Volleyball star Cha Cruz reveals a different side of her personality

MANILA — If Kathryn Bernardo is local entertainment’s ’ Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat’ girl, volleyball, the fastest rising sport in the Philippines, has its own version of someone who seems to have it all in Charleen ’ Cha’ Cruz. Cruz, who bears a somewhat palpable similarity in features with Bernardo, is local volleyball’s ’ Miss Everything’ due to her ability to transition from setter to all spiking positions with ease while effortlessly looking gorgeous even during the most gruelling of matches.

Famed for her well-rounded skills and for having one of the freshest faces in local sports, the former La Salle stalwart has made a successful return via club leagues after taking a short hiatus to focus on graduate school.

Recently named as the Ambassador of Philippine SuperLiga, where her squad Shopinas.com made it to the finals of the 2015 All-Filipino Conference, Cruz shows no signs of slowing down as her star continues to sparkle despite the influx on new names from all over the country who are all trying to get a piece of the limelight that the sport is enjoying.

But you’ve heard about her volleyball stories before. That is the Inquirer tried to switch things up and have the former UAAP MVP talk about crushes, first love, her boyfriend of five years, Ray Behag, and her reaction whenever people tell her how gorgeous she is.

So, is she the sport’s “It” girl? You be the judge.

Who is your local celebrity crush?

“Local, Jericho Rosales. Ayaw ko ng cute. Ayaw ko ng mas puti sa akin. Gusto ko manly ’yung dating.”

Who is your foreign celebrity crush?

“Hugh Jackman. I like his voice. Very manly. ’Yung pag aalagaan ka very comforting.”

What turns you off?

“Ayaw ko ng nagmumura. Ayaw ko nakakarinig ng mura na as in malutong na mura. Feeling ko sinasaksak ako sa puso. And ayaw ko ’yung dumudura. ’Yung may tunog? Ugh!”

When did you experience your first love?

“Kailangan ba serious? (giggles) Puppy love, nagkaroon ako grade six. Pero ’yung seryoso, si Ray (Behag). First siya na true love.”

How long have you and your boyfriend been dating?

“Since third year college ito. Five years na.”

What is the best thing about Ray?

“I know na mayroon siyang plan sa buhay. Gusto niya i-level-up pa ’yung buhay niya kung anuman ang mayroon siya ngayon. Ako kasi very dominant ako. Gusto ko someone who would dominate over me but then who would give respect in my personal decisions. And also, he has a personal relationship with God.”

And the worst?

“Hot-tempered? Pero he is changing. He is being patient. Siyempre kailangan mag mature. And the fact na mas matanda ako sa kanya by two years is a factor din siguro.”

Any plans of going to the next level and get married?

“Ideal age is 30 years old. Ayaw ko rin siya pangunahan. And I also want to enjoy my single blessedness. I’m just 27. I still have three years. *laughs*”

What’s one thing about you that not many people know?

“Malakas ako kumain. Sobra! Pagka-sobrang lakas ko, kaya kong umubos ng tatlong kilong hipon. At tsaka ng five cups of rice. In one meal! Kami nila Celine (Hernandez) at Paneng (Mercado) paligsahan kami kumain ng kanin.”

How do you react when people call you beautiful?

“Flattered. I appreciate the fact that everyone is created in the image and likeness of God. Lahat naman talaga may maganda sa bawat tao pero nakakatuwa lang na everyone appreciates you as you.”

What is your definition of beauty?

“It has to be inside and out. No strings attached. You’re not playing a role just because you want to show yourself at gusto mo lang ipalabas na ganito ka. Dapat mayroon ka talaga inside you na nakikita ng tao which inspires them.”

What makes you Miss Everything outside volleyball?

“Siguro I am more motivated to do everything for the Lord and not just for myself. Actually, minsan nga pag natawag ako na Miss Everything I want to humble myself more na ,’Hindi ko kaya lahat. Hindi lang ako ito. Si Lord lahat eh.’ Alam ko kung hindi dahil sa Kanya, wala ako nitong lahat ngayon.”