, torch singer Diana Cruz, Joey Cruz of El Bodegon club. They’re all gone. Still around is Jeffrey Cruz.
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WHAT IF – Rayver Cruz and Janine Gutierrez are said to be more than friends. What if they become man and wife?
Then, it’ll be union between the Cruz and Gutierrez clans.
Yes, there are several Gutierrezes in showbiz, with Eddie as patriarch, married to Annabelle Rama.
Eddie’s children are Ruffa, Richard, Raymond, Tonton, Monching, who’s the father of Janine.
Star material are the children of Ruffa (Lorin and Venice) and Richard (Zion).
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MORE – Are there more showbiz clans (or families) in showbiz? Yes, indeed.
MARQUEZ – Miss International Melanie Marquez, sister Via, brother Joey, father of Winwyn, reigning Reina Hispanoamericana. Winwyn’s mother is Alma Moreno, top sex symbol of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Via (Hoffman) used to produce very good movies.
QUIZON – Dolphy’s children in showbiz are Eric (actor-director-producer), Vandolph, Ronnie, and Epy. Grandchildren include Nicole and Zia (mother’s ZsaZsa Padilla).