Matteo Guidicelli tells soldiers’ struggles, sacrifices in ‘Philippine Defenders’
Matteo Guidicelli. Image: Instagram/@matteog
Matteo Guidicelli will headline the upcoming GMA Public Affairs documentary “Philippine Defenders,” fulfilling his dream of telling the life stories of Filipino soldiers.
Guidicelli, who was chosen to do the documentary for his experiences as a Philippine Army reservist, spoke about the importance of the project for him during an online media conference on Wednesday, May 14.
“I joined the Reserve Force in 2019 and it has always been my dream to do something; to tell their story,” he said. “I always tell myself and the soldiers in my family that I will never be one of them, but my dedication and my vow to them is that I will always tell their story.”
The actor then credited the GMA Public Affairs team for pushing through with the documentary despite setbacks, and for guiding him all throughout the process.
“In ‘Philippine Defenders,’ we want to talk about the story of those who defend our country. This is their story—why they do this, what their motivations and sacrifices are, and how important it is for our country to have armed forces,” he stated.
“This is not at all political. This is straight, direct, servicing the Filipino people,” he continued. “And also, we want to show their struggles. All of these soldiers have different reasons why they chose such a profession. It is very, very touching… It’s really mind-blowing and sometimes we take it for granted.”
Guidicelli also underscored how, aside from law enforcement, ordinary citizens also serve as Philippine defenders. “We are the ones responsible to defend and uphold our country.”
He further encouraged the public to embody patriotism and promote it even in small ways. “We cannot always depend on the higher-ups and the leaders. Us, as citizens, we should do our part and lead by example.”
Then speaking about the risky training and circumstances he underwent for the documentary, Guidicelli said he is drawn to them as they “add blood to [his] veins.”
“My family—my parents and my wife [Sarah Geronimo]—knows me; that I love these things. I love to tell the stories of Filipino soldiers. I think risk is always part of everything we do,” he said.
The actor nonetheless emphasized his faith and how he always prays whenever he is doing high-risk activities.
“God is in control all the time and He leads the way,” he said.
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“Philippine Defenders” will air on GMA on Saturday, May 17 at 3:15 p.m. /ra
