Daniel Matsunaga, the soft-hearted tough guy
By Leony R. Garcia
How tough is Daniel Matsunaga?
Fans and sports enthusiasts had the chance to witness for themselveshow the Filipino-speaking Brazilian-Japanese hottie, together with Moises Torcator, a strongman from Manila, pulled a truck loaded with 18 KIX girls and a burly driver for a distance of 18 meters to demonstrate their toughness. The duo had successfully pulled the truck carrying a total of 6,513 pounds.
The event was the recent launch of a nationwide search for the toughest Pinoy called R U Tough Enough? (RUTE) by Kix, the ultimate TV destination for action entertainment. “We hope to find a person who is just as tough, if not tougher, than the action heroes and heroines that populate our channel,” said Andy Chang, Senior Vice President, Marketing of Celestial Tiger Entertainment in Hong Kong.
A new competition in the Philippines, Matsunaga believes many Filipinos will participate in this search for the toughest Pinoy. Asked by host Aaron Atayde what makes a Filipino tough, Matsunaga answered, “Filipino ako sa puso… I have more Filipino friends than I do Brazilian friends and what I found most amazing about the Filipino people is that they have this strong heart. Despite all the calamities that happen to the country — the typhoons and everything — they are able to reconstruct everything, especially those who don’t have anything anymore, they are happy. They have this power in their heart to be a better person.”
And when asked how he got so tough, Daniel replied, “I’ve worked hard for this body. I started going to the gym since I was 16 and I’ve followed a strict diet to maintain a healthy body.” But behind the buffed Adonis body is a soft-hearted Daniel especially when it comes to his current affairs of the heart. Daniel is very vocal and speaks fondly of her lady love, fellow Kapamilya actress Erich Gonzales.
“Our relationship is an answered prayer. I’ve been single for three years and Erich came along,” he said.
“It’s an answered prayer,” the actor stressed, adding that he believes he and Erich will keep on going strong because they have put God at the center of their relationship. He also revealed that they are starring soon on a TV project on ABS-CBN, in an upcoming teleserye titled “Be My Lady.”
For this, Daniel is thankful for projects coming his way. Armed with a ready smile for everyone, Daniel gladly obliged for photo ops with the press and guests during the launch of RUTE. He’s also a joy to talk to as he’s very accommodating, trying his best to reply to every question thrown him. These endearing qualities plus he’s being sincere and mild-mannered make Daniel well-loved in showbiz industry. Meantime, before the camera grinds for the TV drama, Daniel would be busy promoting RUTE as its celebrity ambassador. The competition is open to all Philippines residents aged 18 years old and above. To join the contest, entrants must first apply online at www.kix-tv.com/tough. Shortlisted participants will be invited for a closed-door audition on August 16. The audition will determine 10 finalists who will compete in a final showdown at SM Megamall on September 5, 2015.
