Andi Eigenmann

WHEN Andi Eigenmann burst into the scene, she carried the weight of living up to the acting genes that people believed (and who could blame them?) from parents Jaclyn Jose and Mark Gil. The pressure was immense, but the young actress was steadfast in being known on her own merit, and not merely on account of her famous last name.

Last year, Andi had her big break with the fantaserye, “Agua Bendita.” And though the show was a prime-time hit, Andi didn’t think it cemented her niche in show biz.


A long way

“I have a long way to go,” she told Inquirer Entertainment during her recent launch as Pond’s newest endorser. “Just because ‘Agua Bendita’ was a hit doesn’t mean that I’ve proven my worth in the biz. There’s a lot more I can offer audiences.”

This is why, for her, the upcoming action-drama series for ABS-CBN, “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin,” is a big opportunity. Here, Andi believes, she will finally be able to show her mettle.

In “Minsan,” Andi portrays Gabrielle Marcelo, a soldier in love with her best friend and comrade, 2nd Lt. Alexander del Tierro (Coco Martin). Andi is excited about this “deeper,” more mature character, especially since it showcases her athletic skills and, uh, inner tomboy.

“I have a strong connection with the role,” she said. “When I was younger, I was into a lot of sports – swimming, basketball, gymnastics and ultimate disc. I have since tried many other things, including football, rock climbing, and dancing.”

The sporting background helped Andi endure the physical demands of the role. She’s had very few troubles doing the stunts, she said. “I do everything. It’s easy for me because I like what I’m doing.”

One of the most grueling scenes she has had to do so far, the young actress said, was completing a full obstacle course in the Philippine Military Academy in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City. During the interview, in fact, the petite mestiza had red streaks on her left arm. “Training was really hard,” she said. “So much crawling and climbing!”


With the best

“Minsan” features veteran stars Ronaldo Valdez, Dante Rivero, Boots Anson-Roa, Lorna Tolentino and Amy Austria. Also in the cast are Tonton Gutierrez, John Estrada, Coco Martin, Maja Salvador, and Martin del Rosario. So how does it feel being with some of the biggest names in show biz?

“I’m very proud of myself,” Andi said. “I’m a neophyte, but they cast me. I’d like to think it meant they believed I could do it. I try not to be intimidated. For instance, if I keep thinking how good Coco Martin is, I’ll get nowhere.”

Being with stars her mother used to work, she said, is a surreal experience. She added, laughing, “My mom says it makes her feel old.”