Andrea ‘Andi’ Eigenmann, daughter of respected actors Mark Gil and Jaclyn Jose, admits that there is a “disadvantage” in her use of the family name.
“[The name] brings a lot of pressure,” said the teen, who was introduced in 2007 via a supporting role on the hit soap, “Prinsesa ng Banyera.”
“There's too much expectation. The family name is associated with good acting genes and I worry that I might disappoint. And not only that…there are also too many Eigenmanns in showbiz today, and people might see me as something or someone not too special anymore.”
According to the 19-year-old, she actually asked her mother’s permission to use the screen name “Jose” early on.
“She almost agreed, but in the end she decided to go against it, as she thought it might inadvertently allow comparison with her—which could be disadvantageous [to me] too, given that I’m just starting out.”
After having paid her dues—and losing a bit of her baby fat—Eigenmann is now being introduced via the soap, “Agua Bendita” (Holy Water), which premieres Monday, Feb. 8 on ABS-CBN primetime.
“I waited for this for a very long time. Actually I’m surprised that [ABS-CBN] picked me but I think I’m ready. I’ll prove to them that they are right in choosing me.”
The soap is ABS-CBN’s second stab at the title after having made a version a few years back with Shaina Magdayao in the title role.
“Our take is different. For one, the previous ‘Agua,’ the one with Shaina is...shorter. It was a two-part series only. This time, we’re going to take time fleshing out each character. We will also make sure that we will be able to serve out the story really well.”
“Agua Bendita” is a story about twins, one of whom is good while the other, bad.
“The first twin will be me, as I am, flesh and blood, the other, will be… of ‘water.’ We will be using computer graphic images here,” Eigenmann explained.
As the teaser trailer showed her swimming in a skimpy bathing suit, not a few wondered if she will soon follow her mother’s ‘bold’ career trajectory.
“No,” she tersely replied but hastily added, “Honestly I don’t know…but you see, I am not thinking about that. At this point, I’d rather concentrate with the work at hand which is ‘Agua.’ If you could see a hint of sexiness in the trailer it’s, for me, it’s all just kind of suggestive. I’m still young. I’ve still a long way to go. We’ll see
