Matteo Guidicelli reflects on his ‘greatest missions’ yet

December 14 ------ Matteo Guidicelli’s passion for serving the country and penchant for military training have been part of his dreams since childhood. As a kid, he would watch “Rambo” movies starring Sylvester Stallone. “It’s every little boy’s dream growing up. So it was my dream also. When it was offered (training), I couldn’t say no, ‘Let’s do it.’ So that’s how it happened,” he told The STAR in an interview during his contract signing with MQuest Ventures, Cignal, and One News.

Matteo is a Philippine Army reservist who holds the rank of second lieutenant. He also became the first civilian and celebrity to complete the grueling Scout Ranger orientation course. At the recent 75th founding anniversary of the Philippine Scout Rangers in Bulacan, he posted photos on social media taken on-site with his “brothers.” “To all the Musang brothers, maraming salamat for your selfless sacrifice, your courage, and your unwavering commitment to fight for and defend our country,” he captioned his post, adding how honored, thankful, and humbled he is to be part of the brotherhood and to be recognized as a Ranger.

Matteo recalled that after completing Ranger School, he joined the Airborne School and the Intel School, and later, the training for the Presidential Security Group, which is now known as the Presidential Security Command. “All these military trainings were incredible for me because not only did I learn about myself but also about our soldiers, what they went through, why they do what they do, and their selfless service for our country,” he mused.

Since joining the Army Reserve Force six years ago, it has been Matteo’s mission to tell Filipino stories that haven’t been told yet or are rarely documented. Anchored on that, Matteo’s upcoming series of documentary films, which will air on the One News channel next year, will feature stories of Filipino soldiers, as well as Filipino food, culture, traditions — everything and anything Filipino.

The Kapatid actor-host and athlete was joined by MediaQuest Holdings chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, president and chief executive officer Jane Basas, first vice president for Special Projects Sienna Olaso, Viva executives Vicente del Rosario Jr., Valerie del Rosario, and Vincent del Rosario, NEWS5 head Patrick Paez, and other key media executives at the contract-signing event. Matteo shared that his wife, Sarah Geronimo, was just as thrilled about this latest milestone in his career. “We support each other not just on cam but also behind the camera, as we created our own production studio and music label so Sarah can own her music, all her content, etc. So that’s the goal,” beamed Matteo.

In his interest in business, Matteo credited his father as his guiding force and mentor. “My father came to the Philippines in the ‘80s and met my mom, and I was born, my sister, and my brother,” he recalled. “And I think up to today, my dad is such a mentor to me in leading by example. He leads a company with many people, so I think I always looked up to him on how I’d like to lead my company, kumbaga. “I think every day you learn, and you always try to educate yourself. That’s why school continues — school of life or additional schooling. That’s very important.”

He is still open to acting, given the chance. “If there’s something nice that strikes the right note, why not? Our industry is full of promises. So you only believe, or you step forward once it’s actually there. That’s the challenge of show business.” This paper asked him about the greatest mission he has accomplished and what his next mission would be, to which he replied, “My greatest mission is being a husband. My second greatest mission is trying to be a father. God willing.”

Source: philstar.com