We all know it’s never easy being a momshie, tending to children but at the same time trying to make something of yourself. That’s why for today’s episode in Magandang Buhay, Melai Cantiveros, Jolina Magdangal and Karla Estrada welcomed Andi Eigenmann, a very hands-on mother, who happens to be celebrating her birthday this month as well.
PHOTOS: Magandang Buhay with Andi Eigenmann
Being one of the most versatile actresses of her generation, Andi has proved that she is not just another pretty face but a talented artist as well. Through the years and at such a young age, Andi had to deal with her own personal struggles, but was able to surpass them. And now at 29, the mother-to-be said that she is very contented with her life and has finally found peace. “I’m really happy now at kung saan ako sa buhay ko. Kontento ako kasi natutunan ko nang tanggapin ang sarili ko at natutunan kong mahalin ang sarili ko. At ibigay kung ano ‘yung para sa akin.” Although she said that she still takes life for what it is, and does not expect it to be perfect.
With her new bun in the oven, Andi couldn’t be more excited about her current disposition, and said that it has been a smooth process. With others questioning why she chooses to continue on surfing given that she is pregnant, Andi clarified that she has her doctor’s approval and only surfed until she was 7 months pregnant. “It’s not something that I advise other people to do. Kaya lang ako pwedeng mag-surf kasi nag-susurf talaga ako,” she explained. And in contrary to what other people think, she stated that being active while expecting has its benefits.
Andi did not expect her boyfriend Philmar Alipayo would visit her on the Magandang Buhay set, so when he did, she became emotional when she saw him holding a bouquet of flowers. She elaborated that it has been awhile since they’ve seen each other, and said that she misses him. The actress narrated to the momshies on how things started off between them, and recounted that she already had a passion for surfing back then. One day during an event, she recognized the surfing champion and asked if she could take a photo with him. “Tapos eventually, since maliit naman ‘yung community, tapos magkabarkada rin kami, naging magkakaibigan din kami,” she recalled blushing. Philmar also revealed that he would call her sweet names as terms of endearment. “Nung una lodi, then naging mahal ko.” he said shyly.
The The Greatest Love star is so committed to her current relationship that she even learned how to speak his native tongue, because she feels that since they are now residing in Siargao, she has to make an effort to understand the dialect. Andi underscored that Philmar is a sweet boyfriend. She talked about that one moment where she traveled with him when he joined a competition, and the place that they were staying in did not have electricity. Philmar wanted her to be comfortable and started fanning her for two hours straight. “Gaano katagal niya ako pinapaypayan? Two hours,” she shared excitedly.
When the MB hosts asked Philmar how he felt when he first met Andi’s family particularly her mother veteran actress Jaclyn Jose, the athlete admitted that he was nervous, “Minsan nga eh pinapaginipan ko siya na nagagalit sa akin at umiiyak ako”. But in time, he was able to loosen up and got along with Jaclyn.
Ellie, Andi’s daughter, also tagged along and joined her mother, Philmar and the hosts on stage. According to Andi, Ellie studies in Manila while she is living her life in Siargao, but clarified that she has not neglected her daughter. “She’ my top priority not matter what,” she said firmly. She underscored that even if she is pregnant with her second child, she still prioritizes Ellie and her education, “Important pa rin ‘yun sa akin”. She described her daughter as caring, and said that Ellie even has a cellphone app to tend to her mother’s pregnancy needs. On the other hand, Philmar divulged that he and Ellie are close, and said that they would draw together, play the hoola hoop and surf almost every day.
Overwhelmed with love and joy, Andi shared a heartfelt message to Philmar and expressed how thankful and blessed she is to have him in her life. She thanked him for being the caring person that he is and said, “I’ll do my best to stay mabait. I’ll do my part in taking care of our family.”