The Ricky Davao we knew

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There are only a few people in the entertainment industry who have remained humble, approachable, and passionate about their craft. At a time when the country is still mourning National Artist Nora Aunor, we have now lost another beloved icon—Ricky Davao.

We met Ricky in 1997 when he was the lead actor in “Puerto Princesa,” directed by Gil Portes. We were part of the production team, and he was the “star.” For a month, we stayed in Palawan filming the biopic of Mayor Edward Hagedorn.

Ricky Davao starred in a biopic titled 'Puerto Princesa'

He was down-to-earth, disciplined, and never once showed a hint of a tantrum. Through the years, he dabbled in theater and musicals. Every time we needed an actor for a film, he would gladly say “yes” without hesitation. He was a joy to work with—always arriving on set prepared and collaborating closely with the creative staff. He often offered suggestions to improve a scene, especially after transitioning into directing.

As an actor, he was fearless. In “Bayaning 3rd World,” he portrayed a critical filmmaker questioning Jose Rizal’s status as a national hero, under the direction of the legendary Mike de Leon.

In “Saranggola,” where he played a former cop who mistakenly kills a young boy, his powerful performance earned him the Best Actor award at the 1999 Manila Film Festival and the Gawad Urian.

Actors Cherry Pie Picache and Ricky in ' Boses'

In “Boses,” he convincingly played an abusive father—a terrifying character the audience loathed, a testament to the intensity of his craft.

His 2002 performance in “Minsan May Isang Puso” was recognized by both the Star Awards for Movies and the Luna Awards, earning him another Best Actor trophy.

Ricky with the Directors Guild of the Philippines members

In theater, he was equally outstanding. He played Bong Bong in “Bong Bong at Kris” by playwright Bienvenido M. Noriega Jr., winning Best Actor at the 1988 Aliw Awards. In “Larawan,” staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1997, he portrayed vaudeville pianist Tony Javier. He later played Dado in “Insiang,” directed by Chris Millado for Tanghalang Pilipino, which won Best Play at the 2003 Aliw Awards.

Nestor Torre cast him as the Italian Capuchin saint in “Padre Pio ng Pietrelcina (The Life of Padre Pio),” which we saw at Tiendesitas, Pasig City in 2008. He performed alongside Boots Anson-Roa.

Ricky with his friends from the theater

We loved watching him as Bebong in the original musical “DOM: Dirty Old Musical” by Spotlight Artists Centre. It told the story of The Bench Boys, a 1980s boy band reunited after 30 years. It was a delightfully fun musical.

As a TV director, Ricky helmed top-rating shows such as “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “!Oka Tokat,” “Ang Munting Paraiso,” “Magpakailanman,” “Because of You,” “Little Nanay,” and “Eat Bulaga: Lenten Special,” among others.

Film studios, TV networks, and theater companies sought him out for his unwavering dedication—whether as an actor, singer, director, or stage performer.

The industry will deeply miss him. Now, he will be singing his favorite tunes non-stop in heaven.

Rest in power, Ricky.