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Get to know Lito Lapid more through the eyes of the people around him

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Mary Ann Bardinas

After giving us a <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/batangquiapo/articles-videos/lito-lapid-recounts-inspiration-behind-his-elaborate-fighting-style-22097" target="_blank">tour around his acres of farmland in Porac, Pampanga</a> and recounting his journey from being a simple farm boy to becoming one of the pillars of Philippine entertainment in the first part of his interview with Bernadette Sembrano, <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/batangquiapo" target="_blank">FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</a> star Lito Lapid further took us around their expansive and rustic hacienda as he continued to talk about his beloved family and his career in movie and politics in the second part of the vlog.Just in case you aren’t aware yet, it is not only through his stint in the primetime action drama that he is able to showcase his flair in action, but through their family’s YouTube channel as well named “Team Lapid,” in which he’s seen doing various action stunts with his cherished grandchildren. One of them is his eldest grandchild MJay Lapid, who is the son of his daughter Mitzi Lapid.<div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="703" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hUCLiiCUxSs" title="LITO LAPID, FROM STUNTMAN TO SENATOR! | Bernadette Sembrano" width="1250"></iframe></div>Although a part of him wishes to be like his grandfather someday, MJay told Bernadette that he would to try setting his foot in the field of Medicine first, as what Lito wants for him as well, so he currently pursues a degree in Nursing. The screen legend hopes that MJay will become a doctor someday and for all his grandchildren to finish their studies. Aside from it being a way to fulfill his childhood dream, he also considers it as a clapback against people who ridicule or belittle him for not being well-educated, especially when he started his political career.While Lito is perceived to be tough in the movies and series that he starred in, MJay disclosed that he’s really kind. He also isn’t domineering, but is actually supportive and encouraging with regard to the endeavors that they wish to pursue. That’s why they very much appreciate him and want to pay him back for everything that he has done for them.“Ever since bata po ako, siya po ‘yong naging standard. My source of motivation para mag-continue in life, lalo na po sa studies and sa career din po,” MJay related. “Growing up, napanood ko po ‘yong mga pelikula niya, so, of course, na-inspire po ako. I wanted to be as good as him, that’s why he became my standard.”The grandpa-and-grandson tandem then went on to show Bernadette their astonishing gun-handling tricks, a skill that has been passed on to their family from Lito’s famous late uncle Jess Lapid Sr. to his older brother Rey Lapid, who used to be friends and work with “Da King of Philippine Movies” Fernando Poe Jr. as one of his crew. It was Rey who trained Lito, especially when he was still starting in the industry, which he, in turn, taught to his kids and grandkids who are interested in it, too.In a short interview with Rey, we found out that they’ve been tightly bonded ever since their younger years. His societal status may have been high, yet Lito has remained humble and compassionate, to which Rey is very much thankful for as he continues to help him and everyone in their household, especially now that they’re already in their senior years. Thus, he believes that his younger brother truly deserves all the blessings that he’s been receiving.As they headed to the hacienda’s spacious covered court, Bernadette made Lito reminisce about several of his remarkable flicks through the years, which characters he portrayed were painted on its walls. The Filipino movie icon shared that his passion for acting and penchant for action was enkindled by his Uncle Jess who served as his idol growing up after losing his stuntman father Jose Lapid when he was only about two years old. However, Lito didn’t really expect to be the one to follow in their footsteps in the film industry.Despite already having a significant connection, Lito recounted that his journey wasn’t really easy, especially when he was still a neophyte. It was indeed not just a stroke of luck as it also entailed loads of grit and determination in order for him to reach where he is at present. He recalled starting as a bit-player or extra with a 15php salary, then became a stuntman who received 30php per taping day, and eventually got promoted to being a fight director and stunt double for other actors. He may already be a sexagenarian, or someone who’s in the sixties, yet Lito firmly believes that he can still do stunts. However, his colleagues in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/angprobinsyano" target="_blank">FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano</a> and <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/batangquiapo" target="_blank">FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</a>, where he’s among the stunt directors, do not allow him to execute stunts that are already too risky for his safety.But among the hundreds of films that he made in the past decades of his acting career, Lito named “Leon Guerrero” as his most favorite film because aside from being its director, he can also identify with it, from the journey of the iconic titular character that he amazingly portrayed to its upbeat official soundtrack.He then introduced his friends and fellow fight directors and actors Banjo Ramirez, Lee, and Benzon Dalina, who are the ones to support and help him with their stunts in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/batangquiapo" target="_blank">FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</a>. working with him for decades already, Benzon expressed how thankful they are to him for he has remained the same Lito they knew when they were still starting and now that he’s one of the significant figures in the entertainment and political arena of the Philippines.Afterwards, Lito brought Bernadette to the gym where they work out and keep themselves fit, as well as to the area where they usually practice stunts. The broadcast journalist also tried her hand in doing stunts with the premier action star being the one to personally teach her how he and his fellow stuntmen do it. When asked for his advice to those who aspire to be a stuntman, Lito stated, “Kapag pumasok ka diyan, kailangan buo na ang loob mo dahil alam mong mapipilayan ka, ikamamatay mo, sugat, pawis, pagod, lahat ‘yan. Patibayan ng dibdib diyan. Karamihan kasi ng stuntman mahihirap. Minsan tinataya nila ang buhay nila dahil sa pamilya.”However, he clarified that it hasn’t always been the case because some would take the risk to just earn extra money or to gain experience and be recognized in the industry, which means more work and profit for them.They proceeded with the exclusive tour inside their majestic house, which was constructed between 2002 to 2004. Three flagpoles can be seen in front of it, which signifies his nationalism and pride as a Filipino. As what Bernadette blurted out, the first floor can actually pass as a museum of the Lapid Family as it features some of their photos, trophies and awards he received as an actor, memorabilia from the projects he did over the years, as well as remembrances of his political stint from being the vice governor of Pampanga in 1995 to becoming a senator at present.Aside from being introduced to his other grandchild, Zoey, Bernadette also had the chance to meet his lovely wife Marissa Lapid. The vlog ended with the Lapid household and the guests sharing a scrumptious boodle fight comprised of delectable Pinoy and Kapampangan dishes.

Get to know Lito Lapid more through the eyes of the people around in the Part 2 of Bernadette Sembrano’s interview with him.