The entertainment industry is no stranger to the term “Ekis.” In the context of celebrity security, it usually refers to a verified plot against a public figure. However, sources in the Philippine National Police (PNP) told this writer that no formal “threat assessment” has been filed by Cruz’s team as of this writing.
“Unless there is a direct, credible, and imminent threat, we treat these as alarm and scandal or hearsay,” a PNP spokesperson said, adding that they are willing to assist the actress if she chooses to come forward.
Philippine cinema in the 1990s was a landscape of transition. The action genre, a staple of the 1980s, was morphing to accommodate the rising popularity of "titillating films" (bold movies), often blending gritty urban narratives with sensual themes. Ekis (1999), starring John Estrada and Sunshine Cruz, stands as a representative artifact of this period.
"Ekis," derived from the Filipino word for "X," suggests themes of crossing out, elimination, or the marking of a target. In the context of the film, it symbolizes the protagonists' existence on the fringes of society—people who are "crossed out" by the state and societal structures. This paper aims to dissect the film’s narrative, examine the performance of Sunshine Cruz, and contextualize the movie within the socio-political framework of Metro Manila at the turn of the millennium.
) stars Sunshine Cruz as the "target" or kept woman of a violent man.
: The story follows a kidnapper (played by Albert Martinez) who begins a passionate and dangerous affair with her character, leading to a high-stakes dramatic conflict. Significance Ekis - Sunshine Cruz target
: This movie is often cited as a pivotal point in Cruz's career, showcasing her as a leading lady in the "bold" film genre of that era. Current "Targets" & Recent Rumors (2025–2026)
In recent years, the "target" has shifted from film plots to Sunshine Cruz herself becoming a frequent target of online misinformation Relationship Rumors
: Cruz has been a target of persistent rumors regarding her relationship with businessman Atong Ang. This includes false claims about pregnancy, domestic abuse, and breakups. Public Clarifications
: She has been vocal about calling out these "fake stories," urging the public to be vigilant and verify information from questionable sites before sharing. Health Disclosure
: As of early 2026, she has stepped back from the limelight to manage her health after being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis , an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness. Career Overview The entertainment industry is no stranger to the
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Title: The Siren and the Streets: A Critical Analysis of the Film Ekis (1999) and the Stardom of Sunshine Cruz
Abstract This paper explores the 1999 Filipino film Ekis, directed by Joven Tan, as a significant work within the urban poor action-drama genre of late 1990s Philippine cinema. While often categorized as a typical action flick, Ekis serves as a critical vehicle for Sunshine Cruz, transitioning her image from a teen starlet to a mature, dramatic actress. The analysis delves into the film’s narrative structure, its portrayal of socio-economic marginalization, the objectification and agency of the female lead, and the film’s placement within the "Titillating/Action" genre prevalent during the post-Martial Law cinematic era.
For fans of Sunshine Cruz or classic Filipino action films, "Ekis" serves as a time capsule of the era. It highlights:
To complicate matters, Sunshine Cruz was previously in a relationship with politician Macky Mathay. Their breakup was messy, characterized by allegations of financial disputes and public airing of grievances. Mathay’s camp allegedly fueled anonymous posts implying Cruz was a "gold digger" or "manipulator." Title: The Siren and the Streets: A Critical
When the "Ekis" trend started, these old Mathay narratives resurfaced, reinforcing the public shaming. For Sunshine Cruz, the target was not just her love life but her financial integrity.
The "Ekis" phenomenon highlights a disturbing double standard in Filipino showbiz. When a relationship sours or a rumor involves a powerful man (Atong Ang, in this case), the woman becomes the target, while the man remains relatively unscathed.
Sunshine Cruz is not the first (previously, similar "Ekis" mobs targeted Andrea Brillantes and Ivana Alawi), but she is the most recent. The keyword "target" is accurate here because this was premeditated—a dogpile designed to destroy a woman's brand.
When we say Sunshine Cruz is a target, we are not talking about physical violence. We are talking about a coordinated, albeit decentralized, digital lynching. Here is how the "Ekis" campaign weaponized social media: