Hey Matteo concert is Matteo’s most personal performance yet

MANILA, Philippines — A packed KIA Theatre waited in anticipation for the start of Matteo Guidicelli’s Hey Matteo concert last Nov. 30. The concert shares the name with his sophomore album and its title track Hey, released that same day in record stores and digital platforms. Moments before the start of his show, a countdown timer dominated the screens and the crowd grew restless by the minute. One could barely see the stage, with only a few seconds left before the opening number, because people were craning their necks high to finally see Matteo take the stage.

He entered in typical pop-star fashion, having his own momentous opening of doors blanketed by smoke as he emerged in an all-white outfit. The electric opening numbers of Shawn Mendes’ There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back and Calvin Harris’ How Deep is Your Love set the mood for the next two hours — fun and energetic performances that showcased Matteo’s vocal chops, dancing skills and occasionally gave the audience a little tease of his well-toned triathlete built as he moved comfortably in a muscle sando.

‘Wag Ka Nang Umuwi, the first song off his album performed that night, is a poignant ballad of someone never wanting his significant other to leave just yet. Matteo expounded, “Whenever you are with that person you love, it’s as if you don’t want the day to end. You’d want to spend that extra five or 10 minutes with her and sometimes you’d want to say “please ‘wag ka nang umuwi,” he ended with a boyish grin.

Martin Nievera, known to be Matteo’s mentor, made a surprise appearance and brought the house down with his antics and adlibs. He advised the young performer, “You need a song that will make them remember you for the rest of your life — that every time you sing this song they will only think of you.” To which Matteo responded, “How do we do that?” Martin teased, “You need a Louie Ocampo hit,” and proceeded to sing his own classic by the great composer, Say That You Love Me.

Hey Matteo was a show of great talents with legendary musical director Louie Ocampo at the helm of the board. “It’s always fun working with Matteo,” Louie said. “The first time I did a show with him, it felt like I was pumping some youth formula drink and (I) became young again. So the record is very young. It felt good,” he exclaimed.

Matteo with his mentor and special guest Martin Nievera

The notable Rowell Santiago, the show’s director, has worked with Matteo since he was 13 years old and directed his first concert in Cebu last year. “This (Manila concert) is more of what he wants to do. It’s his personality,” he shared.

It had an interesting mix of guests throughout the concert: Kiana Valenciano with her cool hip tunes, Loonie who came up with a superb impromptu rap and Morissette Amon whose onstage presence just enthralls you and leaves you wanting more.

Matteo simply wanted to let people know more about him through his music and that night, we were grateful he let us in on his heart’s innermost musings. It was like getting reacquainted with him and finding out that he is many things and more — an actor, a bankable endorser, one of the hottest stars today and more importantly a true artist who exudes maturity, dedication to his craft and a candor so genuine you’re all ears.