Matteo Guidicelli couldn't be more excited about his upcoming movie "Penduko" which is his first participation in the Metro Manila Film Festival. He's very much looking forward to riding the movie's float in the Parade of Stars. "Magtatapon din ako ng t-shirt," he quipped. 

He has likewise asked his family not to plan trips for Dec. 25 because he's going to do a theater tour. His pop superstar-wife , Sarah Geronimo, is supportive and giddy with the prospect that "Penduko" could pave the way for Matteo's action career. 

"Ok na ok!" was Matteo's reply when asked if he wanted to be an action star. As the Filipino folk hero who battles evil forces, Pedro Penduko "uses arnis sticks and engages in a lot of knife combat." The Filipino-Italian actor, who slimmed down and toned his body for the role, said "the fight choreography was intense" and they really had to rehearse for it.

Fortunately, his military background came in handy as he did the tough scenes required by the film.  Matteo's a reservist in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Philippine Army where he went through the rigorous Scout Ranger training. He presently holds the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Armed Forces.

"Sa training ng Army, talagang nilalagay kami sa mag mahirap na sitwasyon. I used this in the action stunts. Marami kaming tinatamaan, marami kaming bugbugan. Naging natural  lahat sa akin. I did not have to pretend , I just had to remember my training," he remarked. 

(In Army training, we are really put in difficult situations. I used this in the action stunts. There were many hits, we got beaten a lot. Everything came naturally to me.)

Did Sarah get nervous with his action scenes? Matteo laughs. " Hindi naman, alam naman nya gusto ko ito eh. She knows this is what I love doing, I love putting myself in danger. Everything came out nicely, and I  hope everyone will experience the thrill and the rush, the intensity of the fight scenes." 

How does Penduko 2023 (produced by Viva Films/Sari-Sari Network) differ from other versions of the movie made in the past? "Today's Penduko is very different from the previous ones," Matteo replied. "Director Jason Paul Laxamana created a story that reflects what's happening to the world today, with social media and digitalization, while continuing to relate to Filipino culture."

When asked if there are similarities between him and Penduko, the triathlete-actor said it's mostly the indomitable spirit that never easily gives up. He expressed hopes that the local audience will relate to the character as well.

"Penduko is an ordinary Filipino guy who wanted to help his family. He became successful and he realized that he needs to help others also," Matteo said. "The movie really talks about the Filipino character. We all know that no matter what social class he comes from, the Filipino has this distinct character in him, that he's a dreamer who is hardworking, passionate and driven to achieve excellence."

The ultimate lesson of Penduko is that we must put the powers given to us to good use. Matteo noted that this  is very much relevant to present times. "We always speak about having a better country, but why don't we start with it just like Penduko? How he uses his power and influence for the better."

"With social media, lahat tayo may power sa kamay natin, sa cellphone lang natin. Whatever we tweet or post, power yan eh. Kahit sino, kahit sikat ka o hindi, pwedeng mag-viral yan. So it's all about how we use the power in our hands."

This same belief makes Matteo love his craft as an actor. "When you start being an artista, the main goal is to be famous and successful, but after the years passed, there's a bigger meaning to being an artista for me. Now, it's more of how we inspire and influence other people with the platform we have."

"The perception we create onscreen, on our TVs, on our cellphones is very, very powerful. I love this industry, the whole craft very much because through this power, we can change somebody's way of living, way of thinking , way of loving," Matteo closed.