Andi Eigenmann on comments saying Lilo should study, not surf

Andi Eigenmann: “she’s doin both, and excelling in both”

Andi Eigenmann (left) on allowing her five-year-old daughter Lilo Alipayo (right) surf and study at the same time. Lilo is “excelling in both, thanks very much.”  
PHOTO/S: Screengrab from Instagram | @andieigengirl

Celebrity moms like Andi Eigenmann often find themselves inundated with unsolicited parental advice that can range from well-meaning to downright intrusive.

On September 5, 2024, Andi shared on Instagram a delightful video of her youngest daughter, Lilo Alipayo, demonstrating her burgeoning surfing skills.

“Our 5 year old Lilo taking on bigger waves by the day. Always smiling amidst these wipeouts too,” she captioned the post.

“They choose to start most of their mornings this way. A surf sesh, skate sesh or just a nice walk outside with papa and the dogs.

“It’s a good way to get her energized and in the mood for some kindergarten activities at home afterward.”

The five-year-old
Lilo Alipayo surfing.  
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @andieigengirl

Set to the upbeat tune of “He Mele Inoa O Kalakaua” by Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu, the reel captures Lilo’s joyful and adventurous spirit.

Andi added a playful note: “PS I know. How many versions of these tracks I will use till Lilo is older?! [smiling face with tightly-closed eyes]

“hopefully I have more songs to use when the second movie comes out! [hibiscus emoji]”

ANDI DEFENDS CHOICE TO LET LILO SURF AS MUCH AS SHE WANTS

Despite the positive feedback from Andi’s celebrity friends and fans, not everyone was supportive.

Some comments questioned whether Lilo should be spending so much time surfing instead of focusing on her studies.

In response, the 34-year-old mompreneur took to Instagram Stories to address the criticism directly.

She wrote: “Someone somewhere on the internet told us to put her in school instead of letting her surf… [woman shrugging emoji] she’s doin both, and excelling in both, thanks very much.”

Andi Eigenmann responds  
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @andieigengirl

Her response illustrates a common challenge faced by parents in the public eye: balancing their children’s interests with societal expectations.

For Andi, ensuring that Lilo enjoys her childhood while thriving academically seems to be working just fine.

LILO EXPLORES GYMNASTICS

Aside from her passion for surfing, Lilo has also shown a real interest in gymnastics.

On March 24, 2023, Andi shared clips of Lilo’s first gymnastics session, highlighting her new preoccupation.

In her post, Andi expressed excitement, “Happy that they get to explore more of their abilities and interests with more classes and options available to these island kidos. [flower emoji]”

The video showcases Lilo engaging in a range of gymnastics activities. She performs various poses and stunts, such as the aerial hoop, back roll, bridge, and handstand.

Lilo Alipayo is now also into gymnastics.  
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @andieigengirl

The mother of three extended her gratitude to Catangnan Beach Dojo Siargao for offering a diverse array of activities, including surfing, jiu-jitsu, and aerial arts.

She also took a moment to thank gymnast and dancer Angelika Sajonas for her support, as Angelika guided Lilo through the foundational routines and helped her get started in gymnastics.

ANDI REMEMBERS LATE MOM THROUGH LILO

Before Lilo officially turned five on July 23, 2024, Andi reflected on how organizing Lilo’s “Fiesta and Flamingo” themed party brought back memories of her own childhood.

She reminisced about her late mother, the respected actress Jaclyn Jose, and how Jaclyn would lovingly prepare Andi’s birthday celebrations.

“Side cuento: Preparing Lilo’s birthday reminded me of Nanay, as it dawned on me that every birthday party I had growing up, was literally DIYed by her,” she related.

“Each year, it would be held in our little home, just an intimate setup, with our family, my cousins and best buds.

“She would curate the theme, have activities prepared, and we would always have her famous birthday spaghetti along with other equally tasty dishes.

“Back then I didn’t think anything of it. They weren’t anything grand, no cool acts or fancy giveaways, like at the ones we would get invited to.”

She added: “But now, looking back, I realise how lucky I was to have a nanay as punong abala as she was, who, in her own way, always made sure I had a birthday to remember.

“Nevermind the materialistic aspect that usually comes with every kids birthdays. Nevermind the lack of an expensive gift.

“Each birthday I spent with my friends, laughing our butts off, pulling all- nighters fueled by our sugar highs, was a core memory for sure. And this is all thanks to her.

“I will always have a vivid picture of her mischievous smile as she takes a peep in my room to check up on us.”