Andi Eigenmann says she’s only leaving stardom behind

MANILA, Philippines – Contrary to what was reported that she was saying goodbye to showbiz, Andi Eigenmann said that she simply leaving the “artista life,” which she’s always disliked.

In an Instagram post on October 2, Andi responded to a netizen who accused her of being a snob. In her statement, she said: “First of all, I don’t snub people who acknowledge me. I do, however, politely tell off people who are rude. How can you even say that if you have no idea who I even am? Second, if I wanted the life I had in the past, I wouldn’t have left showbiz. So go figure. But me wanting to be a full time mom, and to live my life sooo far away from the spotlight (away from the city, even), doesnt also result to your accusations being anywhere true.”

In an interview with CNN LIfe, the actress said that she is just leaving the showbiz lifestyle, where one’s life is open for all to see and gawk at.

“The thing was that the articles that you saw online were picked up over a conversation [on Instagram] between a stranger. I didn’t even know who that person was,” Andi said to CNN Life. “I just felt the need to defend myself because it was actually a topic that I’ve always been affected by. But in terms of quitting showbiz, I just want to clarify that I’m not leaving the film industry, that’s something that’s already a part of who I am.”

The daughter of actors Jaclyn Jose and the late Mark Gil, Andi added that being born into the industry, she grew to love it and is very passionate about it. She said that all she wants is to be the life she wants and not become what people should expect her to be.

“I just want to be known for what I do as an actor and not be defined by who they think I am based on the news. Being an actor is something that I’ll always be. [But] ‘yun, I don’t want to be a star.”

When asked how her decisions will affect her career, Andi said: “I think, probably I’d have nothing after this… I don’t know. I really don’t know. Honestly. I made this decision knowing that I don’t know what the future will bring but I know that it’s always going to be better to just believe in myself, to just listen to what I want. Changes sometimes, it could be good. And my life isn’t going to be the same. I’m not gonna live as glamorous of a lifestyle but I never … I was never like that in the first place. Now my life is so much simpler. And I couldn’t be happier.”

Andi said that she is currently taking time off to focus on other matters while waiting for juicier roles. She is currently preparing for the launch of her lifestyle blog Mermaid Wanders and spending time with her boyfriend Emilio Arambulo and daughter Ellie. 

She also said that if there’s a message she want to give is that she does not fall into the artista category.

“It’s not really to say that there is something wrong with the industry. I guess, it’s just more of realizing that I don’t fall under the category if I’m being myself, in that case, I’m also hoping for more diversity. For them to allow more types [of] actors to get the chance to be seen and heard. Like, the older ones for example. It seems you won’t really hear of newbie actors who are already in their 40s here in the country. We mostly just have veterans who have been around [for a long time.]” – Rappler.com