WASHINGTON DC — Philippine Senator Lito Lapid is star struck by the charm and leadership of United States President Barack Obama and is taking a once in a lifetime chance to meet the American leader.

Lapid, accompanied by his wife, admitted that he joined President Arroyo’s trip to the United States to grab an opportunity to meet the popular American leader because he may never get the same chance again.

The President and the rest of her delegation, including Senator Lapid,
arrived Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila) for a three-day working visit at the US capital.

“I hope I can meet Obama. One of my dreams is to get a picture taken with the powerful leader of the United States,” Lapid told reporters at the posh Willard Hotel where the President and her party will stay for the Washington leg.

Lapid, an action star before joining politics, said he hopes he will be one of the lucky few who will be chosen to attend the President’s audience with Obama at the White House. The senator said he sought permission from the President to join the US tour this month.

Asked if what he intends to tell Obama in case he meets him, Lapid smiled and said he will just accompany the President and listen in on the conversation of the two leaders.

When asked if a photo opportunity was enough for him, he said: “Opo, basta makakuha lang ng litrato kahit artista ako.” He said he admires Obama's historic rise to the American presidency due to his youth, charisma and effective leadership. Lapid has yet to meet an American President in person in his entire life.

Lapid, meantime, said he plans to run for governor in Pampanga in next year’s elections after Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo disclosed he was not interested in the local position.

Asked why he was not seeking a third term in the Senate, Lapid said: “Magastos ang senador. Wala naman tayo masyadong budget.”