Ahead of the MMFF release of Penduko, Matteo Guidicelli talks life lessons with MEGA Man, breaking down what he thinks every gentleman today needs to know
Stepping into the MMFF spotlight for the first time at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, Matteo Guidicelli gears up to portray the iconic Filipino superhero, Pedro Penduko, putting his own spin on the legendary character. Before the film hits screens, the 33-year-old actor takes a moment with MEGA Man to discuss the valuable lessons he hopes every man will grasp from the character. Ranging from the significance of dreaming to the enduring value of resilience, read on and discover some of the takeaways that await you after watching his newest film.
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Against the tide
“Life will hit you with so many problems and challenges, but what’s important is you stand up stronger every time you fall.”
The first lesson Matteo hopes men will take away from Penduko
According to Matteo, Penduko imparts a crucial lesson on resilience. As the character confronts elemental creatures, the film showcases the unavoidable nature of challenges. He hopes that his character’s courage will serve as an example for the audience. This lesson holds personal significance for Matteo, who, informed just two months before filming, expressed initial worry due to his recent weight gain after a long vacation together with his wife, Sarah Geronimo. Undaunted, he met the challenge by promptly resuming running, intensifying his workouts, and adhering to a disciplined, cleaner diet.
The power of smiles
The actor’s second lesson is simple yet profound: “What is life without a smile?” He believes every man can connect with this perspective from the character. In this modern-day take on the classic action-adventure film, the character is portrayed as clever and mischievous. Matteo encourages viewers to grasp the idea that confronting life’s challenges with a smile can make a significant impact. He emphasizes that a constant smile can be powerful as you never know if someone is going through difficulties, and your smile might just brighten their day.
Aspirations ablaze
Lastly, in wrapping up our conversation, Matteo shares a valuable lesson from the movie: “It is important to dream. Penduko is a dreamer.” He expresses his excitement for the audience to witness his character’s ambitious dreams and emphasizes that Penduko isn’t just a dreamer; he’s someone who actively works hard to turn his dreams into reality. The actor underscores the significance of consistency in pursuing one’s goals, drawing from his recent accomplishment of earning a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management. Similar to Penduko, Matteo Guidicelli is a dreamer who diligently works towards his aspirations, making him an ideal fit for the role.
Photos: MATTEO GUIDICELLI (via Instagram)
