How Sarah and Matteo motivate each other for joint Christmas concert

Sarah and Matteo

At this stage in their lives as a married couple, the best gift Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli can give each other is time.

“To be honest, it’s time. It’s not about material things anymore,” Sarah told the Inquirer in a one-on-one interview arranged by Viva Live for the couple’s digital holiday concert, “Christmas with the Gs,” which will be available for streaming on Dec. 18 on Vivamax Plus and KTX.

Sarah, who tied the knot with Matteo in February last year, considers herself “lucky” to have a “doting and loving” husband.

“We both value the same things in life, and that includes time. Time is so precious—it’s true. Sometimes, [when he’s at work], he would tell me, ‘I’m so sad, I’m not there at home, so you’re alone.’ And I would be like, ‘Grabe naman ’tong asawa ko!’” she said, laughing.

More responsibilities

Every single moment matters for Sarah and Matteo, now 33 and 31 years old, respectively. “It’s the time you get to spend with each other. Since we’re older, we also have more responsibilities. And so, just spending the time we have together is what truly counts,” Matteo said.

And they did just that while filming “Christmas with the Gs,” which will have Sarah and Matteo performing 16 numbers, which include famous carols, like “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” “Sana Ngayong Pasko” and “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit.”

Helmed by Paolo Valenciano and with musical direction from Louie Ocampo, the “intimate concert” will also feature special guests, including the international award-winning a cappella pop group Acapellago and local music icon Jose Mari Chan. For tickets, visit web.vivamax.net or www.ktx.ph.

How does it feel being able to do projects together amid a pandemic?

Sarah: We feel so blessed for the opportunity. Sometimes, you can’t help but have doubts and ask yourself, “OK pa ba? Kaya bang gawin?”

Fortunately, our managers believe in me and us, as a couple, that we can mount a show at this time. Of course, there’s still a pandemic, so you worry about having an audience. Life is hard these days. “Will someone watch me?” you wonder.

Sarah, do you give Matteo singing tips?

Matteo: I’m the one who coaches Sarah! (laughs)

S: No, it’s true. He teaches me! Matt’s only struggle when it comes to singing, really, is his Tagalog.M: No seriously, Sarah coaches me all the time. She motivates me. She would always tell me, “Kaya mo ’yan, love!” I would say, “Hindi ko na kaya ’to.” But then, she would insist, “No, kaya mo ’yan.”Singing is tough. Being onstage is tough. After the day of shooting, I was drained. I felt like I ran two Ironman (triathlons). It was very challenging. And Sarah … ibang klase si Sarah, eh. Para siyang Superwoman na hindi mo maintindihan. Parang kaya niya lahat!

S: Saan banda, love?

M: Totoo naman, Baba!

Sarah, what do you miss most about doing live concerts.

S: What I really miss about performing with a live audience is the interaction. I get an adrenaline rush from the energy they give off. The the way they cheer you on fuels you to give it your all and inspires you to perform better. Ganun talaga kapag may audience in front of you—mas ganado ka.

But we’ll see if we can do shows with an audience next year.

Did you go caroling when you were kids?

S: Yes!

M: Me, too!

S: Weh, ’di nga? What did you sing?

M: Thank you, thank you, ang babait ninyo! “Kumukutikutitap”! “Mano Po, Ninong”!

S: Nakakatuwa! I have vivid memories of caroling with other children. Every Christmas, we would prepare our instruments. We would take milk cans and turn them into drums by putting plastic sheets over them and securing them with rubber bands. My dad, on the other hand, would make improvised drum sticks. We also used tansans (for tambourines).

How do you usually spend Christmas together?

What are your plans this year?

M: We will spend time together with our doggies and families and have a good time. Because at the end of the day, Christmas is about family.

S: And we will eat!

What was 2021 like for you?

M: This year has been full of ups and downs, for everyone. At the end of the day, through thick and thin, we should try to stay positive and move with good foresight. All the lessons we have been learning in the pandemic will only help us become better people in the future.

S: Stronger people.