Matteo Guidicelli
As an actor who banks on his good looks and as a triathlete who needs to be energized, Matteo Guidicelli has to sleep well all the time.
“So, my new TV commercial [for Uratex] was the easiest to make,” he gushed.
In Matteo’s grand launch as “The Sleep Specialist’s” brand ambassador in his hometown Cebu, he regaled the crowd with his rendition of the Cebuano hit, “Hasula” (Hassle). The fête coincided with the brand’s golden anniversary.
The Italian in him chided: “Maybe for Christmas, we can have a contest and the prize will be a sleepover with me.”
Ahh! “Giddycelli”…
Here’s my chat with Matteo:
Just like your TV ad’s tagline, have you found “the one”? I can confidently say that I already have.
How do you know that you found “the one?” Just like my bed [ad], she’s someone I look forward to coming home to, because I’m comfy with her.
What’s the best dream you’ve had? Having a conversation with my Nonno Gianni (grandfather), and we ended it with a tight hug.
Will you be needing a matrimonial bed soon? Getting there, but that’s for another interview (laughs).
If there’s a fire in your house, what’s one thing you will save? Aside from my dog that stays in my room, my passport.
Tell us about your Italian resto. Trattoria da Gianni has branches in Cebu and Alabang. It’s named after my Grandpa. The dishes we serve are from original recipes of our family.
The stuff displayed in my resto are from our family’s personal collection. Every item has a story behind it, like my grandpa’s match collection from his travels around the world.
What’s the best and toughest part of being Matteo Guidicelli? I have amazing friends, an unconditionally loving family and inspiring supporters. Also, another best part would be waking up and being blessed to put a smile on people’s faces.
Toughest part? Life is tough basically, the challenges that come to each of us are tough. That’s life. It’s a mind-set. Approach the “tough” obstacle with a constructive, positive mindset.
What has fame taught you? Fame is temporary … might be superficial. But what you make of it is what counts. Keeping your feet on the ground, staying “human,” and using the influence to create change in people’s lives.
What’s on your bedside table? Believe it or not, a statue of Mama Mary and a cross from my Visayan lola. My friends get surprised when they enter my room because I don’t seem like a religious person (laughs).
That’s why I cannot bring anyone to sleep with me in my room because Mama Mary and the saints at my bedside will get mad (laughs).
* * *
Personal: Thanks more than words can say to Cherry Tan, John Rosagas and Stephen Lee for their kindness.