Lito Lapid and Lorna Tolentino, fondly called “PriManda” by fans of “Batang Quiapo,” have become one of local television’s most beloved “senior love teams.” The pairing of Primo and Amanda resonated so strongly with viewers that rumors of a real-life romance swirled. But as much as fans adored the tandem, the time has come to bid farewell to “PriManda” on primetime.
Lapid confirmed his exit from the show during his annual showbiz Christmas gathering. “Kamukha lang po ng sa ‘Probinsyano’ noong bago ako humabol at mag-uumpisa na ang campaign, bawal na kasing lumabas,” he said.
While he expressed regret about leaving the series, he explained that he had no choice. “Hindi na po puwedeng lumabas. Nakalulungkot man, pero kailangan, politika kasi ‘yan,” he said.
Lapid admitted that he initially doubted whether audiences would embrace his pairing with Tolentino. “Noong itinambal ako kay Lorna, sabi ko, baka hindi na kami bagay. Kasi nga, senior citizen na kami. Sabi niya [actor-director Coco Martin], ‘Hindi! Kailangan kasi para magkaroon ng love team ang senior citizens. May pag-asa pa sila!’”
The veteran actor-politician shared that he and Tolentino had never worked together during their film heydays, likely because of an unspoken industry rule that prevented action stars from being paired with the wives of fellow actors, such as Tolentino’s late husband, Rudy Fernandez.
Lapid expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans. “Mabuti naman at nagpapasalamat ako sa sumusuporta sa ‘PriManda.’ Tinatangkilik nila,” he said.
As for persistent rumors about a romance with Tolentino, Lapid playfully dismissed them. “Kung gusto niyo, mas gusto ko sana!” he quipped. “Kaya lang, wala! Wala. Puro tuksu-tuksuhan lang.”
The intense chemistry between the two, highlighted by action-packed and emotional scenes directed by Coco Martin, fueled speculations, even prompting Lapid’s wife, Marissa, to seek reassurance. Their son, Mark, COO of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), however, laughed off the rumors, saying, “Trabaho, part of our job and nothing personal.”
At 69 years old, does Sen. Lito still plan to do movies?
Yes, he said, “Dyan talaga pinakabuhay ko sa aking pamilya e, talagang love na love ko ‘yan.”
