Mark Lapid (2nd from left) with from left, balikbayan Alfredo V. Palma, director Leonardo Q. Belen and producer Engr. Edwin Lagadi

MANILA, Philippines — There should be an action film festival separate from the annual Metro Manila Film Festival, said actor and former Pampanga Governor Mark Lapid, who is also the current general manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority.

This idea has been broached by the country’s action stars among them Mark’s own father, Sen. Lito Lapid and Sen. Bong Revilla. Proponents of the festival said they will suggest it to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) which holds the yearly December MMFF.

“Dapat may separate na film festival ang action movies, kasi sa present set-up mga drama at comedy and horror flicks lang ang may chance sa MMFF. Saka pag may action film festival gaya sa Hollywood, mabubuhay ulit ang action genre dito sa atin. Mabibigyan ulit ng trabaho ang mga stunt men and action stars,” Mark told us over lunch recently at Midas Hotel. He also said it should be the MMDA who should be in charge of this since it has the machinery and the capability to do so.

Credit renewed interest in the revival of action flicks to Governor ER Ejercito’s “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story” which won most of the major awards in the 2011 MMFF and the Cesar Montano current release “Hitman.” Robin Padilla is also now shooting an action movie entitled “Onkoy Parajinog: The Kuratong Baleleng Story.”

Incidentally, Mark was last seen in Bong Revilla’s “Ang Panday 2,” and now he is doing another action film entitled “Pinoy Super Kid: A Boy Scout Hero” starring child actor Buboy Villar in the title role. Produced by Edwin Lagadi and directed by Leonardo Q. Belen who also wrote the story and screenplay, the movie also features Suzette Ranillo, Mon Confiado, Amay Bisaya and PJ Abellana among others.

A fantasy-action-comedy story, “Pinoy Super Kid – A Boy Scout Hero,” depicts the Scout Law as its main feature as practiced by 14-year-old Boy Scout Alex (Buboy). Alex possesses psychic power which he uses to predict forthcoming robberies and report them to the police. But somehow, no one believes him, and instead, he is berated by the police precinct’s desk, sergeant, played by Rey “PJ” Abellana.

Boy Scout Alex is not dismayed, and instead, he confronts the culprits himself until he gains the support of Uncle Ben (played by Mark Lapid) and the Corporal (played by Mon Confiado).

“Pinoy Super Kid – A Boy Scout Hero” premieres in May, and a worldwide special screening in selected cities in October 2012, the annual international month-long celebration of the Boy Scouting movement.

Under the Tres K Lion Video Productions with Engr. Edwin C. Lagadi as producer, the movie will be done in English.

‘I-Witness’ Presents ‘Pagbangon Ng Japan’ 

Almost a year following the Great East Japan Quake that left 15,000 people dead and hundreds more missing, GMA Network, joins forces with Japan’s TV-Iwate to produce a documentary special filmed entirely in Iwate, Japan.

Tonight, “I-Witness” presents “Pagbangon ng Japan.”

The show is hosted by Kara David.

“Pagbangon ng Japan” airs after “Saksi” on GMA-7.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 27, go to Bella Flores, Zecel Bregaudit, June Torrejon, Cota Castaneda, Virgie Veloso, Ms. Annabelle Abaya, Alexis Rae M. Mendoza, Errol Abalayan of Star Magic... Happy wedding anniversary to Felimon and Virginia Ligon of San Jose, Nueva Ecija...