Senior actor and Senator Lito Lapid said he is open to a biopic about his life but emphasized that any adaptation should remain true to his experiences, particularly in action scenes.
Speaking to showbiz media during a Christmas lunch, Senator Lapid confirmed that fellow actor and senator Robin Padilla has suggested a friend for the role of young Lapid in a potential biopic, but the politician said he would prefer the role to be played by one of his children or grandchildren.
“Si Robin Padilla, may nirerefer na artista na pwedeng gumanap sa akin, ang sabi ko, sa anak ko yan, or kung hindi sa mga apo ko,” he said.
His son, Mark Lapid, COO of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, said the story may be more suitable for the next generation.
“Siguro yung Lito Lapid story hindi sa generation namin, pero siguro sa mga apo niya. Tadhana po yan, hindi namin madikta,” he said.
The younger Lapid said he has no intention of starring in the biopic but stressed the importance of preserving his father’s legacy accurately. He noted the challenges of action scenes, such as horse riding, jumping from bridges, and fight choreography, which were all performed by Lapid himself in earlier films.
Coco Martin, rumored to be interested in portraying Lapid, has not formally requested the role, the senator said. Lapid said he would discuss it with his family first and stressed that any actor must respect his signature fighting style.
“Pag sinabing Fernando Poe, pag sumuntok na mabilis, Fernando Poe. Lito Lapid, pag tumalon, nag-slide, style-Lito Lapid. Gusto niya, isang ganoon din,” he explained.
Lapid also shared that all of his grandchildren aspire to enter showbiz, but he remains proud of their academic achievements.
Mark Lapid added that creating the biopic would be a collaborative effort between the older and younger generations to ensure accuracy. He cited veteran journalists and showbiz personalities who could contribute details.
The elder Lapid starred in The Jess Lapid Story, an official entry in the 4th Metro Manila Film Festival in 1978. He said any new biopic should feature him performing stunts without doubles to maintain authenticity.
“Pag may dobol, fake na, e. Hindi Lito Lapid iyon. Hanggang ngayon, hanggang dito sa Batang Quiapo, may stunt pa rin ako. Kaya kaya ito ng apo ko?” he said.
