OPM icon Geneva Cruz expressed pride and joy after her boyfriend, Dean Michael Roxas, won a gold medal in jiu-jitsu at the ongoing 2026 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
In an Instagram post on December 11, Geneva shared an emotional message celebrating Roxas’ victory and dedication as an athlete.
“My patriotic Filipina heart is overflowing with pride! Mahal, you represented our country with so much strength and grace,” Geneva wrote.
She went on to highlight the hard work behind his achievement.
“I don’t know anyone more deserving of this gold because I know how hard you’ve worked. I think I sweated more just waiting for your turn than all the time you were on the mats competing. Beast mode-Dean!!!”
Geneva also praised Roxas’ character, saying his triumph went beyond athletic skill.
“No one can bring a good man down. A true champion’s strength comes not just from skill but from hard work and heart as well. I am incredibly proud of you. You made us proud, Mr. Roxas. I can’t wait to hug you! Salute!” she added.
Roxas, in turn, thanked Geneva for standing by him throughout his SEA Games journey.
“Extremely grateful to my girlfriend and number one supporter @genevacruzofficial for being in my corner all throughout this year, we did it, babe! Grateful to you and @londonleecruz, who patiently follow and let me lead you both, and I love you both,” he wrote.
Roxas and Kimberly Custodio delivered the third and fourth gold medals for Team Philippines after topping their respective weight classes in jiu-jitsu ne-waza at the Navaminda Kasatrihiraj Air Force Academy on December 11.
Geneva publicly confirmed her relationship with Roxas in December 2024.
The singer-actress was previously married to Paco Arespacochaga, with whom she has a son, Heaven. Their marriage later ended. After the annulment, Geneva married television host KC Montero; they separated after 10 years but remain on good terms. She was also previously in a relationship with Filipino-Australian Lee Paulsen, with whom she has a daughter, London.
