MANILA, Philippines - It’s been almost a year since Geoff Eigenmann last appeared in a soap. Since then, nothing much has been heard of him. The last issue that landed his name on showbiz headlines was when his romantic relationship with Carla Abellana fizzled out.
But Geoff swears his failed lovelife had nothing to do with his temporary hiatus from the limelight. It just so happened that he was not lined up for any show that had been launched by GMA Network the past months. “So I just waited for the next batch of shows and I was given this.”
The actor is referring to the latest Kapuso offering Kailan Ba Tama Ang Mali that is set to air weekdays beginning Feb. 9 on the GMA Afternoon Prime block.
It was last year, Geoff adds, when he was offered to portray the role of Leo, one of the four central characters in the teleserye. The other three are Max Collins, Empress Schuck and Dion Ignacio. Tapings have started middle of November.
Apart from work, Geoff has been focusing on himself these days. He has been doing a lot of jiu-jitsu and “I was also joining competitions and sports; some things like that. No girls. I am enjoying my single life.”
He isn’t even trying to go out on dates. “Ever since naman, I wasn’t into courting full-on like going out on dates and stuff like that. I just do my thing and if people enjoy my company then, they can tag along. I don’t force things.”
Of course, curious minds keep on wondering whether he’s still hurting or has already moved on. Geoff laughs and reveals that many have been asking him lately if he is ready for a new love. His tireless answer: “I guess you can say that I’m ready if there is really such a thing as being ready to get into a relationship, but I’m just enjoying the company of others and if they spend time with me, then why not?”
He, too, admits to having learned a lesson or two from the break-up but no way will Geoff ever change his idea of how to have a lasting relationship. “Mahirap din ‘yung may mga iiwasan, so as much as possible I try to get to know the person more. For me, mas maganda if the foundation is friendship because when you start out as friends, there will be no more pretensions with each other; everything is out in the open and when you know everything about the person and you jump into a relationship, ‘di na kayo mag-kakagulatan basically because you know the person already. So the longer the friendship, the better I suppose.”
Asked about the quality of a girl he admires the most, Geoff, without batting an eyelash, replies, “I guess when she’s really honest about the things she feels about being with me. So, ‘yun, No. 1 is honesty. That’s the start of getting in (a relationship) then we’ll work from there.”
But he is not one to set a time frame when it comes to love. “I don’t like scheduling things. I will just go with the flow na kung anuman ang mangyari o kung gusto ko s’ya, I’m gonna jump into it but if there’s something I know would not turn out fine then nothing will come out good.”
He, too, believes that love and career can work at the same time “by keeping a balance of everything you do. But sometimes, you really can’t have everything.”
As of now, Geoff says, “I’m not looking for love. I’m not even focused on it. When it comes my way then (let it) come my way. Right now, what I’m focused on is my family, work like this new show and sports.”
Kailan Ba Tama Ang Mali is set to tackle infidelity which, admit it or not, is on a rampant rise. The show can serve as an eye-opener or a tool for viewers to know what is right and wrong.
“Life is supposed to be black and white but the gray area is where all the fun is at. But definitely you have to think for yourself what is right and wrong or if anyone would get hurt. You really have to weigh things and make a choice.”
Is Geoff faithful?
“Yes, I would love to say that I’m faithful. I can say that I’ve learned the hard way but I don’t have any regret because those were the experiences that made you learn and (keep you from making) the same mistakes again. So, I can say that I’m faithful and I’m loyal that if I do have your heart in my hand, I’ll give you everything I have.”
With co-stars (clockwise, from top left) Ken Alfonso, Chariz Solomon, Ryza Cenon, Ervic Vijandre, Ash Ortega, Dion Ignacio, Max Collins and Empress Schuck —Photo by ENIE REYES