Expecting. Trouble.

While on the MRT, a group of young office ladies were talking about the issue du jour - Andi Eigenmann's admission that she's pregnant.

Honestly, I admire her for having the strength to keep her child and tell the world about it. After all, this is an industry that would rather have her get an abortion and make it seem like it never happened. Also, I'm happy for her since she seems to be at peace with her family and situation.

But if there's someone who isn't happy with her current situation, it must be the marketing manager of the product that Andi endorses.

Advertising agencies and brands have this precarious relationship with their celebrity endorsers. They pay top dollar for these actresses who lend their face and credibility to their brands, and they expect them to behave the way that their brand is known for.

I remember in the 90s, Martin and Pops, as well as their 2 kids, were the poster family for Palmolive soap. According to stories, their marriage was already on the rocks during that time, but they couldn't separate because their endorsement contract stipulates that they have to be a "family." Back then, the rumor was they'd have to pay P7 million if they violated the contract. So what allegedly happened was, they only separated after the contract expired.

Right now, I see Andi's face on the ads of Ponds and The Ramp. I wouldn't be surprised if Ponds will start taking down her billboards. After all, that brand stands for girl-next-door, wholesome type of beauty. Having an endorser in "that" situation isn't "girl-next-door" and "wholesome" at all.

The Ramp might not be too quick on the draw since they're a lifestyle brand anyway. Or maybe this is the perfect time for them to consider coming up with a maternity line.

And that, my friends, is the trouble with relying too much on celebrity endorsers. If something goes awry in the endorser's personal life, it's bound to resonate on the brand that he or she endorses.

I can't wait to see how Andi's endorsements react to this situation. I'm hoping that they'll be more open minded and accepting. After all, the public seems to be.