Matteo Guidicelli completes Scout Ranger orientation course with special awards

Photo from Philippine Army

BULACAN, Philippines — Actor-athlete Matteo Guidicelli has completed his month-long Leadership Development and Scout Ranger Orientation Course on Thursday.

Closing ceremonies were held at the Scout Ranger headquarters at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan.

The actor received a military commendation medal for his participation in clean-up drives in schools and inspiring young leaders to value sacrifices of Filipino soldiers. He also received a special award for topping the 97-member class with a grade of 95.2 percent.

Most of his classmates are from Philippine Military Academy Class of 2021.

“Everybody is aware that this course is special in a way because this is the first time in the First Scout Ranger Regiment and the Philippine Army that a reservist and a famous actor, a celebrity, volunteered to join this Scout Ranger orientation in the person of Second Lieutenant Matteo Guidicelli,” said First Scout Ranger Regiment commander Brig. Gen. William Gonzales in his remarks.

Photo from Philippine Army

“It was not an easy journey for Matteo to be here. Sabi ko nga, hindi lang spur of the moment yung kanyang desisyon na mag-training… We are really happy and proud because he chose the First Scout Ranger Regiment as the foundation of his military service,” he added.

Guidicelli admitted that that there were times that he almost gave up during the training course.

“Mahirap yung first four days, yung psychological effect sakin dahil galing ako sa civilian na buhay. Isang araw lang ang transition ko. Pumasok ako sa military akala ko kaya ko but the first four days to one week, sa totoo lang araw-araw naiiyak ako gusto ko ng umuwi,” he said.

“I questioned myself, self-pity came about… But the objective always came back to my mind,” he said.

While he has always he looked up to soldiers, he said his respect has gone up after spending more time with them.

“Now I immersed, I lived, I trained with them, my respect has gone up,” he said.

Guidicelli’s family and girlfriend singer-actress Sarah Geronimo were present during the closing ceremonies.

He joined the Philippine Army as a reservist last April and started his month-long training with the Scout Ranger last May 27.

“It’s such a great feat not only for himself but also for us because it showcases that even if you are a civilian, in your own way, when you give your time and effort, you are able to contribute,” Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)