What matters most in the heart of Mark Lapid

The moment chief operating officer and vice chairperson of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Mark Lapid steps inside Limbaga 77, one immediately senses a man of distinct composure. He stands straight, offers firm businessman handshakes, and remains mild-mannered in his speech as he shares his institutional updates with notable modesty.

Clad in a crisp white polo with its sleeves rolled up three-fourths high, paired with denim pants, Lapid looks members of the media straight in the eye during the introduction and when addressing questions.

Asked about his personal preference when it comes to fruit, Lapid noted that he bypasses the latundan, lakatan, or señorita, opting instead for the saging na saba. “It is a good source of fiber. It has a lot of potassium. It fills you up and is good for dieting,” he shared.

When discussing the matters that are closest to his heart, Lapid laid out his personal hierarchy clearly. “My family, being a public servant, and being an actor, of course, are the order of succession,” he said.

Acting

Balancing his executive responsibilities at TIEZA, Lapid continues to carve out time to act for television. He currently plays Tony Castor in Sigabo, a series written, directed, and produced by Coco Martin.

“My shoot for the show happens only once a week, either Friday or Saturday,” he explained. “Rodel is more than a co-star. I consider him a brother. Our friendship is over a decade old. He and I mutually support each other and share a dedication and passion for the industry.”

Lapid added: “Unlike my compensated appearances in Coco’s former shows, Ang Probinsyano and Batang Quiapo, my Sigabo participation is one hundred percent gratis et amore. I help out, especially in the execution of action scenes. In Sigabo, I’m just helping. This is my manner of honoring my commitment to Coco’s show and my personal dedication to artistic collaboration and to the craft.”

With regard to working on full-length film projects in the near future, Lapid admitted that his plate is full. “I have no plans. My schedule can’t handle it anymore,” he noted.

Family matters

Turning to his roots, Lapid credits his parents — former action superstar and now Senator Lito Lapid and his mother, Marissa — as his greatest influences. “My dad is my number one fan and critic. And so is my mom,” he shared.

As time has progressed, their family dynamics have evolved for the better, shifting from a traditional parent-child relationship into a more mature kinship bonded by mutual affection, honesty, trust, and respect. “My father always says respect must always be present. Even in jest, respect for one another should remain,” Lapid emphasized.

Sharing the biggest life lesson his father passed down to him, Lapid grew a little reflective. “From my father, I learned the value of pakikipagkapwa-tao [treating everyone with dignity],” he said. “I always remember how he instilled it in me, and I saw it through his example, to respect everyone on set, from actors to utility workers, and to act as one team.”

Recalling memories from earlier eras in local cinema, Lapid’s eyes turned slightly misty. “One of the biggest changes I have witnessed and experienced: actors then gathered under big rainbow umbrellas as areas for rest after a take. Now, we have air-conditioned tents. There was a time when actual films were used, so bawal [it was prohibited] to have too many takes as it was too expensive. Now, everything has become digital. Some are even using the most advanced models of cellular phones to shoot.”

Showbiz views

Addressing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, Lapid maintained a measured stance. “There is no official stance on AI. There are advantages, yes, but lately we’ve seen some disadvantages. There must be balance and caution with regard to its use.”

Sharing his thoughts on the realities affecting the current state of Philippine cinema, Lapid offered pragmatic insights. “I advocate for the lowering of ticket prices. The taxes that the entertainment industry shoulders are going beyond the acceptable amount, and this reality is a major factor in the prevailing rising costs. While limiting foreign film entry, just like in South Korea, may be far-fetched to achieve, I believe that the industry’s priority should be making local films more accessible for Filipino audiences.”

Tourism updates

Focusing on institutional operations, Lapid’s executive tenure at TIEZA has overseen specific administrative milestones. His administration has managed funding allocations for infrastructure destination upgrades, specifically for premier spots like El Nido, Boracay, and Siargao, alongside the restoration efforts for landmark sites such as Burnham Park in Baguio City and Rizal Park and Fort Santiago in Manila. In addition, digitalized online travel tax services have been implemented to streamline passenger processing, with technical updates regularly posted on TIEZA’s official portals.

Ultimately, Lapid’s institutional work remains tied to his ongoing responsibilities in government administration and the creative arts. Maintaining a grounded professional approach, he continues to navigate his dual path across public governance and the entertainment industry.