Jericho, Andi bring ‘kilig’ vibe to Bob Ong adaptation

MANILA, Philippines – Andi Eigenmann was clearly excited at the story conference on her new movie under Viva Films, “Aba Nakakabasa na Pala Ako?!” – because she will be doing the movie with her long-time showbiz crush Jericho Rosales.

The 23-year-old star of the teleserye “Galema, Anak ni Zuma” said she had a schoolgirl crush on Jericho, 34, when she entered showbiz 3 years ago.

“Actually, Jericho and I live in the same neighborhood in Quezon City,” she said. “Ilang blocks away lang siya sa house namin ni mommy [Jaclyn Jose].” (He’s just a few blocks away from my mommy’s house.)

“I remember, wala pa ako sa showbiz nakikita ko na siya sa lugar namin [I wasn’t in showbiz yet and I would see him in the neighborhood]. He is so guwapo [handsome] and I know many will agree.

“I just couldn’t believe I am now doing a movie with him. I can’t wait for this project to start and [I can’t wait to] shoot my scenes with him.”

Echo

Jericho, for his part, said he also admires Andi for her beauty and remarkable talent.

“Kanino pa ba magmamana si Andi kundi sa parents niya na sila [Who else would Andi take after but her parents] Jaclyn Jose and Mark Gil, two of the best actors in Philippine cinema,” said the award-winning actor who, together with Andi, used to be the persistent subject of rumors.

“It’s in her genes, kaya huwag na tayong magulat kung bakit siya magaling [it should be no surprise why she’s good].

“Neighbors kami niyan [We’re neighbors], and it’s good that we are doing this movie. I will get to know her well and see if we have good chemistry together.”

If Echo were not engaged to his fiancée, TV host Kim Jones, would he be attracted to Andi?

“I really don’t know,” Echo said with an embarrassed smile. “Siguro naman. Alam n’yo naman ang mga type ko, mga fair-skinned girls.” (I guess. You know my type anyway, fair-skinned girls.)

“Pero tapos na tayo diyan. Graduate na tayo sa ganyan. [But we’re past that. We’ve ‘graduated.’] I’m engaged to a wonderful woman. And she’s very supportive of what I’m doing in my career.”

“Aba Nakakabasa na Pala Ako?!” is the best-selling autobiographical novel by Bob Ong – now adapted to the big screen, like Ramon Bautista’s “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?” whose movie version swept the box-office.

Jericho plays the role of Roberto, the narrator of his own life story. Andi is Roberto’s “special someone,” the one that got away. The Mark Meilly film is scheduled for early 2014. – Rappler.com