Matteo on the fast — and furious — lane

Living on the fast – and sometimes furious– lane is tedious and physically draining for others. But Matteo Guidicelli, commercial model and product endorser, finds it interesting and challenging. He even calls it a lifestyle. After all, Matteo, who started racing cars at a very young age, was 2004’s Karter of the Year.

That’s why when the offer of lending his voice for car racer Takumi Fujiwara of the animé Initial D, on Animax came last year, Matteo never had second thoughts about accepting the project. Besides, the role is very close to his heart. It is tailor-fit for him.

To get into the character, Matteo watched the show’s The Beginnings… Stages 1 to 3. He learned that the story is about 18-year-old high school student Takumi who works part-time as a gasoline boy and tofu delivery boy to make ends meet for his family.

As Takumi delivers the tofu everyday, his father asks him to put a glass of water in the car and make sure not to spill it. This way, the dad will know that the tofu is in good condition. Little did he know that his father is turning him into a proficient car racer.

As expected, Takumi has become successful and defeats even the veteran car racers. In the Fourth Stage, Takumi joins The Project D Team and is named The Legend with No Limits.

Also part of the show is Angel Locsin as female racer Kyoko Iwase.

Voice acting, says Matteo, poses its own difficulties and nuances. He has to emote with his voice to express the character’s different emotions. He has to spend time in the studio dubbing. Matteo is also challenged to play the part as real as he could by understanding his character’s intentions. He has to give life to the 3D Takumi.

Matteo, who has joined school plays and attended acting workshops, considers the show’s Tagalized nature as a difficult part of his job. Matteo’s family speaks English and Cebuano most of the time. Thus, accepting the role requires him to sharpen his Tagalog.

In a short span of time, Initial D has earned a loyal following. It can be attributed to the show’s engaging storyline and excellent technical aspect. Viewers can see 3D versions of cars like Toyota, Honda and Mazda. The show espouses lessons like the importance of hard work, focus, determination and patience which parents will approve of. There’s no violence. Animé fans will also learn car racing techniques.

On Feb. 24, Initial D Fourth Stage Part II will have its Asian premiere at 6:30 p.m. on Animax. Thereafter, it will be shown Monday to Friday at 6:30 p.m. Prior to this, see Matteo live when Animax presents a 24-hour animé marathon on Feb. 3 and 4 in Glorietta, Makati City. Initial D will also be shown during the event.

With the Initial D’s second part unfolding, there’s one thing Matteo still wants to share with young animé viewers: "the story of finding one’s (secret) passion and not giving up on it."