Allyzza Kay Trinidad

These gripping scenes of Carlo Aquino in "It’s Okay to Not Be Okay" deserve a standing ovation

Article (news)

These gripping scenes of Carlo Aquino in “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” deserve a standing ovation

Liezel Dela Cruz

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1760629718236gripping-scenes-of-Carlo-Aquino-in-Its-Okay-to-Not-Be-Okay.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>Expectations were sky-high when Carlo Aquino was cast as Matmat Gonzales in &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/its-okay-to-not-be-okay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">It’s Okay to Not Be Okay</a>.&quot; The Korean version from which the show was adapted has been so loved worldwide, and the role of the illustrator on the spectrum had been played so masterfully by the original K-drama actor that anyone stepping into it would face inevitable comparisons.But Carlo, a former child star who has long navigated the terrain of acting with his impeccable skill, understood the craft too deeply to be intimidated. He knew that the only way to honor the character was to live him, not perform him. In an interview with Metro.style, Carlo shared that he immersed himself in a school for children with autism, joining their classes and activities, so he could learn how they move and how they see the world. And the result was an astonishing display of emotional authenticity. Carlo captured Matmat&#x27;s psyche through the nuances, the way he spoke and cried, or simply looked at the people he loves. Since day one, his performance has been praised for its honesty and precision. Here’s a Friday 5 compilation of his scenes from “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/its-okay-to-not-be-okay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">It’s Okay to Not Be Okay</a>” that left us all in awe. <div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D4s7RYT51m0" title="5 Carlo Aquino&#x27;s most outstanding acting moments in It&#x27;s Okay To Not be Okay | Friday 5" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Just on the very first episode, Carlo had already set the tone for his remarkable depth as Matmat in that scene where he was working at a factory, focused on his task until a co-worker walked by wearing a butterfly hair clip, which triggered his fear and sent him spiraling into panic. The next one on the list was a powerful display of his range that tugged at all our heartstrings as he showed how deeply misunderstood people on the spectrum can be. If the truest measure of an actor’s effectiveness is his ability to awaken strong emotions in his audience, then Carlo certainly did something right as he managed to stir empathy in everyone who watched him. This scene took place during Mia (Anne Curtis)’s book signing, which Matmat was so excited to attend especially since the invitation came directly from Mia herself.While lining up, he noticed a little girl wearing a dinosaur costume, which caught his attention given his fascination with dinosaurs. The scene was brilliantly crafted, with Matmat reciting all the dinosaur facts he knew while graphics appeared on screen, suggesting how quick and vivid his mind worked when it came to his interests. He approached the child out of pure curiosity, but the girl’s father shoved him away and called him a creep. The man grabbed Matmat roughly by the nape and pushed him aside, repeating the insult again and again. Overwhelmed—since being touched on the head was one of his deepest traumas—Matmat pleaded for him to stop until the aggression triggered his anxiety and sent him into a full-blown panic attack. Another scene that caused buzz online was the confrontation at the OK Hospital mess hall, which began when Matmat discovered that his brother Patrick (Joshua Garcia) had lied about a supposed hospital duty when in fact he was with Mia on a quick getaway. The mess hall turned into a stage of heartbreak as Matmat confronted Patrick for deceiving him. Jealousy, disappointment, and long-buried pain erupted from Matmat as he accused Patrick of lying because he no longer wanted him around, even forcing his brother to choose between him and Mia.And though Patrick swore he would always choose him, Matmat refused to believe it. The misunderstanding unearthed Matmat&#x27;s old wound from their childhood when a young Patrick, consumed by frustration, once wished Matmat were dead so he would no longer be burdened by caring for him. Patrick tried desperately to embrace his brother and explain that he did not mean what he said that day, yet Matmat was so lost in confusion and hurt that he refused to listen.This exchange showcased the seamless teamwork between Carlo and Joshua in what can easily be called one of the best acting moments ever captured on screen.Another one-in-a-million performance from Carlo was the scene where Matmat finally remembered and spoke an important detail about his and Patrick’s mother&#x27;s murder. This was the moment he braced himself to face the haunting memory of the &quot;butterfly&quot; he saw killing their mom Tessie (Meryll Soriano). It was here that Patrick and Doc Anok (Bobot Mortiz) realized that the “butterfly” Matmat had been describing as Tess&#x27;s killer was the butterfly-shaped brooch worn by the woman who stabbed their mom. It was the only detail Matmat saw in his line of sight as he bowed in fear while the murderer yanked his hair and threatened him to keep silent. This was the reason he feared butterflies and why he couldn’t let anyone but Patrick touch his hair. It was one of the most important scenes in the series, and Carlo gave it his all.The final scene in the video montage featured Matmat breaking down in fear after seeing his mural defaced with a black butterfly that looked exactly like the brooch worn by the woman who killed his and Patrick’s mother. The fear. The trauma. It all came rushing back. Perhaps what truly brought out Carlo’s brilliance in this scene was the teamwork at play. Anchored on the show’s main trio, Joshua balanced Carlo’s panic, while Anne painted heartbreak through her eyes as she realized that her mother was the suspect. And as the series ends tonight, it feels only right to give Carlo the standing ovation he so rightfully deserves.Don’t miss the heart-stopping final episode of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/its-okay-to-not-be-okay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">It’s Okay to Not Be Okay</a>” tonights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, TV5, <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iWant</a>, TFC, and Netflix.

As "It’s Okay to Not Be Okay" airs its final episode tonight, let us look back at Carlo Aquino’s most unforgettable moments as Matmat Gonzales.

As "It’s Okay to Not Be Okay" airs its final episode tonight, let us look back at Carlo Aquino’s most unforgettable moments as Matmat Gonzales.