MatMat: A true winner with resiliency & bravado
Two of the best traits Matrica “Matmat” Centino has a resiliency and bravado. She was a true winner when she dislodged It’s Showtime’s Miss Q&A reigning queen Dhey Pascual during a showdown held a few weeks ago.
It was a turning point for Matmat who confidently answered the question, “What would you choose: To be beautiful or to be attractive?” Without batting an eyelash, the Waray-Waray beauty blurted out, “To be beautiful because what is vital is not physical.”
Matmat’s confidence and alacrity sealed the judges’ nod. Matmat was my special guest in Tonight With Boy Abunda last week. Get to know her more. Read on.
Welcome to the program.
“Maupay nga gab-i.”
Maupay nga gab-i.
“Salamat!”
Maraming salamat.
“I’m overwhelmed, Tito Boy.”
There is this reverence given to you. Other contestants talk about you with so much respect. And I know, this is a lot of pressure, but how do you view this?
“Maybe that is how they see me. But then again, I’d like to tell them, ‘No. I am standing here not only to inspire all of you. Joining a pageant is not just about money or fame. I’ve been there. And I know that every crown placed on my head, humbles me, makes me strive to be the best that I can be.’ Ganito dapat tayong mga bakla.”
That’s why I expected you to answer “spaghetting pababa.”
“Hahahaha!”
I expected you to say pababa because you’ve been on top for a while. And you wouldn’t know what it is to be down there anymore.
“It was impromptu, Tito Boy.”
I know. Just joking. But, what you said was really quick and very, very smart.
“Thanks to Him!”
Of course, you know Mat before I go on air, I always say, “Lord, give me the words.” Because, we don’t own everything we say on stage, right?
“That is the one thing I always ask for. Sabi ko, ‘Lord, when I am backstage, I search for different words and phrases.’ But, in front of the judges, and in front of many people, you learn to speak from the heart.”
Okay. You have your fans, you have your detractors.
“Hahahaha!”
Some people say, nakakatakot si Matmat. She’s so smart. She’s so beautiful. But, others say, sometimes your answers are all incoherent personations. What do you wanna say?
“Of course, because we’re on the top of the stage. So, it’s a façade. But, on the other hand, I’d like to say to them, ‘I’ve been in the business of pageantry for three decades.’ So, that’s 30 years. Of course, I know how to deal with it. But, on the other hand, I still have jitters. I get nervous. Yun ang nagpapa-natural sa akin. All I can say is, not one intelligent person is perfect.”
Correct.
“So, I say to everyone, do not expect much from a person. And do not underestimate others because you are not perfect. God will give you what is meant for you.”
Describe Matmat.
“Resilient.”
You really are a Waray! Let’s do Fast Talk.
“Yes, Tito Boy.”
Sampaguita? Gumamela?
“Sampaguita.”
Ferris wheel? Merry go ‘round?
“Merry go ‘round.”
Tokwa? Baboy?
“Tokwa.”
Sipag? T’yaga?
“Sipag.”
Korona? Pera?
“Korona.”
Mahal mo? Mahal ka?
“Mahal ko!”
Pag-ibig? Pamilya?
“Pamilya.”
Kung gulay ka, ano ka?
“Ampalaya.”
Kung bisyo ka, ano ka?
“Alak!”
What fascinates you?
“A dark handsome man hahaha!”
What scares you?
“Ang mawala sa mundo nang wala kang iniwang legasiya.”
What can’t you live without?
“Rosary.”
Isang tanong para sa mahal na Santo Papa.
“Bakit po kakaiba ang bakla?”
Hahahaha! Ako naman, ano ho ang suot ninyo sa loob ng kapang ‘yan?
“I won’t go there, Tito Boy.”
I would.
“You’re the only one who can do it!”
Most selfish thing you’ve done?
“I have neglected my family because of love.”
Sexiest Kapamilya actor.
“Zanjoe Marudo!”
Lights on or lights off?
“Lights off, please?”
Best time for sex?
“Anytime.”
Open your heart. What is the name of a man, aside from your father, or anybody related to you ang nakasulat sa’yong puso?
“Wala na.”
Wala na?
“Haha! Katatapos lang. Five months. Hahaha!”
Oh, oh. Five months ago.
“Sorry.”
Anong nakasulat doon?
“PJ...”
Your rival Juliana Parizcova Segovia is watching. What is your message?
“Be very careful. Gather all the answers while you can. Joke!”
Hahaha!
“I love you! Joke lang. No, no... It would definitely be a friendly competition. And please, don’t fail to watch Miss Q&A.”
Maraming salamat!
“Daghang salamat and maraming salamat, Tito Boy.”
Damo nga salamat! Continue to inspire.