RJ Cruz of The Juans is not afraid to show who he is. This 22-year-old guitarist vocalizes his purpose genuinely through the music their band, The Juans creates. Free from artifice, that is what makes him (and his band) an artist that deserves to be heard. But beyond his driven passion for music, which side of RJ does he want to show more of, and what is something about him we should dote on?
In this latest cover of #PARCINQSuperFresh, get a glimpse of who RJ is inside and outside of his artistry.
On top of his talent and kind personality, his members described him as a go-with-the-flow kind of person. When asked about his thoughts about it, he thinks it’s because he’s agreeable and gets along with people most of the time. With his sweet smile, doe-eyed gaze, and well-grounded personality, we can tell he is a laid-back person, someone who’s always up to exploring new things. The lad’s light vibe radiates, creating a ripple of positivity not just within his family and his band but also towards Juanistas. Aside from being an influential public figure, there’s a part of him he wants to unveil: “I think I want to show more of the things I do outside of work, like my hobbies and bonding time with friends and family,” he shared.
Q. You’re on a blind date; how would you introduce yourself?
RJ: Hi, I’m RJ! I’m an artist, and I’m also into video editing. Outside of work, I’m somehow sporty because I play badminton often, and I'm also an adventurous type of guy because I like to travel and try out new things.
Q. For those who just discovered your band’s music, what song do you recommend they listen to?
RJ: For starters, I think Lumalapit would be a great song. For those who are going through some heartbreak, Hindi Tayo Pwede is the perfect song.
Q. What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a musician?
RJ: I think my least favorite part of being a musician/performer is the waiting time for every show. And my favorite part of being a musician is that the songs that we’re singing impact people and somehow comfort and connect to them.
What song resonates with you the most?
RJ: I am who You say I am by Hillsong
Which musician would you like to collaborate with next? And why?
RJ: As a band, our dream really is to collaborate with Justin Bieber because we really look up to him and we super love his music.
You can only play one game for the rest of your life. What is it?
RJ: Badminton!
If you were not in a band, what would you be doing right now?
RJ: If I’m not in a band right now, I think I’ll be on the production kind of work as a video editor.
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Photography by Philip Vargas
Creative Direction by Rxandy Capinpin
Art Direction by Joe Andy
Words and Interview by Maryanne Roldan
Styling by Mark Ranque
Assisted by Jean Roselle Ranque Babia
Style Associate Carlo Angelo Cahutay
Hair and Grooming by Thazzia Falek
Special Thanks to VIVA Records, VIVA Artists Agency, and Vee Bandilla
Always, always, proud of u!!!