Ben Madilynn
After dedicating almost three years to completing his Doctorate in Business Administration, Mark Lapid is gradually returning to his normal life.
During his graduation earlier this month, he made sure to mention his wife, Tanya Garcia, in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal).
“Siyempre, nagpapasalamat ako sa aking maybahay, kay Tanya, at saka sa mga anak ko sa pagsasakripisyo rin nila. Kasi hindi kami nakakalabas ng Linggo,” he shared.
“So inaalalayan nila ako para matapos ko nga ito. Sakripisyo talaga sa kanila.
“At saka sila ang inspirasyon ko.”
Tanya proudly joined Mark on stage during Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s graduation ceremony held on September 6, 2024, at the PICC (Philippine International Convention Center).
MARK LAPID’S WORK, STUDIES, AND FAMILY
For those unaware, Mark is currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
In addition, he assists his father, Senator Lito Lapid, and is also an actor on Batang Quiapo.
Above all, Mark is a devoted husband and father to their beautiful daughters.
Photo/s: @tankeelyttelapid on Instagram
How does he manage to juggle all these roles?
“I think, yung balance siguro ng schedule. Although maikli, walang sosobra kasi every time na puwede mong i-allocate. So balance lang ng time siguro,” he explained.
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR MARK LAPID?
Now that he’s no longer a student, is he returning to politics?
“Right now, hindi muna,” he answered.
“For now, we’re focused on my dad’s reelection. I’m not saying I won’t in the future, but right now, our priority is my dad’s campaign.
“There’s always a possibility, hindi naman natin isinasara kasi, diyan tayo nanggaling.”
Photo/s: courtesy of Mark Lapid
Mark’s determination to pursue his academic dreams is truly inspiring.
He returned to school in his 40s, and he laughed while sharing his daughter’s reaction to his decision.
“Weird nga, sabi ng anak ko, ‘Why are you studying? You’re so old. Tanda-tanda mo na nag-aaral ka pa.’
“Sabi ko, ‘Sobra ka namang makatanda,” he said with a laugh.
But on a serious note, Mark hopes to leave a lasting message: “walang limit ang pangarap.”
He added, “Kung gusto natin, wag nating sabihin kaagad na wala tayong oras, wag nating sabihin na dahil nagtatrabaho na tayo, hindi natin kaya.
“Basta kung gusto mo lang, kaya naman.”
Mark also left a message for fellow actors who have graduated or are planning to resume their studies.
“Ang dami ko rin nakikitang mga katulad kong artista na nagtapos din. Congratulations to all of them. These are the dreams we’ve fulfilled, even with our busy schedules.
“Sabi nga nila, wala namang mawawala sa iyo at hindi ka magkakamali sa pag-aaral.
“At habang tayo ay nabubuhay, tuloy lang ang pag-aaral dahil lahat ay nagbabago.”
He concluded with an encouraging reminder: “At kapag gusto, may paraan.”
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