Matt Lozano lands another lead role—no six-pack required
Matt Lozano isn’t your typical leading man—and that’s working out just fine.
In “The Last Goodbye,” he plays Xavier, a college student into photography who fits the “baby boy” mold: soft-spoken, kind, and effortlessly sweet. It’s his second lead role after the musical film “Sinagtala,” and once again, he didn’t have to bulk up or change his appearance to land the part.
“All my roles so far suit my body type,” Lozano said with a grin. “That’s a good thing.” He admitted that there was a time he struggled with his self-confidence. “Before, I wasn’t comfortable with my body,” he shared. But things changed while filming the GMA 7 series “Voltes V: Legacy.” “That’s when I learned to embrace who I really am.”
Ironically, when he does lose a bit of weight, people start to worry. “They say it affects the character,” he said with a laugh.
These days, Lozano is more focused on wellness than appearances. “I’m into intermittent fasting—18 hours,” he said. “I recently had a check-up, and everything’s clear.” He doesn’t stress over old-school beauty standards anymore. The roles he’s getting now allow him to be himself.
Directed by Noah Tonga, “The Last Goodbye” is a throwback romance about two high school best friends who fall in love and navigate the emotional highs and lows of young heartbreak. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and packed with “all the feels.”
The concept comes from Joe D’Mango, the iconic ’90s radio DJ behind “Love Notes.” The Australia-based author coproduced the film, too, and even visited the team during their six-day lock-in shoot in Daet, Camarines Norte.
Daniela Stranner, who plays Xavier’s girlfriend Heart, said she felt excited for Joe D’Mango to finally see the finished product. “He dropped by during our second cycle of shooting. This movie is full of romance and tearjerking moments,” she said.
Natural fit
Playing Xavier came naturally for Lozano. “I just read the script and understood the story,” he explained. “The character felt close to who I am.” His favorite scenes? The ones with Daniela. “They really made me happy,” he added.
Working with her was easy. “She’s very open. Our connection was instant,” Lozano said. There weren’t any formal workshops, just a 12-hour van ride to Bicol that doubled as their bonding session. At first, Lozano wasn’t sure what to expect. “Based on the roles she’s played before, I thought Daniela might be strict or aloof. But she turned out to be super sweet.”
Stranner said they clicked right away. “It felt like we were the same age.” She’s 22; Lozano is 31. She added that the film is light and relatable, something audiences will definitely enjoy. Lozano agreed: “It’s a feel-good movie, but also emotional in a good way.”
Outside of acting, Lozano continues to pursue music. Under GMA Music, he has released several singles including “Kwarto,” “Sayaw ng Buwan,” and “Lihim,” which have earned him a loyal fan base. His mom, Elaine Cariedo Lozano—a former lounge singer—remains his biggest critic and supporter, he said. She’s already arranged a block screening for the film.
At the premiere by producer Mavx Productions, fans came out in full force to show their love. For Lozano, it was a little overwhelming—but in the best way. No crazy workouts, no crash diets, no need to be anyone else. “Just good work, good energy, and a lot of heart,” he said.
Lozano’s show biz journey started when he won in the “Spogify” singing competition on “Eat Bulaga” in 2015. He rose to greater fame playing Big Bert Armstrong in “Voltes V: Legacy,” the live-action adaptation of the iconic anime. Earlier this year, the singer-songwriter joined a benefit concert for the Hope for Abused and Neglected Animals Shelter, sharing the stage with artists like Jericho Rosales and Janine Teñoso.
“The Last Goodbye,” currently screening in theaters nationwide, also stars Karina Bautista, Esnyr Ranollo, Arlene Muhlach, and Bodjie Pascua.
