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A dive into Andi Eigenmann’s bida and kontrabida roles in teleseryes

Article (news)

Push Team

<p>Before settling in the island paradise of Siargao, Andi Eigenmann was known as a talented actress who made waves with her unforgettable portrayals in teleseryes.</p><p>From playing beloved protagonists to captivating antagonists, Andi has proven throughout her active years in showbiz just how versatile she is. Despite being the daughter of the late actors Jaclyn Jose and Mark Gil, and coming from a renowned showbiz family, Andi has made her own splash in showbiz.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Agua Bendita (2010)</strong></div><div><iframe width="1255" height="706" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FaJLV22Aanc" title="Agua Bendita: Full Episode 35 | Jeepney TV" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Andi’s first venture as a lead in a teleserye proved to be a success, cementing her status as a standout bida-kontrabida of her generation by playing both twins Agua and Bendita.</p><p>In 2010, the actress headlined the teleserye adaptation of Rod Santiago’s 1980s comic of the same name. It was launched as one of the biggest offerings of ABS-CBN that year, marking the 60th celebration of Filipino soap operas.</p><p>In the fantasy series, Andi portrayed two polar opposite twins: Agua, the kindhearted and naive girl with a body made of water, and Bendita, the seemingly normal one with a mean-spirited nature. These roles became iconic, firmly establishing themselves in Philippine TV pop culture.</p><p>Andi co-starred with many equally talented actors in the series, including Jason Abalos, Vina Morales, John Estrada, Dimples Romana, and Matteo Guidicelli in his first major role.</p><p>The series also propelled the career of former child actress Xyriel Manabat, who portrayed the younger versions of the twins. Her participation was even extended due to her overwhelming popularity.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (2011)</strong></div><div><iframe width="941" height="706" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cchFqGD1SKE" title="Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin Full Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Andi&#x27;s follow-up project in the primetime block was starring as one of Coco Martin&#x27;s leading ladies in the series <em>Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin</em> alongside Maja Salvador. This marked her first foray into action-drama, where she portrayed a dependable military officer.</p><p>In the action-drama series, Andi portrayed Gabby Marcelo, an intelligent military officer and Alexander&#x27;s childhood friend, who also becomes a rival to Maja’s character, Krista.</p><p>Reports claimed that Andi sustained an injury while filming the teleserye. After wrapping up her role, she gave birth to her firstborn, Ellie, and took a break from showbiz that same year.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Kahit Puso’y Masugatan (2012)</strong></div><div><iframe width="1255" height="706" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/quvY28kJwxU" title="Hearts on Fire Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Andi made her acting comeback in 2012 with Wenn Deramas&#x27; <em>Kahit Puso&#x27;y Masugatan</em>, which was also known internationally as <em>Hearts on Fire</em>.</p><p>In the series, Andi played the villainous Veronica, who was initially a close friend and considered a sister to Iza Calzado&#x27;s character, Andrea, until certain circumstances set them apart and turned them into enemies.</p><p>Andi went head-to-head against Iza’s acting prowess in the series, which also marked Iza&#x27;s first teleserye on ABS-CBN since her network transfer. Aside from Iza, the series also featured sought-after leading men Gabby Concepcion and Jake Cuenca.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Galema: Anak ni Zuma (2013)</strong></div><div><iframe width="941" height="706" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3YDNHbZ9NpM" title="GALEMA : ANAK NI ZUMA Full Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>In 2013, Andi once again worked with late director Wenn Deramas for another fantasy series. She took on the title role of <em>Galema: Anak ni Zuma</em>, inspired by Jim Fernandez’s comic book <em>Zuma</em>.</p><p>The actress portrayed a woman with twin snakes around her neck and the daughter of the mythical figure Zuma, played by Derick Hubalde. Despite her origins and circumstances, Galema grew into a compassionate lady.</p><p>The afternoon series also featured the reunion of Andi and Matteo Guidicelli, who played her love interest, Morgan. The duo first teamed up in the <em>Agua Bendita </em>series, where Matteo portrayed Ronnie.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Dyesebel (2014)</strong></div><div><iframe width="1255" height="706" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iva2rgpVClY" title="DYESEBEL Trade Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Andi made her kontrabida comeback as Betty Reyes in the 2014 iteration of <em>Dyesebel</em>. Based on the Philippine graphic novel by Mars Ravelo, the series starred Anne Curtis in the title role of the well-loved mermaid.</p><p>In the series, Andi portrayed the scheming Betty, who made life difficult for Dyesebel, even attempting to expose her secret as a mermaid. She also tried to separate Dyesebel from Fredo, who was portrayed by Gerald Anderson.</p><p>Dyesebel featured a powerhouse cast, which also included Sam Milby, Dawn Zulueta, Albert Martinez, Eula Valdez, Gabby Concepcion, and Bangs Garcia.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Greatest Love (2016)</strong></div><div><iframe width="1255" height="706" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3N9pVHG_rUA" title="Full Episode 93 | The Greatest Love (English Subtitle)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Who could forget Andi’s memorable participation in the iconic afternoon heavy drama <em>The Greatest Love</em>?</p><p>In this emotional series, Andi played Lizelle, the youngest daughter of Gloria, portrayed by Sylvia Sanchez. Despite being the product of an affair, Lizelle grew into a caring and reliable daughter, offering support to her ailing mother, who was battling Alzheimer&#x27;s.</p><p>The series was a hit, featuring a viral scene depicting the height of Gloria’s condition, where she no longer recognized her children.</p><p>It also included an all-star cast, featuring some of the finest dramatic actors and actresses, such as Dimples Romana, Arron Villaflor, Matt Evans, Nonie Buencamino, Ruby Ruiz, Adrian Alandy, and Joshua Garcia.</p><p><em>The Greatest Love</em> was also Andi’s last TV acting stint before her hiatus. </p><div><br/></div><p>In a recent appearance on Melai Cantiveros’ talk show <em>Kuan on One</em>, Andi shared that she isn’t completely ruling out showbiz. The actress noted that she might return if a good project comes along, preferably an action role.</p><div><iframe width="1255" height="706" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QgIFSJw1_CM" title="ANDI EIGENMANN:”Lami ang simple nga kinabuhi.” | KUAN ON ONE S2 Ep 7 (with ENG/FIL subtitles)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>— by Jemuel Tandoc</p>

<p>Let’s dive into Andi Eigenmann's iconic roles, from the dual characters she played in 'Agua Bendita' to many more unforgettable performances.</p>

Let’s dive into Andi Eigenmann's iconic roles, from the dual characters she played in 'Agua Bendita' to many more unforgettable performances.