Matteo Guidicelli explores heroism of soldiers in 'Philippine Defenders'

Ever since Matteo Guidicelli joined the Philippine Army Reservists in 2019, it has become among his goals to be involved in a project that will give a peek into the lives of the country's soldiers.

"I've always told myself and the soldiers that have already become family, I'll never be like one of them, but my dedication and my vow to them is: I will always tell their story," he said during a virtual interview ahead of today's 3:15 premiere of "Philippine Defenders", a GMA Public Affairs documentary that spotlights the courage of Filipinos who risk their lives in the name of duty, honor, and country.

In what promises to be a compelling docu, Guidicelli, a second lieutenant reservist, explores the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers through his first hand experiences and gripping encounters.

Among other things, he boards a military aircraft for a high-risk aerial patrol mission with the AFP, surveying the presence of Chinese vessels within Philippine territory.

At Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, home of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), he undergoes intense military training, including a challenging live parachute jump from an aircraft.

Guidicelli, who's so far done five civilian skydives and six military jumps, says being airborne is an

"amazing feeling that I don't take for granted."

"I used to be afraid of heights. When I did the airborne course, I really wanted to face my fears," he shared.

His group also joins the AFP s Rotation and Resupply Mission (RORE)   the critical operation that delivers food and supplies to Filipino soldiers stationed on disputed islands.

"My first time in the West Philippine Sea...wow! It's hard ro believe that these large Chinese vessels are slowly creeping up into our shores. Our men and women are there establishing their presence, but, they need more exposure. Kawawa din sila eh. If you see their supplies...what they do has to be given more importance. I hope after this docu, people will start giving more attention to the soldiers who are there," said Guidicelli.

From sea to land, "Philippine Defenders" gives viewers an inside look at the Presidential Security Command (PSC), the elite unit tasked with protecting the President of the Philippines.

The Cebuano personality further meets soldiers who survived the harrowing Marawi Siege   warriors who lost limbs in battle, yet found the strength to rise again and continue serving the country with honor.

"Seeing footage in the trailer from the Marawi siege is hair-raising for me, because I know some these soldiers -- I've heard their stories, I've spoken to them, I know their sacrifices," he said. "It's really mind-blowing, and yet sometimes we take that for granted."

Guidicelli commended the team that guided him in every step.

He said, "I think the entire GMA Public Affairs team is brilliant. They had so many good ideas. We want to tell the story of these men and women in uniform sacrificing their lives to defend our country. Why are they doing this? What are their motivations? What are their sacrifices? And how important the Armed Forces is for our country?"

"This is not at all political. This is straight, direct serv cing the Filipino people. Gusto namin ipakita ang  hirap nila, yung sakripisyo ng bawat sundalo, their reasons for choosing to become a soldier. They have varied reasons: to give a better life for their families, for the country. Different stories, yet all very touching."

Aside the men and women in uniform, if we think hard about who really are the PH defenders -- it is us, ordinary citizens. We are responsible for upholding and defending our country.

A powerful story of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, they hope "Philippine Defenders" remind viewers of the valor of the men and women who safeguard the nation’s freedom with unwavering resolve.

But Guidicelli believes the duty to protect flag and country do not fall solely on the shoulders of men and women in uniform.

"Aside from them, if we think hard about who really are the Philippine defenders -- it is us, ordinary citizens," he said. "We are responsible for upholding and defending our country in our own little ways."