Andrew Ford Valentino Espiritu (born July 30, 1967), known professionally as Andrew E., is a Filipino rapper and actor.[2][3] He is best known in the Philippines for his 1990 debut hit single "Humanap Ka ng Panget" (Find an ugly woman). Andrew E. won a 'Rap Album of the Year' award for his latest album Clubzilla at the 2010 PMPC Star Awards for Music. His latest single is "Shoot Shoot Part 2" which later used as instrumental for campaign jingle "Heto Na Inday Sara."

Andrew E.
Espiritu at the 2024 Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in General Trias, Cavite
Espiritu at the 2024 Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in General Trias, Cavite
Background information
Birth nameAndrew Ford Valentino Espiritu
Also known asGamol, Kuya Andrew, King of Tagalog Rap
Born (1967-07-30) July 30, 1967 (age 57)[1]
Naga, Camarines Sur, Philippines[1]
OriginParañaque, Philippines
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • actor
Years active1985–present
Labels
  • Dongalo Wreckords
  • Viva

Career

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Espiritu first worked as a DJ in a popular club, Euphoria and was discovered by guitarman Ramon "RJ" Jacinto in 1990. He made his television debut on That's Entertainment, a variety show hosted by the late German Moreno on GMA-7. He eventually started his professional career in December 1990 when he released his debut single "Humanap Ka ng Panget" (transl. Find Someone Who Is Ugly).

In mid-1997, Espiritu founded an independent rap label named Dongalo Wreckords for the purpose of discovering and producing new rap talents, one of them being the rap group Salbakuta, with their debut single "S2upid Luv" becoming a best-seller and spawning a theatrical feature film starring Espiritu.

Espiritu spent some time in Japan in the late 1990s, performing in clubs and eventually releasing a CD single with two rap songs in Japanese about the misadventures of a tourist in Tokyo. This got the attention of a Japanese producer, who offered to help promote him if he would apply for Japanese citizenship.[4]

In 2000, he was a consultant to Caloocan mayor Rey Malonzo "for entertainment and cultural affairs".[5]

On March 25, 2002. he released the album "Porno Daw"[6]

In 2010, he was one of the judges in ABS-CBN's noontime variety/talent show Showtime. He later returned as a judge in the Showtime segment "Hype Best".

He has collaborated with Sharon Cuneta, Willie Revillame,[7] Joey de Leon, Regine Velasquez, Francis M., Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Carlos Agassi, Death Threat, Salbakuta, DJs such as DJ Coki of Wil Time Big Time, DJ MOD of Showtime and DJ Belal of New York, and actresses such as Maricel Soriano, Ana Roces, Nanette Medved, Charlene Gonzalez, Vina Morales, Sheryl Cruz, Gelli de Belen, Alice Dixson, Amanda Page, Rufa Mae Quinto, Donita Rose and Rica Peralejo.

Espiritu returned to acting in 2016 as Uge, the biological father of Serena (played by Liza Soberano) in ABS-CBN's drama series Dolce Amore.[8]

Andrews first Star Cinema movie was "Raketeros", a comedy movie was released in 2013 for the film company's 20th anniversary of Star Cinema and ABS-CBN Film Productions.

Andrew returned to acting with the comedy film Sanggano, Sanggago't Sanggwapo, marking his returning to Viva Films since his last film A.B. Normal College was released in 2003. Sanggano, Sanggago't Sanggwapo was released in theaters in September 2019, with co-stars Dennis Padilla, Janno Gibbs, Louise Delos Reyes and Eddie Garcia with Al Tantay as director.

Allegations of plagiarism

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In 2018, Espiritu became involved in a plagiarism controversy when "Humanap Ka ng Panget" was accused of being an unauthorized translation of the song "Find an Ugly Woman" by DJ Cash Money and MC Marvelous.[9] A thread in the /r/Philippines subreddit called out the rapper for allegedly making a cover of "Find An Ugly Woman" without Cash Money Marvelous' permission, just after the noontime variety show ASAP aired a tribute performance to Espiritu.[10]

Personal life

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Espiritu married Mylene Espiritu in March 2000. The couple have three children.[11]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Ref.
1990 Humanap Ka ng Panget Andy
1991 Pitong Gamol Ambong
1991 Andrew Ford Medina: Huwag Kang Gamol Andrew Ford Medina
1992 Alabang Girls Unat/Straight
1992 Mahirap Maging Pogi Parding Pogi
1992 Pretty Boy Pretty Boy/Cute
1993 Manchichiritchit Isko
1993 Gagay: Prinsesa ng Brownout cameo appearance as himself
1993 Ang Boyfriend Kong Gamol Tom Cruz
1993 Row 4: Ang Baliktorians Agapito "Aguy" Santos
1994 Pinagbiyak Na Bunga: Lookalayk Urot/Blacky
1994 Megamol Clark "Uragon" Bokol
1994 Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko Robin
1995 Bikini Watch Kiko
1995 P're Hanggang Sa Huli Cooper Guerrero
1995 Bangers Hap Hibang
1996 Neber 2-Geder Bert Control
1996 Where 'D' Girls 'R' Andong
1997 Si Mokong, si Astig, at si Gamol Gamol
1997 Roberta Special Participation (Andrew E.'s 1st Drama Movie)
1997 Matinik Na Bading, Mga Syukeng Nuking Tirso/Tricia
1997 Extranghero Botong
1997 Strict ang Parents Ko Jr. Ramos
2000 Markova: Comfort Gay Chiquito/Tintoy on the film set
2000 Mana-Mana Tiba-Tiba Wilson
2001 Tusong Twosome Bano
2001 Banyo Queen Drew
2002 Burles King Daw, O! Troy [4]
2002 D' Uragons: Never Umuurong Always Sumusulong Orot
2002 S2pid Luv George
2003 A.B. Normal College: Todo Na 'Yan! Kulang Pa 'Yun! Andres
2013 Raketeros Andoy [12]
2019 Sanggano, Sanggago't Sanggwapo Andy [13]
2020 Pakboys Takusa John [14][15]
2021 Sanggano, Sanggago’t Sanggwapo 2: Aussie! Aussie (O Sige) Andy [16]
2021 Mang Jose Mount Apolinario
2021 Shoot Shoot Jack

Television

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Year Title Role Network Ref.
2009 Midnight DJ Himself ("Gayuma ng Panget") TV5 [17]
2012-2013 Kapitan Awesome Adonis TV5
2016 Dolce Amore Uge, Selena's father ABS-CBN [18]
2017–2022 I Can See Your Voice Himself / Sing-vestigators ABS-CBN, Kapamilya Channel [19]

Discography

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Singles

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  • 1990 - "Humanap Ka ng Panget"
  • 1990 - "Ize Ba Tayo Dyan?"
  • 1990 - "Wag Kang Gamol"
  • 1991 - "Mas Gusto Mo Siya"
  • 1991 - "Mahal Kita"
  • 1991 - "Bini B. Rocha"
  • 1991 - "Andrew Ford Medina"
  • 1992 - "Mahirap Maging Pogi"
  • 1992 - "Alabang Girls"
  • 1993 - "Manchichiritchit"
  • 1994 - "Ang Boyfriend Kong Gamol" (featuring Alice Dixson)
  • 1994 - "Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko"
  • 1995 - "Akala Ko" (duet with Sharon Cuneta)
  • 1995 - "Bikini Watch"
  • 1995 - "Hibangers"
  • 1996 - "Neber-2-Geder"
  • 1997 - "Where the Girls Are"
  • 1999 - "Maggy"
  • 1999 - "Banyo Queen"
  • 1999 - "Rubber Dickey"
  • 1999 - "Fax Me"
  • 2000 - "ShaNaNaNaNa"
  • 2000 - "Honey"
  • 2000 - "Kagat ng Aso" (Dog bite)[20]
  • 2001 - "Sinabmarin"
  • 2004 - "Shoot Shoot"
  • 2004 - "Pink Palaka"
  • 2004 - "That's Why I Love You" (with Regine Velasquez)
  • 2005 - "My Banyo Queen"
  • 2006 - "Clean"
  • 2008 - "Ikaw" (Humanap Ka ng Panget Part 2)
  • 2010 - "Sophisitkado" (PMPC Winner/Rap Album of the Year)
  • 2010 - "Danz Now" (feat. Bugoy na Koykoy and Anne Jameo)
  • 2010 - "A.N.D.R.E.W.F.O.R.D"
  • 2010 - "Clubzilla"
  • 2010 - "Stand Alone"
  • 2013 - "Ayokong Magtiis Ka"
  • 2013 - "I Wish I Can" (feat.Bastee)
  • 2016 - "Neng, Ikaw Ba Yan?" (feat. Damuho Skwad)
  • 2020 - "Huwag Kang Gamol" (2020 Remix)
  • 2020 - "Tamang-tama"
  • 2021 - "Shoot-Shoot" (Part 2)

Soundtracks

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  • Humanap Ka Ng Panget The Official Movie Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1991)
  • Pretty Boy Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1991)
  • Mahirap Maging Pogi The Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1992)
  • Andrew Ford Medina The Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1992)
  • Alabang Girls The Official Movie Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1992)
  • Manchirichit The Official Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1993)
  • Ober Da Bakod The Movie Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1994)
  • Ang Boyfriend Kong Gamol The Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1994)
  • Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko Movie Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1994)
  • MeGamol The Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1995)
  • Bangers The Official Movie Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1995)
  • Neber 2 Geder The Official Soundtrack Album (Viva Records, 1996)
  • Where Da Girls R The Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1997)
  • Extranghero The Official Soundtrack Album (Neo Records, 1997)
  • Si Mokong, Si Astig At Si Gamol The Soundtrack Album (Viva Records, 1998)
  • Banyo Queen The Soundtrack (Viva Records, 1999)

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Giving Body Category Nominated Work Results
2008 Awit Awards Best Novelty Recording "Cowboy - Cowgirl" Nominated[21]
MYX Music Awards Favorite Urban Video "Ikaw (Humanap Ka Ng Pangit Part 2)" Nominated[22]
2010 2nd PMPC Star Awards for Music Rap Album of the Year "Clubzilla" Won[23]

References

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  1. ^ a b Ozzias T. Villaver Jr. (December 12, 2016). "5 Celebrities You Probably Didn't Know Who Are From Bicol". Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  2. ^ Loftus, Johnny. Biography: Andrew E. at AllMusic. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  3. ^ How Andrew E Became The Godfather of Dirty Pinoy Rap | Toni Talks, retrieved February 1, 2023
  4. ^ a b Lo, Ricky (January 16, 2002). "How Andrew E. nixed Japan stardom for love". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  5. ^ Esguerra, Christian V. (September 14, 2000). "Malonzo gets comedians as consultants, advisers". Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. A20. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  6. ^ "Andrew E New Album". February 25, 2002. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  7. ^ "Willie releases second single". Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 22, 2000. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  8. ^ Calderon, Ricky (February 5, 2016). "Andrew E to showcase acting chops in 'Dolce Amore'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  9. ^ Severo, Jan Milo (July 2, 2018). "Netizens call out Andrew E. for alleged 'Humanap Ka Ng Panget' plagiarism". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  10. ^ Fallore, Renuel. "This Reddit Thread Is Calling Out ANDREW E. For Allegedly Plagiarizing His Biggest Hit". myx.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  11. ^ "Andrew E. celebrates his 19th wedding anniversary". push.abs-cbn.com. March 12, 2019. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  12. ^ "Herbert Bautista, Dennis Padilla, Long Mejia, Andrew E. and Ogie Alcasid unite for one 'ultimate throwback' comedy movie treat for moviegoers of all ages in "Raketeros"". LionhearTV. July 27, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  13. ^ Carvajal, Dolly Anne (September 7, 2019). "What makes Andrew E, Dennis and Janno click". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  14. ^ "'Pakboys: Takusa'". INQUIRER.net. December 20, 2020. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  15. ^ Cruz, Oggs (December 28, 2020). "'Pakboys Takusa' review: Far from funny". Rappler. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  16. ^ Sanggano, Sanggago't, Sanggwapo 2: Aussie! Aussie (O Sige) | Official Trailer, retrieved November 27, 2021
  17. ^ "Midnight DJ feat. Andrew E". YouTube.
  18. ^ Admin, Star Cinema (February 15, 2016). "Meet the characters of 'Dolce Amore' | Star Cinema". starcinema.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  19. ^ "'I Can See Your Voice PH': Hilarious start as contestants butcher karaoke favorites". ABS-CBN News. September 16, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  20. ^ Alejandro, Reynaldo G. (1998). Pasko!: The Philippine Christmas. National Bookstore, Incorporated. ISBN 978-971-27-0664-6. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  21. ^ "LIST OF FINALISTS THE 21st AWIT AWARDS". Archived from the original on June 21, 2008. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  22. ^ Jocelyn Dimaculangan (February 18, 2008). "Third MYX Music Awards to be held on March 26". PEP.ph. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  23. ^ Andrew E. Winning The 2010 PMPC STAR AWARDS "Rap Album Of The Year" (18,000 Views), archived from the original on December 21, 2021, retrieved October 1, 2021
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