Andi hopes to have her own identity

MANILA, Philippines - Showbiz runs in her blood. Therefore it is not surprising that Andrea Nicole Guck Eigenmann, better known by her screen name Andi Eigenmann, will tread the same path that her parents had taken.

 By this time, most everyone knows Andi is the daughter of award-winning showbiz royalties Mark Gil (Eigenmann) and Jaclyn Jose (who is Mary Jane Guck in real life). Andi initially captured TV audiences when she made her acting debut with a supporting role in the ABS-CBN daily afternoon series, Prinsesa ng Banyera, which topbilled Kristine Hermosa. 

However, seeing Andi’s huge potential, the network lost no time in giving her a solo drama project. Last February, Andi took her first big step to stardom in Agua Bendita, which remains one of ABS-CBN’s top-rating primetime programs, making her the fastest-rising Kapamilya actress. 

Andi admits there is a lot of pressure in carrying her esteemed family name now that she is also into the business. “I am aware there’s too much expectation from me. There are a lot of good actors in our family and I am worried that I might only disappoint some people. There are too many Eigenmanns in the business and the public might not see me as someone different.” 

Yet, the showbiz neophyte lived up to everyone’s expectations. In no time, she was able to propel her primetime starrer to the top of the TV ratings, subsequently making her a household name. 

Andi initially thought of adopting her mother’s screen name, “Jose,” to be her showbiz name. Her mom readily agreed, but Andi decided to drop the idea when she finally started acting on TV.

 “I realized I might just suffer in comparison with my mom,” Andi explains. “I know she is a very good actress. People in the industry and the public know that. I am just so blessed to have famous parents. They paved the way for me to also be in showbiz.

 “But I hope to have my own identity and not just be labeled as ‘Anak ni Jaclyn Jose’ or ‘Anak ni Mark Gil.’ I will be eternally proud of that, but I want to show everyone that I am also a talented performer like my parents.”

 Her showbiz salvo is not without the blessing of both her parents (although estranged for a long time now), who have been giving her constant encouragement and support.

 “They both know this is the career path I want to take that’s why they are happy for me,” Andi allows. “They believe in me that’s why non-stop ang support nila and I am really thankful for that.”

  Andi sent eyebrows rising around the network when she was handpicked for the lead part in Agua Bendita and didn’t have to audition. She plays the dual role of twin sisters who have opposite personalities and physical differences.

 Andi confesses she had to shed off more than 30 pounds to prepare herself for her first major TV role. “It wasn’t easy. It took a lot of discipline to lose weight.”

 The young actress has undoubtedly been getting a lot of attention lately. Early this year, Regal producer Lily Monteverde offered a three-picture deal to Andi, who will make her big screen debut in Eugene Domingo’s comedy flick, Mamarazzi, slated to be shown Aug. 25.

 Mother Lily is confident that Andi will become the next big star to watch out for since the young actress has the qualities of someone who can make it big in the business.

 “I know Andi really wanted to be in showbiz since she was a kid,” Mother Lily said. “I find her fascinating and really talented. I am happy that she is now a Regal baby. She comes from a family with very distinguished showbiz lineage. From her grandparents to her parents to her uncles, aunts and cousins, they all made movies for Regal. I am really happy that Andi is now part of Regal’s stable of talents.”

Andi was immediately thrilled to work with Eugene, one of her mom’s closest friends in showbiz whom she knows since she was a kid.

 According to Regal producer Roselle Monteverde-Teo, Andi’s projects for the film company will also include the remake of Temptation Island, with director Chris Martinez at the helm.

She will also do an episode in the horror trilogy, Shake, Rattle and Roll, intended for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) this December. She was likewise receptive to do the remake of Problem Child, the critically acclaimed drama that starred her aunt, Cherie Gil.

 Andi is excited about all the projects she will do for Regal. “It’s my dream to make a movie and I am very happy that Regal is making that dream come true for me,” Andi said. “I am glad to be part of Regal. They are giving me very good film projects. I know I am in good hands.”