On December 13, actor Matteo Guidicelli recounted his four-year training for ‘Penduko’ after getting the role from James Reid.
At the media conference for ‘Penduko,’ which LionhearTV covered, Guidicelli detailed how he began training right after he got the role in the Metro Manila Film Festival movie.
“Yes, we actually trained for arnis four years ago when /this was/ passed on to me from James Reid. Original siya di ba? So Direk Jason also. So, we started training already–four years ago ‘yun di ba?
“We’re excited to start the movie four years ago, but may iba’t ibang factors, nagpandemic, tumigil lahat, so we we’re training.”
He then remarked that his training prepared him to take on the physical requirements of the role.
“I believe that this past four years–/this made/ me ready for today. Pumasok ako sa ranger, nag-arnis din kami doon at lahat-lahat, so I think this really prepared me for Direk Jason Paul’s movie.”
He then talked about how he would portray the physicality of his character.
“I think Penduko is a very physical character. Kagaya ng sinabi ni Jason Paul Laxamana, Direk Jason Paul Laxamana, talagang countryside siya, so he’s a hardworker to begin with. He worked for hours, mga trabaho niya very physical, so kumbaga kailangan ko talaga paghandaan ‘yung pelikula, dapat na matigas din tayo, physically fit for the role.
“But specifically, hindi ‘yung body builder na macho, ‘yung parang ordinary lang ba na matigas lang kasi he’s a hardworker. And he likes martial arts, he likes jumping, talagang hyper siya. So dapat may physical aspect also.”
Guidicelli stars in the MMFF 2023 movie ‘Penduko’ with Albert Martinez, John Arcilla, Kylie Versoza, and Mark Anthony Fernandez.
The cast also features Phoebe Walker, Marissa Sanchez, Candy Pangilinan, Andrea Del Rosario, Arron Villaflor, Gene Padilla, Joe Vargas, Martin Venegas, Keagan De Jesus, Kurt Delos Reyes, Tyro Daylusan, Zombie Tugue, TJ Valderrama, Jobelyn Manuel, JC Tiuseco, Andrea Babierra, and Annika Co.
Under the direction of Jason Paul Laxamana, Viva Film’s ‘Penduko’ opens in cinemas nationwide on December 25 during the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023.
