“Sana you would also understand na tao lang din kami kagaya ninyo.”
This was part of Andi Eigenmann’s long explanation after a vacationer in Siargao called her out for refusing to take a photo with them while on the island.
Andi, 30, is currently based in Siargao with eldest daughter Ellie, 9; her fiancé, surfer Philmar Alipayo; and their children: Lilo, 1, and Koa, 2 months.
The issue started when a vacationer shared his experience in a Facebook travel group. According to him, he went to Siargao with some companions and they saw Andi during their stay there. They asked her twice for a photo, but the actress refused each time.
In his post, the vacationer wrote that he was not posting his experience to “discredit” Andi. “We just want to know if the humble Andi on social media is the same as Andi in real life…” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW“Because I and my guests experienced that we wanted to take a picture with her twice but she didn’t allow us.”
The vacationer added that he was excited to have a photo taken with Andi since he closely followed her love story with Philmar, but he ended up being disappointed. He asked other members of the travel group whether they had a similar experience meeting Andi in Siargao.
Andi speaks up
The mom of three posted a screenshot of the vacationer’s post on her Instagram stories last Wednesday, March 31. Her caption (published as is): “LETS FINALLY ADDRESS THIS!”
PHOTO BY Instagram/andieigengirlShe then shared video clips speaking about the issue. According to Andi, she thought that people would understand why she would decline photo requests since she stepped back from show business in 2017.
“But then, now I understand na that’s not the case because of our YouTube channel,” the daughter of Jaclyn Jose said. “And the last thing I want is for you guys to misinterpret it or think that it means I don’t appreciate all your support.”
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowAndi adds that even if she’s no longer active in showbiz, she’s still active making YouTube videos with her family. She says that it makes her and her family happy knowing that they have a lot of supporters and that viewers consider their videos as a “stress reliever.”
“We love knowing and I find it amazing that there are a lot of you that think that a life out here is something to admire, or something to achieve for yourselves.”
The actress appealed for understanding since her life now is different from the time she was still in showbiz. Based on the video clips, it was clear that Andi is hoping for a simple life.
She adds that it’s also unfair for people to tell her not to go out of the house if she does not want to have her photos taken with others.
“I also hope that you understand that I’m human also. There are a lot of reasons why I moved here in the island, one of that is the peace, and simplicity, and being able to enjoy this paradise for what it is.
“Parang ang daya naman kung sabihin niyo sa ‘kin, ‘Kung ayaw mong magpa-picture, ‘wag kang lumabas,'” she says with a laugh. “Pa’no ako hindi lalabas?”
The mom also clarified that she accommodates “photo op” requests as much as she can. “Minsan buong time ginawa lang namin… is makipag-selfie,” she says. But Andi adds that she cannot fulfill all these requests all the time because she has her reasons and responsibilities, too.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW“Sana you would also understand na tao lang din kami kagaya niyo. Marami rin kaming responsibilities and kailangang gawin, especially we have three kids," she explains.
PHOTO BY Instagram/andieigengirlAt that point, Andi also addressed vacationers who would suddenly show up inside their family home in Siargao.
“We also know that the island is small and it’s so easy to look for our house.
“Naiintindihan namin na maraming pumapasok sa bahay namin kasi wala pa kaming gate.”
The mom clarified that she and Philmar don’t have plans yet of turning their home into a B&B (bed and breakfast) destination.
“That is not yet going to happen. We don’t know yet when. We’re still enjoying this place, our home.”
She appeals for fans to give her and her family some privacy. “’Di ba, pag nasa bahay kayo, it’s a place of rest and just a private property?
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW“So I hope you guys don’t get offended when we get shocked when you go inside, or ask us for pictures while were having lunch, or we have just woken up.”
She adds, “Honestly, we’re super happy you want to meet us, or you want to see us when you go here in Siargao. Pero hindi naman po pinatayo yung bahay namin para pasukin!”
“I really, really hope you guys respect our privacy and realize that we’re also humans and we need our to feel when we’re home, we need to feel that we are safe, and that it is a place that we can enjoy being with each other and family,” Andi says.
This story originally appeared on Pep.ph.
It was translated from Filipino into English and edited by SmartParenting.com.ph editors.
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