Nino Alejandro and Geneva Cruz prove hard work beats the ‘nepo baby’ tag

Despite their famous surnames, the two performers share how professionalism—not privilege—shaped their craft.

‘Nepo babies’ are the kids of a famous or powerful personality who succeeds in a similar field. Due to their family connections, they easily acquire something as opposed to having it by mere merit. The term is a coined word of “nepotism” and “babies.”

“Jeproks the Musical” features two of mainstream showbiz royalty—Nino Alejandro and Geneva Cruz in the cast. Despite the title, the two claimed  they were never groomed as spoiled brats, but were exposed to being professionals.

“As someone who comes from an entertainment-centered family, I was always taught to be as professional and as punctual as possible. Always to know my stuff. To deliver when called upon. I make sure I still practice every day. Your reputation is your family’s reputation,” Alejandro shared.

Nino is the nephew of the late Filipino singer-actor Hajji Alejandro, a major pop star in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and one of the first original Pilipino music (OPM) icons. He’s also the cousin of singer-actress Rachel, Hajji’s daughter.

“I treat everyone with fairness and respect wherever I go, whether on movie sets, tapings, concerts, or TV shows. I stay professional by arriving on time, learning my songs and dances, and being prepared. It allows me to perform at my best,” said Geneva.

Geneva, on the other hand, has a longer list of showbiz relatives like her cousins Donna, Sheryl, Sunshine, Rayver, and Rodjun Cruz. She’s the niece of veteran actor Tirso Cruz III and the late matinee idol Ricky Belmonte, Sheryl’s dad.

She made her mark as a member of Smokey Mountain, the Filipino singing group formed by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.

“Having famous relatives just opens the door. There’s no guarantee you’ll make it big. It still comes down to your talent, hard work, and star quality,” she added.

Nino, who experienced a career resurgence after difficult years, echoed a similar sentiment: “I’m most thankful for the advice to be grateful for everything that comes—and doesn’t come—my way. It’s all meant to be. I’ve been given a second chance to perform again, an opportunity not everyone gets. Humility is very important.”

Humbling Experiences

Like anyone else, both stars have had their share of challenges.

“For me,” Geneva recalled, “auditioning for Smokey Mountain when I was 12. I didn’t know much about the industry then. And later, getting pregnant with Heaven—people brought me down because they believed women shouldn’t get pregnant out of wedlock. They tried to hurt me and ruin me. But having my son is one of my most treasured experiences, something money can’t buy. I bounced back stronger than ever.”

Nino also opened up about his struggles. “The most humbling experience I’ve had—in my career and in life—is realizing that it’s all peaks and valleys. One day you’re on top; the next, hindi na. I felt like no one wanted to hear me sing or see me perform anymore. I wanted to walk away.”

Armed with the wisdom passed down to them—and strengthened by talent and discipline—both managed to push through and continue shining in their own lanes.

Their favorite songs in the musical

“My favorite song in the show is ‘Kahit Na Anong Mangyari.’ It’s the plight of the Filipino people in general—our resilience, which is both a blessing and a curse. We get exploited because of it. But I love the lyrics and the melody,” Alejandro revealed.

“Mine is ‘No Touch’ by the Juan Dela Cruz Band because I love the melody, and it reminds me of the early ’80s when my dad and the Hyperbeat band (the Cruzes) used to sing it in Olongapo City,” said Geneva. “It reminds me of my childhood.”

“And of course, ‘Ang Himig Natin,’ for the message of unity, peace, and hope it brings. Music does that. It’s a universal language, which is why it’s so amazing,” she added.

“The Tanghalang Una Obra and Hammock Productions staging also features one of Mike Hanopol’s most popular hits, “Laki sa Layaw (Spoiled Brat),” a fitting nod to the public’s fascination with “nepo babies.”

The Frannie Zamora–directed musical still has remaining shows on Nov. 28, and 29 at 7:30 p.m., plus a matinee on Nov. 29 at 2:30 p.m., at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City. It also stars David Ezra in the lead role, with Jett Pangan, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Sheila Ferrer.

“Jeproks the Musical” features a libretto by Nicolas Pichay, musical direction by Joed Balsamo and Francis de Veyra, and music by Mike Hanopol. Tickets are available via Ticket2Me and TicketWorld.

 

 

“Jeproks the Musical” features two of mainstream showbiz royalty—Nino Alejandro and Geneva Cruz in the cast. Despite the title, the two claimed  they were never groomed as spoiled brats, but were exposed to being professionals.

 

 

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