On his Magandang Buhay guesting, Matteo Guidicelli talked about the latest milestone in his life. He just finished the 30-day Scout Ranger Orientation and Leadership Development Course with the Philippine Military Academy at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan.
The Kapamilya heartthrob, who was referred to in the camp as ‘Ranger G’ by his fellow soldiers and officials, said that a Philippine Army scout ranger is at the frontline during jungle warfare and combats when they are out in the field. The actor emphasized that in the camp, they were treated equally and that he performed tasks just like everyone else.
Although he was physically prepared for the course because of his active lifestyle, Matteo admitted the training took a toll on him mentally and psychologically. “It’s because my transition was very abrupt from a civilian lifestyle, the next day nasa military na ako,” he said.
Matteo confessed that he had a hard time on his first week of training and almost gave up, “Umiyak talaga ako dun. I had so much self-pity in myself that destroyed me. Self-pity parang backdoor ‘yan sa puso mo eh. Parang tatamaan sa likod. Hindi mo makontrol. ‘Yung enemy ko talaga ‘yung awa sa sarili.” he explained.
When his parents, girlfriend and his manager found out that he was serious about wanting to join the army, they did not take this lightly and couldn’t help but have their reservations but in the end they finally gave in. There was a time when Sarah Geronimo visited him and saw how his life was like living in such conditions, she immediately urged him to come back home and told him, “Love, iuwi na lang kita, please.”
Not only were his loved ones hesitant, even his superior Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala was surprised with Matteo’s decision to enter the military. “Saan ka makakita ng celebrity, self-made businessman, triathlete na papasok sa buhay namin. Lahat kami nagulat. ‘Di kami makapaniwala,” the spokesperson of Philippine Army underlined.
Matteo went on to share the lessons he learned after his military training, “Unang una I learned so much about myself, ‘yung skills set na natutunan ko s arranger camp, ‘yung appreciation sa buhay. But more importantly, ‘yung respeto ko sa uniformed personnel natin more than 100 percent tumaas. Ang mga sundalo natin ang tunay na VIP ng bansa natin.”
Matteo demonstrated on Magandang Buhay how to do the Tusok Ulo or the traditional ranger’s bow, which is a form of punishment for the soldiers. He placed his head on the ground, striking a similar pose to the yoga’s Downward Dog, then put his hands behind his back, utilizing his head and two feet in order to sustain his balance.
When he graduated and finally got out of the camp, he said that he gobbled down a lot of food and ate pasta, appreciated the air conditioner room and his bed more, and of course spent quality time with people who mattered to him.
He even revealed to Momshie Karla that he texted and tried to convince Daniel Padilla to join the Army Reserve Force, to which she replied, “Support naman natin ‘yun.”
Towards the end of the show. Matteo received sweet messages from his momshie Glenna and pospshie Gianluca via a VTR. His father welcomed him back and said, “Keep dreaming and follow your dreams. Everything will get smooth. And always be an inspiration to the youth and to everybody who is around you.” On top of that, his mother congratulated him and stated, “We’re happy that you’re back. You made it and you made us proud. Continue to be an inspiration to the youth, your love of country and God.”