ANDI Eigenmann: “My mom and dad don’t think acting can be taught.”
It’s not easy to have famous parents. You could suffer by comparison and be given little leeway for mistakes.
Andi Eigenmann has risen to the challenge. She is no longer just the daughter of Jaclyn Jose and Mark Gil. The child-woman has come into her own. As Ralph (a.k.a. Mark ) once told me, “I’m the proud dad of Andi Eigenmann.”
She’s all set to enchant us all over again with her own version of the 1980s classic, “Galema.” Very much like the “snake-woman” she will portray, Andi’s charms off and on screen are deadly. Her choice of poison is love.
How did you prepare for your role as Galema?
I had to study the character and how to execute the persona differently, to make it more interesting—since it is a remake of two films in the ’80s and also originally a hit comic book. I also had to get used to being around snakes.
What did you learn from Eugene Domingo and Maricel Soriano while shooting “Momzillas”?
A whole lot—from acting techniques, specifically in comedy, to handling my personal life. Mama (Soriano) went through much of the same things that I did when she was my age. Her [counsel] is reliable.
What acting tips did your mom and dad give you?
Being artists, my mom and dad believe that acting is a gift, not something that can be taught. So they usually just comment and make suggestions, based on what they see me do.
What are your dreams for Ellie (her daughter)?
I want Ellie to be happy all her life, content with what she has. I hope to provide everything she needs, yet I’d like her to stay grounded. I want her to have a big heart and see that life is a beautiful thing.
How has single motherhood changed you?
Not much, except when it comes to my decision-making and how I handle pitfalls.
What has motherhood taught you?
To be strong and stay strong, no matter what. It has taught me to keep fighting and never give up. It has proven to me that no matter what my heart desires, as long as I believe, it will come to me. Just like Ellie did!
Has your definition of love changed after what you went through?
My idea of love and being in love is more realistic now, less superficial. I simply can’t forget myself and give everything to someone else. For love to work, it should start with yourself.
What state is your heart in now?
My heart’s fine. I’m just focused on the more important things now. I have Ellie and a career that I don’t want to risk losing.
What would make you fall in love again?
Time, I guess. Eventually, I know that feeling will come again. I don’t need to look for it. When the time is right I know it will happen, and with the right person.
What’s Billy Crawford’s significance in your life?
Like anyone else that I work with, he has become a friend.
What’s on your bucket list?
Ooh, I have a long list! It starts with going around the whole world and seeing all those places. As for my career, I’d like to do something that would make a mark in the industry and make people remember me.
What’s your beauty regimen?
I don’t have one. I just eat healthy, wash my face all the time and remove my makeup before sleeping! I drink lots of water, too!
What’s your dream role?
I have a lot. Of course I need to be a mermaid, because I am practically one in real life and I want to share who I am with the world. I’d also like to do something set in the time of the Spaniards!
In what ways are you like your mom, and in what ways are you like your dad?
Like my mom, I am hardworking and deeply passionate about what I do. I am into most of the things she is as well! That includes travel, film, art, vintage etc… Like my dad I am very loving, we both love too much, and we’re both corny! Like my dad I will stand for what I believe in, and I’m not afraid to tell anyone about it.
What will you advise Ellie about love and men when she grows up?
I’ll tell her to always be smart when it comes to those things. I’ll tell her to respect herself first, and that it’s okay to take her time. She has to be super-picky!
How do you want to be remembered?
As an artist who did something worth remembering… as someone who did what she loved, inspired people to look at the better things in life.
New Wave deadline
The New Wave Committee of the 39th Metro Manila Film Festival reminds filmmakers, students and animators that the deadline for the submission of finished films is Oct. 4.
This refers to entries in the Full Feature Section, Student Short Film and the debuting Animation category (for both professional and student animators). For the CinePhone competition, deadline for submission of synopses is also Oct. 4. For details, log on to mmda.gov.ph/mmff.
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