Every day is Love Day for Daniel Matsunaga

DANIEL Matsunaga and Sumo for Paws’ latest campaign

“Valentine’s Day is just a date. I try to show my love for her every day in every way,” said Daniel Matsunaga, when asked whether he plans to do something special for his lady love and “Be My Lady” costar Erich Gonzales on V-Day.

“If we get called for work on that day, that’ll be our priority. I’ll do everything I can to make her feel special. We will definitely find time to be together on that day,” said Daniel.

The couple reports for work three times a week on the set of “Be My Lady” in Arayat, Pampanga. “The place is so beautiful. The sunset there is breathtaking. There’s no pollution.”
The only downer, he said, is that “it’s incredibly hot in the ricefields.”

Daniel said Erich helps him on the set. “She has more work experience than me. She gives me tips on when to pause while delivering my lines, or on how to breathe to relax before takes.”

Just like Daniel, his character Phil is Brazilian-Japanese. “Phil and I have many similarities, except I wasn’t a bully as a kid. Like me, he’ll do everything for his loved ones.”

While he does not speak too many Filipino words in the series, Daniel said his goal is to learn to speak the language fluently by the end of the year. “There are a lot of things I want to achieve. I want to take on more challenging roles. I’ll work hard to improve as an actor.”

Daniel took time out from work on Wednesday to join the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Inc. (Paws) in its latest campaign. Daniel and his sister, Vanessa, are Paws’ latest spokespersons to promote the “spaying and neutering” of companion animals.

The ads, photographed by Roy Macam, feature Daniel with neutered dog Sumo, and Vanessa, with spayed poodle Carly. The ads were unveiled at Sobremesa, a pet-friendly restaurant that the Matsunaga siblings co-own with chef Banjo Tuason at the Saphire Bloc in Ortigas City.

Paws executive director Anna Cabrera said the group was hopeful that the campaign would “encourage more people to spay-neuter their pets, put the spotlight on the role of responsible pet ownership in reducing the number of strays, and improve the situation of animal welfare in the Philippines.”

Asked if he’d be willing to give Erich a pet dog as a gift, Daniel replied: “No, because I don’t think people should give away dogs as gifts,” he pointed out. “It’s up to the person to figure out if he or she is ready to take care of a pet.”

He said dogs should be treated like human beings. “You don’t just leave it in the house when you’re busy, thinking that it can survive on its own. It’s a good thing that Erich loves dogs, too. She and I take turns taking care of my dog.”

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