Lito Lapid Biography: Age, Height, Ethnicity, Parents, Religion, Movies, Awards, Instagram

Manuel Mercado Lapid, better known as Lito Lapid, is a Filipino actor-turned-politician who rose from poverty to become one of the country’s most recognizable action stars and later served as Governor of Pampanga, Vice Governor, and Senator.

Known for his trademark cowboy hat, simple speech, and “shoot-first” action roles, he has blended his movie persona with a political career centered on pro-poor advocacy.

Profile

• Full Name: Manuel Mercado Lapid
• Stage Name: Lito Lapid
• Born: 25, October 1955
• Age: 70 years old
• Birthplace: Porac, Pampanga, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Actor, Politician
• Height: 1.70 m
• Parents: Jose Lapid and Eleuteria Mercado
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Marissa Tadeo Lapid
• Children: Mark Lapid, Mitzi Karen “Maan” Lapid, Maynard Lapid, Manuelito Lapid, Maan Krista Lapid, Ysabel Ortega
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Manuel Mercado Lapid was born on October 25, 1955, in Porac, Pampanga, to Jose Lapid, a small-scale farmer and tricycle driver, and Eleuteria Mercado, a market vendor. The family lived in extreme poverty; he walked barefoot to school and sold newspapers and peanuts to help make ends meet.

He only finished Grade 6 at Porac Central Elementary School and later earned a high school equivalency diploma in 1972 from Saint Catherine’s Academy in Porac. He is of Kapampangan descent and was raised Roman Catholic.

Career

Lito Lapid entered show business at age 13 as an extra and stuntman, eventually landing lead roles in low-budget action films. His breakthrough came in the late 1970s with the “Lapid Fire” series and hits like Geronimo, Kastilyong Buhangin, and Tatlong Baraha, making him the country’s top action star alongside Fernando Poe Jr. for two decades.

He starred in over 150 films, many produced by his own LJ Films, and became known for portraying the silent, gun-slinging hero of the masses.

In 1992 he ran for mayor of Makati but lost; three years later, in 1995, he was elected Governor of Pampanga, serving three consecutive terms until 2004 and earning praise for infrastructure projects and quarry-revenue reforms.

He then served as Senator from 2004–2016, returned as Senator in 2019, and was re-elected in 2022. Notable laws he authored include the Free Irrigation Act, the National Feeding Program, and the AFMech Law for farmers.

Though often teased for simple speeches, he has consistently ranked high in senatorial surveys due to his pro-poor image and accessibility.

Lito Lapid remains an active senator at 70, chairing the Senate Committee on Tourism and co-chairing the Committee on Games and Amusement.

He continues to file practical, people-oriented bills and maintains strong grassroots support in Pampanga. His unique blend of movie-star charisma and long public service has made him an enduring figure in both entertainment and politics.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @lito_lapid
• Facebook Handle: Senator Lito Lapid
• Twitter Handle: @SenatorLitoLapid

Personal Life

Lito Lapid has been in a long-term relationship with Marissa Tadeo since the 1980s; they underwent civil wedding rites and have four children together: former Pampanga Vice Governor Mark Lapid, Mitzi Karen, Maynard, and Manuelito.

He also has a daughter, actress-singer Ysabel Ortega, with former partner Michelle Ann Bonifacio, and another daughter, Maan Krista, from an earlier relationship.

Despite past controversies regarding his relationships, he has maintained a stable family life centered in Porac, where he built a large ranch-style home.

Filmography

• The Truman Show (1968, debut)
• Lapid Fire (1979)
• Kastilyong Buhangin (1980)
• Tatlong Baraha (1981)
• Isla Sto. Niño (1982)
• Geronimo (1981)
• Hindi Palulupig (1988)
• Sa Kuko ng Agila (1989)
• Escudero: Sa Kaliwa’t Kanan (1993)
• Tapatan ng Tapang (1997, final major film)

Net Worth

Lito Lapid has an estimated net worth of $10 million, derived from decades of blockbuster action films and residuals, real-estate holdings in Pampanga and Metro Manila, quarry and construction businesses, and his cumulative Senate salary and allowances since 2004.