MANILA, Philippines - He had a crush on her and was in awe and even star-struck when he met her during the filming of the movie “Catch Me I’m in Love.” But for Matteo Guidicelli, it is not yet the time to court Sarah Geronimo.

Is Mateo scared of Sarah’s mother, Mommy Divine?

“No, I’m not,” replied Mat. “I saw how focused Sarah is with her work. I’m the same way too. I’m new in showbiz and I want to give it my 100 percent.”

Compared to his life in high school, Matteo described his showbiz life to be very different. And this is why he doesn’t long for a girlfriend yet. Unlike before when he enjoyed going out with friends, it is all work now for Matteo. It is his “Swatch-time” to raise his level of excellence in showbiz!

If Matteo was ever intimidated, it was with Sarah herself when he found out he was part of “Catch Me I’m in Love,” a joint project of Star Cinema and Viva Films. For him, it was a natural reaction knowing how a big a star Sarah was. Plus it was his first movie too.

He was just thankful for the three-hour meeting he had with their director Mae Cruz and Sarah Geronimo at Star Cinema’s office before their shooting began. He became more comfortable with Sarah and their director after the said meeting.

“I’ve gotten to know Sarah better. I don’t know her well then but I know her more now. I found out that she’s very simple and very sweet. She’s very nice and gentle. She always asks if you’re okay and she’s always smiling. She’s always offering us stuffs,” related Matteo.

In “Catch Me I’m in Love,” Matteo plays Vitto, a “kanto boy” and rapper from Cebu who lives in Manila. He was adopted by Sarah’s family and grew up like a brother to Sarah. Unfortunately, for Vitto, he was secretly falling in love with Sarah and towards the end of the film, he confessed this to her.

Matteo was a former Karting Champion.

Upcoming projects for Matteo include an indie movie with Maja Salvador entitled “Basted” and a TV series with Kim Chiu.

Whether Matteo was racing, acting, auditioning or singing, what has remained constant in his life is Swatch. He has been one of the more prominent faces of Swatch in the Philippines for seven years now. He was 14 years old when Virgie Ramos of Swatch and Gift Gate discovered him when he was still racing. Swatch then became one of Matteo’s major sponsors in his races.

Just recently, on March 19, Virgie Ramos, threw for Matteo an advance 21st birthday party with the entertainment press which also became a press conference for “Catch Me I’m in Love.”

It was held at Cerchio Rest. which means “circle” in Italian. It is also deemed as a lucky symbol in any language because the circle has no beginning and no end. It was aptly the place for a celebration since it was also Matteo’s 7th year with Swatch.

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Eddie Garcia plays Chinoy once more

He has played a Chinese-Filipino (“Chinoy”) twice in the recent past (Regal Films’ “Mano Po” film series and now Eddie Garcia is once more playing such role, this time in TV5’s toprating drama series “Babaeng Hampaslupa.” As Edward Wong, brother of Freddie Webb (whose character as the patriarch of a rich Chinese-Filipino clan has been terminated because they say he can’t be effective in such a role), Eddie said “I’m a bad ass here, pahihirapan ko lahat ng mga characters…”

So, with Eddie’s entry as the bad guy in “Babaeng Hampaslupa,” the story gets more intense. With his track record as a much-awarded actor and director, his presence in “Babaeng Hampaslupa” will definitely make each episode worth watching.”

“Masisiyahan kayo sa istoryang ito kaya don’t fail to watch it,” an excited Eddie said during a mini-presscon for him held at Mario’s Morato.

“Babaeng Hampaslupa” is shown after “Willing-Willie.”

When he was offered a role in the drama series, “I didn’t need a lot of convincing,” Eddie said. “The role is very good kasi.” What also makes Eddie excited to join “Babaeng Hampaslupa” is the chance to be working again with Ms. Susan Roces whom he described as very professional and always a delight to work with. They started working together when they were still under Sampaguita Pictures.

“Babaeng Hampaslupa” is directed by Eric Quizon and Bb. Joyce Bernal. It also stars, among others, Alice Dixson and Alex Gonzaga.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 23, go to actor Geoff Eigenmann, Margarita A. Fores, former Manila Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna, Atty. Gaby Concepcion, Marivic A. Gancayco, Manny Cinco, Monica Casta, Charo Jalandoni, Tiya Pusit, Tita Basa, Dely Lim, Flor Liam, Andie Babante, Jackie Tolentino, Sandra Jean P. Melicor, Lily B. Lagasca, Jess Salgado, Vicenta Bonnin, Alex Ongoco, Marivic Alvarado and talent manager/PR man Chris Cahilig…