The action star receives Doctor of Humanities recognition for decades of work in cinema and beyond.
Veteran actor, director, stunt choreographer, and diving advocate Jess Lapid Jr. has added another milestone to his decades-long career after receiving an honorary Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) degree.
Lapid shared the news on Saturday through a Facebook post, uploading a photo of himself in academic regalia with the simple caption: “Doctor of Humanities Honoris Causa. 7/25/26.”
The honorary degree was conferred during a ceremony held at the Bayview Park Hotel Manila. However, Lapid’s post did not identify the academic institution that conferred the honorary doctorate, and no school name was visible in the photos he shared.
Born Jesse Lloyd Flake Lapid on March 22, 1962, Lapid comes from one of the Philippines’ most recognizable action film families. He is the son of late action icon Jess Lapid Sr. and a cousin of actor-politician Sen. Lito Lapid.
He entered show business at just 17 years old and went on to build a prolific career in Philippine cinema, appearing in numerous action films including “Ang Bagong Kardong Kidlat” (1980) and “Mga Pambato” (1981). His performance in “Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin” (1993) also earned him a Gawad Urian nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Beyond acting, Lapid established himself as a respected film director, fight director, and stunt choreographer, helping shape the action genre behind the scenes.
Outside the entertainment industry, he is also a certified CMAS Philippines Course Director and an accomplished underwater director of photography, recognized for his work in marine exploration and professional diving education.
While the honorary doctorate recognizes his long-standing contributions to Philippine arts, culture, and public service, the institution that bestowed the recognition has yet to be publicly identified.
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