Filipino rapper Andrew E. is Andrew Espiritu in real life. Born July 30, 1967 in Paranaque, Philippines, Andrew is also a record producer, entrepreneur and a comedy actor. He is the voice behind the 1990 hit song, “Humanap Ka Ng Panget” (Look for Someone Ugly) which later became one of the blockbuster comedy films of the ‘90’s that launched his acting career. Directed by Ben Feleo, the movie starred Kempee de Leon, Gelli de Belen, Jimmy Santos, Nanette Medved, Carmi Martin, Eddie Gutierrez, the late Zorayda and Andrew E. himself. Andrew is married to Mylene Espiritu, whom he has three children.
Andrew E. started out as a DJ in Euphoria, a popular club in Manila. In the late 80’s he heard hip-hop for the first time. And though he didn’t quite know what it was, Andrew was sure he could make money out of it. And when good fortune arrived, Andrew’s “Humanap Ka Ng Panget” single earned him a gold record. After the success of his first single, another hit song followed. Andrew Ford Medina, was one controversial song as it was successful, it was a harmless ditty about his adventures with two sisters. While Francis Magalona’s rap music was more patriotic, Andrew’s rap style was a bit of a shock to the nation’s older generation. Though his songs were put into controversy, it doesn’t stop him from releasing numerous albums and in making blockbuster comedy films.
He first appeared in TV on the show That’s Entertainment, a long-time variety show hosted by German Moreno on GMA-7. His showbiz career began in December 1990 when he released his debut single “Humanap Ka Ng Panget”. Because of his style and ability in doing rap, Andrew became a household name all over the Philippines.
To date, Andrew E. already released 14 albums and did almost 35 movies. He was also one of the judges in ABS-CBN’s top-rating show, Showtime. Among the films he took part in include: A.B. Normal College (Todo na ‘Yan, Kulang Pa ‘Yun); S2pid Luv; D’Uragons: Never Umuurong, Always Sumusulong; Burles King Daw, O!; Banyo Queen; Tusong Twosome; Mana-mana, Tiba-tiba; Markova: Comfort Gay; SS: Submarine System; Saranggola ni Pepe at Juan; Strict Ang Parents Ko; Extranghero; Matinik na Bading, Mga Syukeng Buking; Si Mokong, Si Astig, at si Gamol; Ten Little Indians; Where The Girls Are; Neber-2-Geder; Bangers; ‘Pre Hanggang Sa Huli; Bikini Watch; Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko; Megamol; Pinagbiyak na Bunga; Row 4: D Baliktorians; Ang Boyfriend Kong Gamol; Manchitchiritchit; Alabang Girls; Pretty Boy; Mahirap Maging Pogi; Andrew Ford Medina: Huwag Kang Gamol; Pitong Gamol; Humanap Ka ng Panget; and Tiny Terrestrial: The Three Professors. He also appeared in a cameo role in the movie, Gagay: Ang Prinsesa ng Brownout which starred Gelli de Belen, Janno Gibbs, and Rustom Padilla.
He also appeared in TV shows and sitcoms like Kapitan Awesome; Humanap Ka Ng Panget; Your Song; Extra Challenge; Goin’ Bayabas; Da Lookalayks; Kool Skool; and Alabang Girls.
Andrew formed the rap group Salbakuta and served as a mentor to young rappers like Carlos Agassi. He also owns Dongalo Wreckords, a company he established from his fruits in show business.
