Andrew E.: Still happily rappin’ at it

He may be busy as a bee, but he still makes it a point to smile, shake hands with his audience and go near his fans. This, plus his wit are what he considers his secret formula for longevity in showbiz.

Sincerity, honesty and a willingness to help the new breed of rappers set Andrew E. apart from the rest.

His songs come straight from the heart, from personal experiences and his own adventures. Whenever Andrew’s songs are heard people say, "Uy ganyan si Andrew." He further claims he has the ear and the foresight for new trends that help him in his compositions.

"Umaalingusngus pa lang alam ko nang theme na yon sa song ko but if it’s already a worn-out subject it’s a big no-no," he says. It doesn’t matter whether Andrew E. initially conceives his songs in the banyo setting. What is important is that he composes his music in the wee hours of the morning "para may element of surprise when people wake up." He also prefers to compose songs in the terrace of his home.

With 25 movies to his name and a number of hit songs, Andrew E. still seems unaffected by success. It really doesn’t bother him seeing new rappers around like Carlos Agassi. He doesn’t see them as competition. He sees them as added flavor or as a sign of growth in the field. "It takes the burden off me, " he says.

This is not all talk and he’s out to prove it. Andrew E. and Carlos Agassi will soon team up in an album that is set to bring out the best in the Amir of Rap.

Andrew is 80 percent comedian and 20 percent rapper. He still feels the jitters a first-timer in Banyo Queen since he is carrying the burden of making people laugh all by himself with no sidekicks at all.

"I’m confident though that with a 5x platinum song, people will love the movie," he says. Banyo Queen marks many firsts for Andrew like roving cameras, bold scenes reminiscent of Jackie Chan’s in Rush Hour 2 and a love scene with Rica Peralejo.

Viva Films has indeed been supportive of Andrew E.

"As long as my songs are a hit people can expect a movie of possibly the same title," he says. Compared to his other movies Banyo Queen is more of situational comedy rather than the usual naughty ones.

How is Rica Peralejo as a co-star in Banyo Queen? "Rica is a much better actress now. She has matured quite well compared to our last movie Where D Girls R," he explains.

Andrew also has nothing but praises for Carlos Agassi. "He’s a close friend and is good in his craft. He’s very promising but he can still improve. He’s still looking for his specialty as a rapper. And I will help him bring that out in our next album," adds Andrew. He says of their style: "Carlos was known for pop in his last album. Our styles differ. My followers know my style," Andrew quips.

Off screen, Andrew E. is a family man who values quality time at home. On a normal day he spends as much as 30 minutes in the bathroom where he playfully makes sounds with the water.

Aside from Banyo Queen the movie, Andrew is also busy with Banyo Queen the album soundtrack launch will coincide with the opening of the movie in September. He is also scheduled to start working on his album with Carlos soon. Still in the spirit of helping others, kind-hearted Andrew has yet another project, a first in the Philippines, a Rap Olympics for mostly the out-of- school youths where kids and other rappers will be pitted against each other for a cause.

A good heart, the ability to get along with others, fine PR skills and a generous spirit – that’s Andrew E. for you.