In an exclusive with MEGA Entertainment, Matteo reveals how playing Pedro Penduko taught him belief and purpose for himself and others
There is no stopping Matteo Guidicelli these days. Currently, he is not just himself, but he is also Pendro Penduko. Before we get to know the Filipino folk hero’s modern story at this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, MEGA Entertainment caught up with the actor and what Penduko taught him about belief and purpose in life.
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Leaping into adventure
In 2018, VIVA Films announced their revival of Pendro Penduko’s story with James Reid taking on the titular role. But after a spinal injury, the singer-songwriter had to withdraw and the project was put on hold. Years later, Guidicelli said yes to playing the part.
“I was so excited,” he said, recalling the first time the project was offered to him. “I said, ‘Let’s go! Talon tayo, gawin natin. I think, you know, life prepared me for this. I joined the military and I loved the intensity.” Four years ago, the actor joined the Philippine Army as a reservist and underwent the rigorous process with fellow trainees. He later on became the first civilian graduate of the Scout Ranger orientation program.
But just like his intent of joining the army, what made him say yes to the project was the Filipino identity Penduko prides itself for. “I love what the material is all about. At the end of the day, it’s important to pick up something.”
Holding the Penduko power
Today, Pedro Penduko turns 69 years old since his first appearance in Liwayway magazine. In the past, a number of actors have taken on the figure created by National Artist Francisco V. Coching, and Guidicelli is the fifth after the last portrayal of Matt Evans in 2007. This time around, Penduko is now penetrating the modern world of Gen Z’s and technology.
“[We want to show the youth] what Filipino culture is all about—the core values, morals. How do they dream? How do they achieve a goal with a smile on their face? I think we represent these in the movie.”
Knowing the responsibility that the role entailed, Matteo had it in him to extensively prepare for the role. More than the physical training, he wanted to improve on channeling Pedro with his words and actions. “I personally chose my acting coach to be Tita Ruby Ruiz. I sat down with her and I said that this won’t be an ordinary acting workshop. I knew what I wanted. I wanted to go on set as Penduko. ‘Di na artista.”
Keeping the integrity of identity
In the process of making the film, Director Jason Paul Laxamana mentioned in the press conference that they wanted to integrate the Filipino culture into all aspects as much as possible. One of which is in the clothing, with designs corresponding to spells used by healers and shiny objects that attract those of dwendes. During this conversation, Matteo also brought up that they used actual anting-antings on set.
Discussing his stance on faith, the actor stressed what Penduko taught him on respecting the beliefs of Filipinos. “I grew up super Catholic. But if you really look into it, ‘yung mga albularyo, [they’re] part of our culture already. It’s fun to refresh the minds of the young minds na ito ‘yung mga anting-anting, ito ‘yung mga manananggal, ito ‘yung mga aswang, ito ‘yung mga dwende.”
“Your faith just has to be strong,” he further explained. “You can’t discount the fact na ‘yung mga lolo and lola natin sa bundok, ito ‘yung mga paniniwala. Kapag may sakit sa katawan, may ihahaplos na oil. I was in the army with the rangers. They had anting-antings, they were holding bottles with different oils. They told me, ‘Matteo, this is the reason why I’m alive today. ‘Di ako nabaril sa mga engkwentro.’ There’s no harm in believing,” he finished off.
Making sense of his purpose
For Matteo, his plans seem to just be starting. “Marami pa,” he responded with a smile when asked about his future plans. “I wish to continue creating, to do more movies next year—action films.” But along with this determination comes the awareness that his craft comes with a bigger why. “At the end of the day, I want every film [that I make] to have a great moral, a great story that can really let the audience ask [themselves] a question. The goal is always to inspire somebody, to become better not just for myself, [but also] for society.”
Photography ARTU NEPOMUCENO
Creative Direction and Styling DAVID MILAN
All clothes from UNIVERS
