Making his debut at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, actor Matteo Guidicelli is on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as he portrays Philippine cinema's legendary superhero Pedro Penduko.

During the film's grand media conference held at the Viva Cafe on Oct. 24, Matteo revealed that portraying role of Penduko was a big responsibility.

"It's truly overwhelming," said Matteo when asked how he feels about entering the fantasy genre for this year's MMFF. He also revealed that the project took four years to finish because it was put on hold due to the pandemic.

"Four years ago, when Viva assigned me this film, we started preparing for the fight scenes, our script readings, etc., but it did not happen. You know alam mo naman dito sa showbiz, timing-timing lahat no? So, after four years, it's finally coming out, and it's truly overwhelming and a big responsibility," he added.

From the different versions of Janno Gibbs, Matt Evans, and Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.  Pedro Penduko has become a staple in Philippine cinema regarding Filipino folklore and culture.

Matteo thinks about his work and tells his wife, Sarah Geronimo, about the time and effort he put into the project.

"I always think about it every night and tell my wife (Sarah) Love, this is a big thing. Penduko is a household name. Ako naman, I told my wife na I gave everything to this film," he said.

(I always think about it every night and tell my wife (Sarah) Love, this is a big thing. Penduko is a household name. As for me, I told my wife that I gave everything to this film)

He also shared that one of his biggest challenges while preparing for the role was his physical appearance and learning all the Tagalog lines in the film.

"Since this is my first MMFF, I have to look at it in three different aspects: emotionally, physically, and spiritually. So, the first thing I did is to prepare my physique for this role. Months before this happened, I came from America and gained weight, so I had to lose 20 pounds for this role. Months after that, I requested Tita Ruby Ruiz to my be my acting coach, because my goal was kapag dadating po ako sa set, I want to be free and just react on the scenes," Matteo said.

(Since this is my first MMFF, I have to look at it in three different aspects: emotionally, physically, and spiritually. So, the first thing I did is to prepare my physique for this role. Months before this happened, I came from America and gained weight, so I had to lose 20 pounds for this role. Months after that, I requested Tita Ruby Ruiz to be my acting coach, because my goal was when I arrived on set, I want to be free and react on the scenes)

As per director and writer Jason Paul Laxamana, creating his new world for Penduko led him through deep research from classic comics to movie adaptations and series.

"Nung binigay sa akin yung project na Penduko, nag research na agad ako and tiningnan ko, ano ba yung back story talaga ni Pedro Penduko from yung sa comics, sa version ni Ramon Zamora, sa version ni Janno Gibbs, at kay Matt Evans, and ang findings ko po is walang siyang consistent back story," Director Jason said.

(When I was given the Penduko project, I immediately did research, and I looked, at the real back story of Pedro Penduko from the one in the comics, in the version of Ramon Zamora, in the performance of Janno Gibbs, and Matt Evans, and My findings is that he does not have a consistent back story)

But one thing took his attention: each version still showcases a platform of Philippine folklore and mythology.

"Pero iisa lang po yung consistent sa lahat ng reincarnations ng Pedro Penduko and palagi po siyang nagiging platform to showcase Filipino folklore and mythology," he added.

(But there is only one consistent in all the reincarnations of Pedro Penduko, and it always becomes a platform to showcase Filipino folklore and mythology)

Setting the new image for Penduko in the film, Director Jason puts his creativity to work by including new elements to show the movie in a more modern setting.

"Since the last Pedro Penduko, naexpose na po kasi yung mga Filipino audience sa mga Marvel movies, na-expose na po tayo sa mga content ng Netflix through streaming, so I felt na na nagkaroon na ng evolution yung audience based on this kind of material," he said.

(Since the last Pedro Penduko, the Filipino audience has been exposed to Marvel movies, and we have been exposed to the contents of Netflix through streaming, so I felt that there has been an evolution in the audience based on this kind of material)

Penduko follows the story of Pedro, a young man skilled with mythical and supernatural powers, which he and his father, Apo Tisot, inherited from their ancestors. But unlike Apo Tisot (John Arcilla), who uses his gift to help the poor and sick, Pedro has other plans for himself.

After cutting ties with his father and leaving his hometown, Pedro moves to the city to follow his dreams, but so far, Pedro has yet to find a way to do odd jobs here and there to make ends meet, completely wasting his gift and potential.

But all that changes when a secret organization owned by Gat Blanco (Albert Martinez) hears about his skill and offers him a job as an albularyo agent. As Pedro works for the organization, he further hones his talent, which impresses many but also makes others jealous.

Then, out of nowhere, a powerful force of evil appears and endangers the lives of many, forcing Pedro to put the good of others before him.

Joining Matteo on the newest version of the classic Pinoy Komiks is an impressive roster of A-list and award-winning actors. Albert Martinez as Gat Blanco, John Arcilla as Apo Tisot, and Kylie Versoza as Liway.

The film also stars Mark Anthony Fernandez, Phoebe Walker, Marissa Sanchez, Candy Pangilinan, Andrea Del Rosario, Arron Villaflor, Gene Padilla, Joe Vargas, Martin Venegas, Keagan De Jesus, Kurt Delos Reyes, Tyro Daylusan, Zombie Tugue, TJ Valderrama, Jobelyn Manuel, JC Tiuseco and Andrea Babierra among others. It also marks the big screen debut of "It's Showtime's" Mini Miss U viral contestant, Annika Co.

Welcome a new hero for the modern era, Penduko opens in cinemas this Dec. 25.