MANILA – The documentary “Ranger G” featuring Matteo Guidicelli’s life during his Scout Ranger training will soon be available on the ABS-CBN streaming platform iWant.

The hour-and-a-half-long documentary will be released on May 23.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News’ MJ Felipe, Guidicelli shared how this documentary came about.

“I’m very excited na mapanood niyong lahat ang ‘Ranger G’ dahil it’s something I did for myself in the beginning. Sabi ko sa mga magulang ko at sa girlfriend ko noon at sa manager ko, ‘Gusto ko maging sundalo. Gusto kong pumasok sa Army,’” he recalled.

While everyone was against the idea at the beginning, Guidicelli was able to get his loved ones’ approval including Viva Entertainment executive Vic del Rosario, who had one condition.

“My manager gave me one condition. Sabi niya kapag papasok daw ako doon, dapat i-shoot natin. Sabi ko, ‘Okay Boss Vic. I-shoot man or hindi i-shoot, gagawin ko pa rin para sa sarili ko.’ I’m very fortunate na pumayag ang Philippine Army to do this,” he said.

According to Guidicelli, this is the first Filipino production that actually captures what really happens during a Scout Ranger training.

“Ang condition ko lang sa documentary team, sabi ko sa kanila, I don’t want this to be shot like a typical reality show because I’ve done reality shows before. I want to be in the moment. 'Yung focus ko 'yung training, hindi 'yung pag-shoot. I think we achieved that,” he said.

When asked what he wants to impart to the views of “Ranger G,” Guidiceli said: “Marami akong natutunan na these men and women sacrifice their lives. Ang tagal nila malayo sa mga pamilya nila, sa anak nila. They are there in the jungles being the umbrella of safety for us here in the cities. Every day, we live great lives. Of course, we have issues and all, but these soldiers live in the mountains fighting for our freedom, protecting us down here.”

The actor said this is also his way of encouraging young men to be of service to the country.

ABS-CBN FRANCHISE

Meanwhile, Guidicelli also shared his thoughts about the order to halt the broadcast operations of ABS-CBN, his home network.

“I am praying every single day. My wife (Sarah Geronimo) and I have been praying that ABS-CBN can stand back up and all we need is humility, unity and peace,” he said.

“I believe the Filipino people want ABS-CBN and love ABS-CBN like a family. I believe it will come back one day. I hope and pray that all the issues will be resolved one day and the network will be back,” he added.

Guidicelli said he and Geronimo were surprised when they learned about it the first time, but they are optimistic that ABS-CBN could resume its operations.

“Of course, it’s heartbreaking. But we are being positive that everything will be okay... You have to be [positive] because what’s going to happen if you put fire to fire? I am sure this will be solved because it’s for the Filipino people and ABS-CBN is here for the Filipino people,” he said.