Manuel "Lito" Mercado Lapid, a renowned Filipino actor, politician, and Senator of the Republic of the Philippines, has led a remarkable life.
Born on October 25, 1955, in Porac, Pampanga, Lapid was the fifth of nine children born to Jose Lapid and Eleuteria Mercado. He completed his elementary education at Porac Central School in 1968, and his secondary education at St. Catherine Academy of Porac, Pampanga in 1972. Despite having the opportunity to pursue tertiary education, Lapid chose not to enroll.
In his personal life, Lapid married Marissa Tadeo Lapid and had four children with her: Maan Krista, Mitzi Karen, Maynard, and Mark. Additionally, he has two children out of wedlock, Manuelito with supermodel Melanie Marquez and Ysabel with former singer Michelle Ortega.
Lapid's children have followed in his footsteps, with Maynard, his son, pursuing a career in acting, which started in 2006. Mark Lapid, his son, served as the governor of Pampanga and is currently the General Manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority.
Lapid's journey in the film industry began as a stuntman, and he eventually transitioned to become an actor.
