Matteo Guidicelli: 'Cars 3' about women empowerment

MANILA, Philippines — In the midst of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte's rape jokes, women empowerment has been a big issue in the Philippines nowadays. Actor Matteo Guidicelli is among those that supports the cause for women.

At a red carpet premiere held at SM North Edsa, the three-time Karter of the Year award recipient was in attendance, sharing his thoughts about the new movie “Cars 3” by Disney and Pixar now showing nationwide.

“There are lots of women empowerment in the movie, there is a lot of ‘believe in yourself’ and just keep working at it and one day your time will come,” said the actor.

In this third film, Lightning McQueen is still the same self-assured, determined and fun-loving race car but his confidence is being tested by the new cars on the track. The legendary champion finds himself suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves.

For Matteo, "Cars 3" is the best among the three movies of Lightning McQueen. “I really enjoyed this one. It is really cool. After watching this movie, I become more of a fan.”

Matteo even admitted that he saw himself in the movie. “The story of McQueen and Ramirez is really also my story in racing. It is about the teacher that eventually found out there is somebody better and had to pass on his knowledge to that person that became better than the teacher.”

The actor said viewers will learn a lesson about this movie that will surely guide them in their everyday lives. “For a time, (Lightning McQueen) thought he is undefeated and the he is the best so I guess the lesson there is once you think you are the best for something, it’s not gonna last too long. You need to have an open mind and keep learning and keep growing. There is always a room for improvement.”

Moreover, SM Cinema and Disney treat “Cars” fans with a life-size replica of Lightning McQueen to be showcased in different malls in Metro Manila: S Maison (July 28 to August 8), SM South Mall (August 10 to 20) and SM City Fairview (August 22 to September 3).