MANILA, Philippines – Actor and champion kart racer Matteo Guidicelli is looking to conquer a new kind of athletic race – the kind that leaves him quite happily with a deep tan.

Actor and kart racing champion Matteo Guidicelli

“For Holy Week, I’m going to Bantayan Island, we have a race there, a triathlon race,” Guidicelli said in an interview with ABS-CBN News. “I’ve been doing that (triathlon). This weekend, I have a race also in Cebu.”

Guidicelli, who is a three-time winner of the Philippine Karter of the Year award, credits his father for his new-found “addiction.”

“I started training and now I’m into it. Actually, my dad talaga [got me into it]. He did the Iron Man last year and he convinced me [to join],” he said. “I started biking, running, swimming, and then I got addicted to it.”

“[That’s why] I am very tan now. Just keeping healthy and keeping a fit lifestyle,” he added. “I found a new sport and I enjoy it a lot.” – Report from Marie Lozano, ABS-CBN News