In the middle of 2009, Filipino-Italian race-car-driver-turned-actor Matteo Guidicelli was seen performing onstage alongside Kapuso talents in GMA7’s Sunday variety show, SOP. At first, I was taken aback since Matteo is very much identified with ABS-CBN, the network which gave him big acting breaks. The Kapamilya network apparently failed to give the Cebuano hottie acting offers which made him consider changing networking affiliation. GMA7 has even placed his profile in its website which features its current roster of talents.

However, in a recent turn of events, Matteo has found his way back to the Kapamilya network. He has accepted the role of Ronnie in the soap opera “Agua Bendita”.

“Agua Bendita” is a story originally serialized by Rod Santiago in a Filipino comicbook. The story primarily focuses on the rivalry betwen twin sisters Agua and Bendita, one of whom was born normal while the other born with a deformity. It will also tackle Agua’s struggle for acceptance and her sister’s battle with insecurity. The dual roles of Agua and Bendita will be given life to by Andi Eigenmann. Matteo, as Ronnie, and Jason Abalos, as Paco, will serve as the two characters’ love interests in the series.

The cast of “Agua Bendita” has taken on a big challenge. The timeslot left by “May Bukas Pa” will definitely be big shoes to fill as far as the ratings game is concerned. The new show is set to air in the timeslot it inherited from the hugely popular Zaijian Jaranilla-led show which placed the child actor in the consciousness of Filipinos worldwide. Will the Andi Eigenmann-Jason Abalos-Matteo Guidicelli-starrer be as strong a player as its predecessor? Well, it remains to be seen.

The initial telecast of “Agua Bendita” is on February 8, 2010. For viewers outside the Philippines, check your local listings.