Andi Eigenmann has mixed emotions as "Agua Bendita" comes to a close

CEBU, Philippines - Primetime favorite “Agua Bendita” began its journey in Cebu last January when its supporting cast Vina Morales, Pilar Pilapil, John Estrada and other Cebuano talents shot the series’ initial crucial scenes in our city. Which was why its young stars found it fitting to hold a thanksgiving and farewell show right here where it all started.

The teleserye’s three lead attractions—Andi Eigenmann, Jason Abalos and Cebuano Matteo Guidicelli—flew in town last Saturday to personally meet their throngs of Cebuano fans at the covered parking lot of SM City Cebu as a way of thanks for supporting “Agua Bendita”, which is on its exciting final week.

The well-received fantasy-adventure story was only an episode in ABS-CBN’s weekly anthology “Komiks” way back in 2006 starring Shaina Magdayao in the dual title role, Rayver Cruz and Jaclyn Jose. Four years later, Jaclyn’s own daughter would be propelled to stardom after being handpicked to play the identical twins in the graphic novel’s full-blown version.

Andi must be so comfortable in her own skin that she faced the public last Saturday without a tinge of make-up, nor did she attempt to tame her naturally wavy hair. Casually dressed in a blue-green plaid shirt, denim shorts and red wedges, she’s one of those blessed celebrities who look the part without much effort. Gifted with her parents’ handsome genes, Andi has been observed to resemble many actresses such as Angel Locsin, Lovi Poe and KC Concepcion.

On how she feels about having numerous look-alikes, she said: “Oh yes, a lot of people say I’m a chameleon. I look like everybody daw. It’s so weird at nakakatuwa din kasi when they see me on TV or in photos, marami daw akong kamukha. Pero pag nakita nila ako in person, ni isa sa kanila, hindi ko daw kamukha. For me, okay lang, kamukha lang naman. I’m not compared to them naman full-on. It’s fine, at least they still know who I am.”

Technically, this was not her first time in Cebu. She recalls a trip a long time ago to Plantation Bay once but says this was her first visit wherein she’s old enough to remember the details.

“I’m very excited kasi first time kong makita ang mga fans ko sa Cebu ngayon. I was aware na sobrang lakas ng ‘Agua Bendita’ dito pero never akong nakapunta. Yun pala, it will be special kasi yung farewell and grand fans day, tsaka pa pala ako pupunta dito. I’ve been really looking forward to this,” said Andi in an exclusive interview inside her van with The Freeman.

First seen in “Prinsesa ng Banyera” alongside her mom, then a brief stint in “Pinoy Big Brother” Season 2 as housemate, Andi is the youngest Eigenmann who’s currently active in showbiz. The Star Magic talent also tried her luck in last year’s MYX VJ Search. Her loss in the said hosting competition rendered her emotional and teary-eyed on TV. It became clear eventually that there was a bigger plan awaiting her.

“Agua gave my life a full 360-degree turn—from having not much time for my family and friends, to actually reaching my dreams. I got everything that I wanted. I even got way more than what I bargained for,” shared the 20-year-old actress whose other interests range from sketching, fashion designing, swimming and playing basketball.

It’s a mix of emotions now that her launching show is set to conclude. “I’m really sad, pero masaya din to know that my first show ended really well. Ang daming mga tao na sumuporta. Sana simula pa lang ito. Malungkot siya, kasi sa tagal namin, ang dami kong nakilala sa set, from the cast to the staff. Sobrang naging close ako sa kanilang lahat. Para kaming naging family dun, grabe yung bond. That’s what I’ll miss about ‘Agua Bendita’ most of all.”

It can be recalled that her camp got a bit impatient when her appearance on the show got delayed since the viewers were enthralled by Xyriel Manabat, the child actress who essayed her character’s younger version. There was no escaping too, the critics who slammed the newbie’s acting performance. “Sana nakita ng mga tao na I deserved it at yung efforts and hard work that the staff put into making the show, sana nakita nila na walang nasayang kasi I gave everything that I could have given,” Andi said.

She will take a much-deserved rest, then make two movies before she works on her next TV series.

Showing now in theaters nationwide is “Mamarazzi”, a Eugene Domingo comedy where Andi again played twins named Peachy and Strawberry. “Sobrang pure fun at tawanan lang kami sa set. Matagal ko na kasing kilala si Tita Uge. She’s one of my mom’s best friends, so alam ko na kung paano siya. What more on set where she’s required to actually make people laugh? At the same time, hindi nawawala yung professionalism niya, very focused. I really learned a lot from her, as well as from Direk Joel Lamangan.”

She hopes though that this be the last twin role assigned to her in a long time, to avoid getting boxed in. “Without a doubt, I’m done portraying twins! But of course, if maganda ang offer and I really need to do it, oo naman. Pero as of now, sana huwag muna. Pahinga muna ako diyan,” she stressed.

Certainly, we shall be seeing the different sides to this lovely mestiza, for her non-exclusive contract with Regal Entertainment states three films are in the pipeline for this newest Regal baby. First is the remake of the 1980’s flick “Temptation Island” which starred Dina Bonnevie. She will also star in an episode of the horror-trilogy “Shake Rattle & Roll”, which will be an entry to this December’s Metro Manila Film Festival. Another remake, titled “Problem Child”, is likewise in the drawing board.

If made to choose, Andi professes that she’ll jump at the chance that will pair her with Jericho Rosales or Coco Martin. “I’ve known Coco since I was 10 because my mom worked with him a lot. He’s really close to us. Para ko siyang Kuya.”

Aside from a personal condo unit, Andi was able to purchase a second car and a house and lot in Sta. Rosa, Laguna from her “Agua Bendita” and endorsement paychecks. Apart from those adult investments, what does a young girl like her splurge on?

“I buy shoes, eyewear, and I collect headdresses. So more or less, dun ko ginagastos yung allowance ko kasi I don’t shop for clothes or anything.”