"Walang taong pangit. Pangit lang is yung ugali."
These are the words of Andi Eigenmann's partner, Philmar Alipayo, as he defended himself from bashers commenting negatively on his physical appearance.
In Andi's latest vlog on YouTube, Philmar admitted he has been receiving unpleasant comments since he got into a relationship with the celebrity.
Andi has no idea why there are people who take a stab at Philmar's brown skin color that's most common among Filipinos.
She said, "Yeah, bakit yung Pilipino, sa tingin nila yung hitsura ng Pilipino pangit? Like, my partner's maitim. Hello?! That's so nice! You have a nice skin. I didn't expect that because of me, people would be saying bad or negative things to Philmar just because of his skin color, and also because he's from the province."
Some detractors labeled Philmar "probinsyano" which they think makes him unfit for Andi.
Philmar is a professional surfer based in Siargao.
"Also, he (Philmar) said to me in the beginning, 'Hindi tayo bagay. People don't like us to be together because taga-isla lang ako," she said.
Still, Andi is proud to be Philmar's partner.
"Oh my god! Taga-isla ka lang? Don't ever say that's a 'lang' thing because, to me, you guys are the richest people on earth to be surrounded by such beauty, nature, and living in paradise like this. That's why I'm here," she said.
She also hopes for understanding that love is not all about physical appearance or where one lives.
"I hope that Filipinos would get rid of the mentality that if you're from the province, that you are not successful, that that means you're inferior to everyone else who is finding jobs in the city," she said.
"Because that's not the meaning of success. And also, every person is different. There are people who who just really think that life for them is much better and gives them more meaning staying on an island just like me and Philmar."
Andi left the city in 2019. She gave up all her fancy things to have a simple life in Siargao.
She and Philmar have a daughter named Lilo.