Matteo moves to GMA Network

By Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

MATINEE idol Matteo

Guidicelli is officially a Kapuso after signing a contract with GMA Network on Thursday, May 11.

In a press conference, the 33-year-old said negotiations started last year but did not continue as he was doing other shows, including the nowdefunct noontime show “Tropang LOL,” which ended on April 29.

“It did not happen last year because it was not at the perfect timing. I was doing another show and all other things aside so the negotiations were held back. But finally Ms. Anette Gozon (GMA Senior Vice President) said, ‘you know what, let’s sit down with boss Vic (del Rosario, Viva Communications Inc. president and CEO), and let’s finish this’,” Guidicelli said, quoting Gozon. “So we did, and after three hours, it was a done deal. As I’ve said, it’s like love. Good things happen to those who wait. I’m to 49 out of the 50 states, five countries, and delivering over 150,000 cookies.

“Filipino Americans have been overlooked for far too long, and it’s an honor to be a part of the movement that celebrates and elevates our culture,” Williams told us. “We eat with our eyes first, and the vibrant colors of our cookies often catch people’s attention and draw them in to try new flavors.”

Celebrating Philippine culture through its cookies, the business started during the pandemic when Michael, who lost his job as a photographer, decided to learn how to bake cookies as a father who wanted to bring cookies to his son’s soccer practice. The venture started as a way to give cookies away as thank-yous and evolved into a business when someone asked if they could buy them. The name Salamat” means thank you, reflecting the company’s origins. u PAGE 10

As a Filipino American, Michael did not know what Filipino flavors tasted like, but his business now introduces Filipino flavors and culture through his cookies. The cookies have distinct flavors and colors, such as the vibrant purple from the ube, a purple yam, or green from the pandan leaves.

Salamat Cookies’ best-selling cookies include Space Jam, a cookie that is out of this world, and Salted Brown Butter Ube, a cookie that combines the rich flavor of brown butter with sea salt and the ube. The success of Salamat Cookies and Patok By Rach reflects the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of people who turned adversity into opportunity. The pandemic has brought out the best in businessminded individuals like Michael, who, with his mother, started a cookie business that celebrates Filipino culture and flavors.

Hanna Abada and Rachel Saberon started Patok By Rach towards the end of 2020. Rachel has just finished culinary school and the pandemic was in full swing so it was tough all around. She developed the menu and began testing recipes which have become their bestsellers such as the rice balls, sisig and lechon belly.