Andi Eigenmann Is Building Her Own Airbnb in Siargao

(SPOT.ph) Andi Eigenmann made waves in 2017 when she announced that she has left showbiz (which she clarified is different from quitting acting). She then revealed that she's building a house in Baler, Aurora with her daughter Ellie. She has starred in a couple of movies since then, namely, The Maid in London and the upcoming horror film, All Souls Night, which is set to premiere on October 31. But other than acting in films and teaching Ellie how to live sustainably, the beach-loving Eigenmann has also been busy starting her own business in Siargao. She's building a house on the island that she'll be renting out to travelers on Airbnb.

In an interview with Pep.ph, Eigenmann talks about the progress of her plan, saying, "Well, technically nagsisimula na pero wala pa 'yong structures." She adds, "Transient [siya], ang set-up is a house that you can rent. Bed and breakfast." She'll be running her business with her boyfriend Philmar Alipayo, one of the top surfers in the country who was born and raised in Siargao.

Eigenmann also reveals that she's planning on settling in Siargao, but admits that it's difficult given that Ellie studies in Manila. So she just promises Ellie that they'll go back to Siargao when she doesn't have classes. "Ilang beses na 'yon umiiyak sa akin kasi may pasok siya so hindi ko siya madala. Then, sinasabi niya, 'But mom, you said next month.' E, akala ko kasi may sembreak siya.”

She also details her custody set-up with Ellie's father, Jake Ejercito. "Palitan po kami ni Jake," Andi explains. "Kapag time ko po of the month and since may pasok, nandito po ako. Kapag Christmas, summer, I’m going to be bringing her there with me." She explains that she wants their families to be comfortable with Ellie having a life and friends in Siargao. And while Eigenmann says she and Ejercito might not be friends, they're still very cooperative parents for Ellie. She even tells Ejercito to visit Siargao some time.

While Eigenmann's been busy with her various projects—both for her personal life and her career—she's still happy with all of her decisions. "Having less is easier to be happy and thankful and to appreciate everything around you, that you don’t really need much. Also, I have [a] better relationship with friends and the people that I’ve met there."