Penduko star Matteo Guidicelli shares best MMFF 2023 moments, wife Sarah G’s reaction to film
Matteo Guidicelli, the lead star of Jason Paul Laxamana’s action-adventure film Penduko, has shared his best moments from the ongoing 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
Despite not clinching awards in the categories they were nominated for at the recent MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, Matteo considers Penduko’s inclusion in this year’s lineup — not to mention being among the first batch of entries approved based on the merit of the screenplay alone — already a proud achievement.
“It is such an honor to be even part of the MMFF. It’s my first year to be part of the MMFF, and of course, carrying the title of Penduko was a big responsibility also. But I’m very happy that Penduko was among the first batch that was chosen based on the screenplay at MMFF. So that alone was a big feat for the whole production,” Matteo recently told The STAR in an exclusive interview.
Expressing his congratulations to the winners at the awards night held at New Frontier Theater, he further shared his experience at the event, “That evening was such a nice one because we were side by side with all the artists, the actors, screenwriters, directors, producers. You know, they worked so hard for the films. It was nice to see everybody get their nominations, win awards, etc. At the end of the day, we’re all here to support the whole festival, we’re here to support local cinema.”
“Kami naman, we didn’t expect much (in terms of the awards). We just wanted our kababayans to really enjoy and be interested in our movie. It was the main basis of everything.”
Matteo also readily admitted that he wasn’t expecting an acting award either.
“I did not expect the best actor because the other movies, they’re really acting pieces. But that’s not to say that we didn’t work hard or really didn’t go into depth with the character,” he said.
According to direk Jason Paul in a separate interview, the actor took the initiative to get an acting coach, Ruby Ruiz, for his portrayal of the title role as the Filipino superhero Pedro Penduko.
Matteo said of his experience of playing a superhero, “I enjoyed it very much because of all the action scenes, the fight scenes, and trying to solve problems in the movie.
“I also enjoyed doing our cinema tours and then surprising our viewers… like walking into cinemas and then seeing all the kids being shocked when they see me because they see Penduko. That alone is a blockbuster hit for me. That alone answers all the questions.”
These days, Matteo admitted that he could now somewhat relax after the pressure in the days leading to the festival and the first few days Penduko screened in theaters.
“We had a good time making the movie. (I enjoyed) the journey itself here in MMFF, doing the cinema tours, the parade… even the pressure and the tension of the whole experience.”
Comparing MMFF to skydiving, the athlete-turned-actor laughingly said, “Sabi ko nga kay Sarah and sabi ko nga sa team, mas gusto ko nga tumalon sa eroplano kesa sa mag MMFF kasi ‘pag gising mo sa umaga, ma-pressure ako. Kumusta na yung pelikula natin? Kapag tatalon ka ng eroplano, isang buga lang ‘yan eh, isang (deep breath).”
He reiterated, “The first few days it was super pressure, honestly speaking… But I really analyzed the situation and sabi ko, you know, the whole lineup, ang tindi, malaking artista, malaki yung mga directors, lahat! Just to be part of it is a great feat already.” He also noted that it’s hard to compare the films because they are “very, very different from one another.”
“We cater to a lot of genres and there’s a lot of room for improvement. But I think every year, everything’s just getting better and better. For me, that’s the most important thing.”
The latest incarnation of Francisco Coching’s iconic komiks character, Penduko is one of two MMFF entries — the other being Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards’ A Family of Two — that received a G rating by the MTRCB (meaning, it’s suitable for all audiences).
“We really created Penduko for the whole family, for the kids, to entertain them, remind them and give them insights on Philippine culture, Philippine tradition, Philippine folklore. That’s the basis of everything. And to come out of the cinemas with adrenaline and a natural high. That was the main objective. We did not go in for a deep love story or dramatic moment. It’s an action-packed movie.”
When it came to his character, they made Penduko playful and child-like.
Said Matteo, “After Sarah watched this, sabi niya, ‘Love, iba ka, you’re actually different (here)’ because Sarah knows me very well, obviously, she’s my wife. But it was a 17-year-old Matteo. It’s not anymore the Matteo, 33 years old. So, you know, we really made Penduko a very childlike, panicky boy but also a very driven person.”
He further shared his wife’s reaction to Penduko: “She’s very supportive, ‘Go, love.’ She’s very supportive of the cinema tours. Of course, she also had her creative criticisms of the film after watching it and we were discussing it.
“But we created the film with an open-ended conclusion. So we’re very excited with what Penduko has to offer in the future and how it will continue being an example to the youth… We have some plans (to expand the franchise) so, hopefully, we will build on that on a more concrete level in due time.”
This month, Matteo will be heading to the US for the Hollywood edition of the MMFF 2023 as part of the annual filmfest’s 50th anniversary this 2024. Penduko also has current screenings in the Middle East.
“So, it’s very nice to just, you know, bring the film to all our OFWs abroad. Again, I’m really selling the movie as a really happy movie… There are some questions asked about responsibilities as a person. But it’s not a movie na talagang you dive into life and ask questions about your livelihood. It’s really a movie for your enjoyment and entertainment that you’ll come out of the cinemas having an extra boost of energy, yun yung movie natin.”
Matteo also has a message for Filipino moviegoers who made Penduko their priority watch.
“Maraming, maraming salamat sa kanilang lahat. Maraming salamat to all the kids that came out. To even the adults that came out and enjoyed the film, thank you very much! If they can spread the word and tell more kids about having a good time and bring the family there, that’s all that counts.
“If you’re a movie critic and you have a lot to say, don’t watch it na hahaha. Kumbaga it’s not for you, ‘di ba? It’s not a movie critic’s movie, I’m gonna say it straight. I’ll be straightforward, we didn’t create it for that purpose. Might as well watch the other films but for Penduko, you go in there, have a good time with the family. It is more about the values of the Filipino and cool action scenes representing Filipino martial arts.”
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