Isabel Santos is a renowned Filipino artist and illustrator known for her vibrant and whimsical creations. Apart from her remarkable career in the world of art, she is also recognized for her relationship with the popular actor John Lloyd Cruz. Let’s delve into the life and journey of Isabel Santos.
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Early Life and Family
Isabel Santos was born on June 11, 1990, in Manila, Philippines. She is the eldest child of Soler Santos and Mona Santos, both celebrated artists in their own right. Her grandfather, the late Malang Santos, was a legendary cartoonist and painter who had a profound influence on generations of Filipino artists. Isabel also has a younger sister named Carina Reyes Santos, who is also an artist.
Growing up in an environment rich in art and creativity, Isabel developed an early interest in drawing and painting, inspired by her family’s collection of artworks. She attended Marikina Catholic School for her elementary education and later studied at Assumption College San Lorenzo for high school.
Education
Isabel pursued her higher education at Ateneo de Manila University, initially choosing European Studies as her course. However, her passion for art eventually led her to pursue it as her career. She completed her course and graduated in 2013.
Career and Achievements
After graduating from college, Isabel Santos dedicated herself to honing her artistic skills and sharing her work with the public. She marked her first group exhibition in 2013, showcasing her pen-on-paper drawings. Since then, she has explored various artistic mediums and techniques, including painting, silk-screening, hand-dying, and digital art.
Isabel has actively participated in numerous local and international art fairs and exhibitions, such as Art Fair Philippines, Art Fair Tokyo, Art Stage Singapore, Art Basel Hong Kong, and the New York Art Book Fair. She has also undertaken artistic residencies in New York, France, and Germany.
Her art often explores themes like identity, culture, nostalgia, fantasy, and humor, incorporating bright colors, geometric shapes, patterns, and symbols into her distinctive style. She frequently draws inspiration from popular culture, including influences from Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Disney characters.
In addition to her personal work, Isabel has collaborated with various brands and organizations, creating art for different purposes. Her projects have included designing t-shirts for Uniqlo Philippines, creating murals for Bench Philippines, designing book covers for Anvil Publishing, and crafting posters for Amnesty International Philippines. She has also illustrated children’s books, such as “Ang Batang Ayaw Maligo” by Luis Gatmaitan and “Ang Mga Lambing ni Lolo Ding” by Michael Coroza.
Isabel’s artistic endeavors have earned her recognition and accolades. She was named one of the “30 Under 30 Asia” by Forbes Magazine in 2017. In 2018, she was featured in CNN Philippines’ “Leading Women” segment. Additionally, she was included in the book “100 Filipino Artists” by Manuel Duldulao.
Height, Weight, and Body Measurements
Isabel Santos’s exact height and weight are not publicly disclosed. However, based on photos of her with John Lloyd Cruz, it can be estimated that she is approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall, which is slightly below the average height for Filipino women.
Her weight is not publicly known, but she appears to have a slim and fit physique. An estimated weight of around 110 pounds (50 kg) would place her within a healthy range for her height and age, according to the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator.
While specific body measurements for Isabel are not revealed, it can be assumed that she maintains a well-proportioned figure with curves in the right places. A rough estimation could include a bust size of 34 inches (86 cm), a waist size of 24 inches (61 cm), and a hip size of 35 inches (89 cm). These measurements would correspond to a bra size of 32B (US) or 70B (EU) and a dress size of 4 (US) or 36 (EU).
John Lloyd Cruz
Isabel Santos is in a relationship with John Lloyd Cruz, a highly acclaimed actor in the Philippine entertainment industry. John Lloyd Cruz is known for his exceptional talent and has earned recognition for his performances in various hit movies and TV shows. He has won numerous awards for his acting, including two FAMAS Awards and two Gawad Urian Awards. Notably, he was the first Filipino and Southeast Asian actor to receive the Star Asia Award at the New York Asian Film Festival in 2016.
John Lloyd Cruz was born on June 24, 1983, in Pasay City, Philippines. He embarked on his showbiz career in 1996 when he was discovered by a talent scout at a mall. He became a part of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, belonging to Batch 5. He was also involved in the teen trio Koolits, along with Baron Geisler and Marc Solis.
How John Lloyd Cruz and Isabel Santos Met
John Lloyd Cruz and Isabel Santos crossed paths through their shared interest in art. They both participated in a group exhibition in Makati in September 2017, during which John Lloyd introduced his photographic works. A friendship blossomed, eventually evolving into a romantic relationship. However, they chose to keep their relationship private for several years, only occasionally sharing photos of each other on their Instagram accounts.
Confirmation of Relationship
John Lloyd Cruz officially confirmed his relationship with Isabel Santos on October 24, 2023, during an appearance on “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” a digital talk show hosted by veteran entertainment journalist Boy Abunda. During the show, John Lloyd openly referred to Isabel as his girlfriend and himself as her boyfriend. He shared insights about their relationship, from their mutual appreciation of art to their approaches to handling differences and supporting each other’s careers. John Lloyd also noted that Isabel has influenced his perspective on marriage, emphasizing that he still believes in it despite past relationship experiences.
Public Reaction
John Lloyd Cruz’s confirmation of his relationship with Isabel Santos elicited mixed reactions from the public. Some expressed joy and extended their support to the couple, recognizing their compatibility and appealing appearance together. They also praised Isabel for her achievements as an artist and her low-profile personality.
Conversely, some individuals, particularly fans of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, were disappointed and heartbroken. They had been hoping for a reunion of the popular love team, harboring dreams of the two becoming a couple. Skepticism and criticism also emerged, with concerns regarding John Lloyd Cruz’s sincerity and faithfulness, referencing past controversies and scandals involving his previous girlfriends and fiancées.
Various celebrities, including Maja Salvador, Zanjoe Marudo, Jodi Sta. Maria, Angel Locsin, Piolo Pascual, and Sarah Geronimo, reacted to John Lloyd Cruz’s confirmation. Many conveyed their happiness and congratulations to the couple, expressing their fondness for John Lloyd and acknowledging his absence. They also conveyed their respect and support for his relationship with Isabel.
Personal Life and Lifestyle
Despite her fame and financial success, Isabel Santos maintains a simple and modest lifestyle. She prefers spending her time creating art in her studio and embarking on travels to various locations for inspiration. Additionally, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, playing video games, and socializing with her friends.
Isabel actively engages with her audience on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, where she shares her artwork, personal photos, and updates. She operates a website that serves as a platform for showcasing her portfolio and offering her merchandise.
