Entertainment
Guidicelli now a PH Army 2nd Lt
MANILA — Screen actor and reservist Matteo Guidicelli now holds the rank of second lieutenant.
Guidicelli received the rank after President Rodrigo Duterte approved his commissionship last August 7.
Philippine Army commander, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, led the donning of ranks ceremony at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Tuesday.
The actor-reservist was recognized for his volunteerism in using his influence to promote peace and impart patriotism, especially to the Filipino youth in Mindanao, in addition to his completion of the Scout Ranger Orientation Course last June.
“We need somebody who will speak for us.
Somebody who we take from the outside na makikita niya yung totoo at masasabi nya sa mga tao hindi lang sa mga press, pero lalo na sa kabataan. Napakahalaga ng kabataan (an outsider who will see the truth and tell the people, the press, but more importantly the youth. The youth sector is very important),” Alberto added.
The family of Guidicelli, his girlfriend singer Sarah Geronimo, and other senior Army officers assisted Alberto in pinning the rank insignia to the actor.
“These celebrities who are part of the Reserve Force, they can help project a better image for our country, better image for the Armed Forces because people listen to them. So it will encourage other members of the society to join the Armed Forces lalo na yung mga kabataan natin (especially our youth),” Alberto added.
In his speech, the actor thanked the Army for letting him spread a message of peace and represent the lives and sacrifices of Filipino soldiers.
“I will do my best to give my part as a Filipino citizen and part of the Army reserve to represent the Army in the best way possible and to tell the people how important the Army is for each and every individual,” Guidicelli said.