Sen. Lito Lapid has announced his intent to create a captivating biopic that delves into the rich tapestry of his career, spanning the glitzy world of cinema and the intricate landscape of politics.
Sen. Lito Lapid (Images courtesy of Facebook)
This upcoming film aims to illuminate the remarkable journey of a man who has not only entertained audiences on the big screen but has also made significant strides in public service.
During a Thanksgiving party for the entertainment press in Quezon City, Lito admitted that he is beginning to reflect on his colorful life, which could be developed into a movie.
Lito stated that, clearly, he will not be playing himself in the movie, even though he is still alive and active in showbiz. Now 70, Lito expressed a desire for a member of his clan to portray him.
"Hindi na ako ang lalabas doon. Kung meron mang pwedeng gumanap na Lito Lapid, siguro mga anak ko or mga anak ng anak ko. (I won't be the one going out there anymore. If anyone can play Lito Lapid, it's probably my children or my children's children)," the senator said.
Sen. Lito Lapid (right) and son Mark Lapid, general manager, Philippine Tourism Authority
His son Mark, the general manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority, encouraged his father to develop the biopic now that he is able to decide which aspects of his life to focus on.
"We hope maumpisahan na namin ito with the help of our veteran entertainment journalists for some details. May mga nagsasabi nga bakit raw namin gagawin ito samantalang buhay pa si Senator Lito. We want to preserve the legacy and his story. Mahirap naman kung manghuhula kami, so mas maganda kung accurate ang details. (We hope to start it with the help of our veteran entertainment journalists for some details. Some people are saying why we would do it while Senator Lito is still alive. We want to preserve the legacy and his story. It's hard to guess, so it's better if the details are accurate)," said Mark.
Lito added, "Minsan tinitignan ko yung mga apo ko. Kaya kaya nila ang mga stunts ng walang double? Kasi kung may double fake na yun eh. Sa 'Batang Quiapo,' may mga stunt pa rin ako. Pero tinatanong ko pa rin ang sarili ko, 'Kaya ba nila ang mga stunts ko?' Hindi kasi talaga ako papayag na may ka-double sa stunts. Kahit sino pa siguro ang gaganap, ulitin nila dapat yung mga ginawa kong stunts. (Sometimes I look at my grandchildren. Can they do stunts without a double? Because if there is a double, then that's fake. In 'Batang Quiapo,' I still have stunts. But I still ask myself, 'Can they do my stunts?' I really won't allow a double to do stunts. Whoever else is going to perform, they should repeat the stunts I did.)"
Lito answered whether he would allow Kapamilya star Coco Martin to portray him in the planned biopic. "Wala pa namang nababanggit sa akin si Coco pero tignan natin. (Coco hasn't mentioned anything to me yet, but we'll see.)"
Sen. Lito Lapid leads a gift-giving activity.
No date has been set for either the filming or the release of the planned biopic.
Last year, Lito mentioned the plan to make a movie with other senators. However, it will not push through anymore. "You know what happened. I guess I don't need to elaborate."
Lito acknowledged the criticisms against him but chose to ignore them and focus on his responsibilities as a senator.
"Tao lang naman ako na nasasaktan din pero hindi ko na lang pinapatulan. (I'm just a human being who gets hurt too, but I don't just let it happen)," he said.
Filing 71 bills and 14 resolutions, Senator Lito also reinforces his reputation as one of the Upper Chamber’s most prolific lawmakers.
Lito has consistently proven that legislative impact transcends academic background, embodying the democratic mandate given to him by the Filipino people.
By focusing on concrete measures and high-volume output, the senator has established himself as a dedicated working legislator whose proposals directly address the needs of the masses. His commitment to the role is evident in his legislative ranking; in his first term, he was recognized as one of the top-performing senators, ranking 4th among his peers in the total number of bills and resolutions filed during the 14th Congress.
This momentum only intensified in the 15th Congress, when Senator Lapid filed 239 measures, earning him the distinction of being the fifth-most prolific member of the Upper Chamber. His latest tally of 71 bills and 14 resolutions continues this strong track record, ensuring a full legislative plate designed for national development.