An ordinary afternoon in Alabang turned tense after a sport utility vehicle crashed into the alfresco section of Da Gianni Cucina Italiana, the Italian restaurant owned by the family of actor-athlete Matteo Guidicelli.
The incident happened around 4 p.m. at Westgate Molito, sending shockwaves through social media after photos of the damaged outdoor dining area began circulating online. The impact visibly tore through part of the restaurant’s exterior façade, leaving tables, fixtures, and structural elements displaced.
Guidicelli quickly addressed the situation through a public statement, assuring patrons and supporters that no guests were harmed.
He explained that the alfresco section was already empty at the time of the crash, as customers had left earlier in the afternoon. “We are grateful to share that no one was injured,” he said, noting that the outdoor area had been cleared hours before the vehicle struck.
While the visuals were alarming, the structural damage was confined to the exterior portion of the establishment. The restaurant’s indoor dining area remains operational, allowing business to continue despite the temporary closure of the outdoor space for safety inspections and repairs.
In a follow-up update, Guidicelli revealed that two staff members who were inside near the pizza oven area were immediately brought to the hospital for precautionary medical checks. Fortunately, both were cleared of serious injuries and are currently recovering.
The actor underscored his family’s gratitude amid the unexpected scare. He expressed thanks for what he described as divine protection and for the swift response that ensured everyone’s safety.
Beyond the physical damage, the incident also served as a sobering reminder about situational awareness. Guidicelli urged the public to remain alert at all times, emphasizing that unforeseen events can happen anywhere, even in familiar spaces.
Da Gianni Cucina Italiana, which opened its doors in 2018, holds deep personal meaning for the Guidicelli family. The restaurant was named after Matteo’s late grandfather, who hailed from northern Italy, and was established as both a culinary tribute and a family legacy project.
As repairs begin on the alfresco area, operations inside the restaurant continue as usual. For the Guidicelli family, the day’s events ended not in tragedy but in relief — a close call that could have turned far worse.
For now, the focus shifts from shock to recovery, with gratitude taking center stage over damage.