Andi, Ang Probinsyana

Andi Eigenmann is one of a kind. Unlike her colleagues who find pleasure in hoarding material things (jewelry, branded accessories, etc.), she has “downsized” (read: “simplified”) life by selling most of the properties she had acquired through her showbiz earnings and retreated to the countryside, initially in Baler, Quezon, where she met her (now ex-boyfriend) Emilio Arambulo and where she’s reportedly building a house; and then to Siargao where she has found not just a new paradise but also a new boyfriend, Philmar Alipayo, a champion surfer resident of the island.

Taking a break from her leisurely provincial life, Andi was lured back to the limelight by Viva Films and ALIUD Entertainment to star in All Souls Night, an ImaginePerSecond Halloween thriller conceptualized by Yam Laranas and co-directed by Aloy Adlawan and Jules Katanyag. (Laranas is the director of another thriller, Aurora, an official 2018 Metro Manila Filmfest entry starring Anne Curtis.) The movie opens nationwide on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

All Souls Night follows the story of Shirley (Andi), an all-around housemaid who answered an ad for a quick three-day job to take care of a sick man. Ellen, the hospitable wife, readily tells Shirley the three important house rules: 1). Keep the doors and windows shut; 2). Stay locked inside the house; and 3). Don’t get inside their room without permission. Before long, Shirley will unravel the mystery that will give her the biggest scare of her life.

In the following Conversation, Andi talks about her life “out in the country” and why she decided to resume acting (“My passion,” she said).

What’s so special about the province that you decided to live there (first in Quezon and now in Siargao)?

“It’s the simplicity of it all. Living by the ocean and being surrounded by nature every day keeps me grounded and happy. I like who I turned into because I placed myself in that type of environment. I feel like I really found myself there, and that’s where I belong.”

Is it a matter of going where your love is (from Quezon to Siargao)?

“If by ‘my love’ you mean myself, then yes. It’s choosing to stay where I am at my happiest. It was also when I found the genuine joy that I feel as I became the best mother I could be for Ellie. So I know I’m doing it right.”

How and when did you develop your love for sand, sea and surf(ing)?

“Ever since I was a little girl. I think my family can vouch for me on that, hehehehe!!!”

You could just have taken a break from the hurly-burly of showbiz. But why did you sell your belongings on which you invested most of your earnings? No regrets?

“I sold the luxury items that I felt had no purpose in my life anymore. I kept those with sentimental value and the timeless pieces I know I’d always love to have or wear. What’s the point in having 200 pairs of high heels when you live in the island half of the time? Hahahaha!!! If there’s something I regret, it’s ever buying those things.”

‘Actually, I didn’t really change my mind about anything. I quit showbiz, in a sense, because I felt that I was not fit for that lifestyle. But I’ll always be an actress.’

Describe a typical day of your life “out there.”

“I wake up super early, sometimes to catch the sunrise by walking to the Cloud 9 Tower. I go surf, have breakfast, go surf again or watch my friends catch lunch! Cook with all our friends and eat together, hang around or go around (there’s so much to see), take walks or visit new cafés around town, head to the ocean to surf some more, watch the beautiful sunset, exchange stories with island family and friends, and head to bed feeling super fulfilled.”

What about your daughter Ellie, who’s taking care of her while you are away? And what’s the role of Jake Ejercito, Ellie’s dad?

“Jake and I share time with Ellie. She studies in Manila and since school has begun she has to be with her dad and then half of the time I would be in the city with her. But not like before anymore. Now nobody ever knows if I’m in town because it’s just all about me and Ellie when I’m in town. No publicity.”

Everybody thought that you were turning your back on showbiz. What made you change your mind?

“Actually, I didn’t really change my mind about anything. I quit showbiz, in a sense, because I felt that I was not fit for that lifestyle. But I’ll always be an actress. I’ll always love filmmaking. I’ve always said that it’s not about turning my back; it’s just that I didn’t want it to be my whole life anymore.”

What’s so interesting about All Souls Night that it brought you back to acting?

“For one, it’s a horror film. And I love horror films just like a lot of Pinoys do. And second, it’s a story with a strong female main character. I appreciate how the creators want to present a story that shows that we don’t need a male lead, or a man to fight for us or to get through such obstacles. We can protect and defend ourselves just as much as men can.”

Describe your role and what you find attractive about it.

“Shirley is a strong, independent college student who accepted a side job to be a household assistant in order to help pay for her tuition for the coming semester. I love how when faced with the problem, it wasn’t just about saving herself, or simply getting through it. She made sure to help the people around her and create a solution that would put an end to the problem.”

Are you back for good or are you going back to Siargao?

“I will keep going back and forth for now.”

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