Andi Eigenmann

Another Eigenmann, Andi, is about to make a name for herself as the newest primetime star of ABS-CBN. Andi topbills the network’s new show “Agua Bendita” which premieres tonight, to replace the toprating “May Bukas Pa.”

In “Agua Bendita,” Andi plays a dual role, as the twins Agua and Bendita. Andi said she was handpicked for the dual role, she didn’t audition for it. “I was called for a meeting, and they offered me the project. Siguro, alam nila na kaya ko, kaya binigay nila sa akin,” she said during a mini-presscon tendered for her.

Andi, who was seen in “Prinsesa ng Banyera” with Kristine Hermosa among others, was also one of the housemates of a “Pinoy Big Brother” edition. Asked if she was ready for the big time, and especially to be compared with her mother, award-winning actress Jaclyn Jose, Andi said “Yes, alam na puwede mangyari yon, na ikumpara ako sa mom ko. But mismong mom ko ang nagsabi na ihanda ko ang sarili ko doon kaya hindi naman ako dapat matakot. And she advised me that I have a style of my own kaya I just have to let it out and shine.” And she hastened to add that she’s different from her. “Iba naman ako, and I want to prove myself too given the chance.”

Andi added, “My parents have proven their worth especially during their younger days. I know that the public’s expectation of me is great, being the daughter of Jaclyn Jose and Mark Gil. And that is why I have to work hard and show that I am also capable of making a name for myself…”

Andi, whose real name is Andrea, has been compared to Angel Locsin and her aunt Cherie Gil for some facial similarity, and Andi said, “I am honored and flattered na kamukha ko daw sila dahil magaganda sila. They’re beautiful and talented kaya okay lang.” But she added this would be a disadvantage for her if she fails to prove her acting mettle.

Coming from a clan of showbiz greats, Andi cannot hide the fact that strong acting genes run in her blood. But in her own way, Andi has slowly established a name, starting out in “Prinsesa ng Banyera” where she worked with her mother in some scenes.

After her PBB stint, she joined MYX VJ Search 2009 and merged one of the Final Eleven.
She’s happy for the trust given her to headline “Agua Bendita” but Andi admitted she feels great pressure because this is her first lead role. However, she is inspired to give it her all.

She knows it won’t be easy, but more than anyone else, she believes that she can do justice to playing Agua and Bendita, twins with opposite personalities and physical appearance. “Para sa akin po, alam kong mahirap talaga yon at alam kong mahihirapan akong makapag-adjust dahil dalawa agad yung role ko pero para sa akin po, alam ko na kaya ko. Kasi kung hindi, hindi naman nila ibibigay sa akin eh…”

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Bayanihan in 2010

Bayanihan, the national dance company of the country, had a busy year 2009 as it vigorously pursued  its programs in partnership with the Alfonso T. Yuchengco Foundation.

It’s First Friday Specials, a regular activity of Bayanihan in partnership with PWU Center for Culture, Arts, Music and Sports consisting of a one-hour show of dance and teaching held every First Friday, entertained about 1,200 people. For its Third Saturdays last year, Bayanihan staged learn-to-dance performances at the Museo Pambata. It’s social mobilization and transformative program, “Teaching and Touching Lives,” was conducted in Noveleta and General Trias in Cavite and in Ilocos Sur. New dances Irasan, Kawayanan and Kasilyo are products of the program.

Bayanihan spearheaded the country’s participation in the 1st Philippine International Folk Dance Festival dubbed “Fiesta Folkloriada,” a project of the Department of Tourism in cooperation with Bayanihan Folk Arts Foundation, Inc., Alfonso T. Yuchengco Foundation and the CCP. “Fiesta Folkloriada” gathered 200 delegates from Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Indonesia, Korea, Poland, Slovakia, Sicily and Sri Lanka.

Aside from local performances to promote the country’s tourism industry, Bayanihan also performed in Germany, Spain, China, Paris, Taiwan and Singapore. The performance in Singapore coincided with the 40th anniversary to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore.

The dance company looks forward to an even busier year this 2010.

Sayaw Workshop, the annual two-week intensive dance workshop for children, teens and other dance enthusiasts will be conducted from April 5-18 at the Conrado Benitez Hall of the Philippine Women’s University. The culminating activity will be held on April 18 at the CCP Main Theater. Last year’s workshops had 144 participants. The workshops is conducted in collaboration with CCP and PWU Center for Culture, Arts, Music and Sports.

Bayanihan will also embark on a coast-to-coast tour of North America under the auspices of Columbia Artists New York.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, Feb. 8, go to Presidential aspirant Noynoy Aquino, Gen. Joven Gongora, US-based songstress Lirio Vital, talent managers Ronnie Henares and Wyngard Tracy, director Leonardo L. Garcia, Bea Guanzon, Edith Diaz, Martin D.C. Alegre and Jenny Miller of ABS-CBN Star Magic…