Andi Eigenmann On Having A Family With Philmar Alipayo: 'I Picked The Right Partner'

The mom of two has no regrets in choosing to live a simpler life on the island of Siargao. Aside from that, Andi Eigenmann believes she picked the right partner in life and in raising kids. 

Three years ago, Andi left the spotlight and the city life to live with her partner, professional surfer Philmar Alipayo. Together they have a daughter, Lilo, now 11 months old and “more kulit as ever.” Andi also has an older daughter, Ellie, 8, (with former boyfriend Jake Ejercito) who frequently stays with her on the island. 

What other parents are reading

Raising a Spoiled Child Can Easily Happen (5 Ways You're Doing It)

Are You Spoiling Your Child? Probably. Now Here's How to Undo It

"Nung na-experience ko po yung life sa Siargao, lalong-lalo na nung makilala ko si Philmar, dun ko po naisip na, ‘Ay, mas dito po ako nababagay.’ Parang mas dito po kami nababagay ng anak ko na si Ellie," Andi told Rated K via Facebook interview on June 21.

The mermaid mama is still amazed that they are together. “I only realized that now that I picked the right partner because he takes care of me so well, and it’s passed on on how he takes care of Lilo and Ellie,” Andi said. “He’s more hands-on than I am,” she admitted. 

Andi has nothing but praise for Philmar for being a great dad. She recalled that Philmar was a little worried when Andi gave birth to Lilo back in July because he knew Andi had a yaya when she had Ellie. Philmar made sure he’s was there to support her all the way. 

“I learned a lot from Philmar in terms of taking care of kids, Besides being a surfer, his focus is really being a father,” Andi shared. “I really love seeing my daughter grow with him and seeing how they are together, how close they are,” she added. 

What other parents are reading

Andi Eigenmann: The Right Man Is Not Measured By How Secure His Future Is

Andi Eigenmann On Her Stretch Marks: 'I've Grown Comfortable And Proud Of Them'

Andi wouldn't trade her island family life for anything else 

Andi revealed she has always dreamed of living on an island, but her work schedule as an actor made it impossible. “It was Philmar that probably that gave me the courage to actually make that decision,” she said. 

The break she took from showbiz turned into a life-changing decision. “I also got the chance to find myself and get out there and do the things that I always wanted to do,” she said. Andi was able to reflect on the times she wasn’t present in Ellie’s life, and she really wanted to more time and be more hands-on with raising her child. 

Though she misses acting, and of course, her family and friends in Manila, Andi wouldn’t trade anything to give up her life now in Siargao. If before, the island is her favorite vacation and surfing place, now it’s home.

Philmar and Andi first received adverse reactions when they made their relationship public. She defended their relationship and said that the right man for a woman "should not be measured by how secure his future is" because she herself can work to get what she wants. 

"All that matters to me is that he has ambition, and he has dreams, and we can work on that together. Now we have a beautiful family," Andi said.

What other parents are reading

Mobile Legends? PS4? Multitasking Dads Prove Video Games and Baby Care Go Hand-in-Hand

Let Us Celebrate The Moms Who Are Dads, Too

Can't Go To The Beach? Bring It Home With This Genius Sand Play Hack

How To Safely Hug Loved Ones During A Pandemic, According To Infectious Disease Doctors