‘There will never be another Ricky Davao’: Family, friends fondly remember late actor

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Dingdong Dantes looks back on his lock-in taping experience with Ricky Davao, where the late actor gave his insights 'not just about the craft, but about living with purpose'

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran actor and director Ricky Davao’s death marks another tremendous loss in the local entertainment industry, not just for Filipinos who had fondly tuned in to his work, but for the fellow actors and stars that had the pleasure of working with him throughout his career.

His children confirmed the news on May 2, announcing that his passing had come as a result of cancer-related complications.

Family and friends have come forward to share their stories with Ricky, making it clear that he wasn’t just well-loved for his craft, but for how he was as a father, mentor, partner, and brother.

Family and loved ones

Justine, one of Ricky’s children with his ex-wife Jackie Lou Blanco, shared childhood photos of herself with the late star, captioned, “I’ll always be your Teddygirl, Papa. I love you.”

Ricky’s daughter Ara, meanwhile, posted a portrait of her father on her Instagram story.

“I miss you so much Pa,” she wrote.

Screenshot from Ara Davao’s Instagram story

In the tribute of Ricky’s non-showbiz girlfriend, Malca, she remembered the late actor as the epitome of unconditional love, and the “bravest and strongest person” she has ever known.

“Through you, I discovered a deeper part of myself — a part capable of doing anything and everything because of love. Because of my love for you,” she wrote, recalling the times she would tell Ricky that she would never get tired of taking care of him.

“I have to admit now… I lied when I told you I’d be okay. I lied when I said I’d be strong. Because the truth is, life doesn’t feel right without you. There’s an emptiness now that nothing can fill. And I miss you more than words will ever be able to express. But I carry you with me, always. In my heart, in my memories, in every quiet moment,” she added.

Malca also got tattoos of Ricky’s initials and handwriting.

Actress Lotlot De Leon, the ex-wife of Jackie Lou’s brother Monching Gutierrez, shared how she first got to know the late veteran actor when she was young. Ricky would often visit their house because he had starred alongside her mother, the late National Artist Nora Aunor.

“To many he was an outstanding actor and director, one of the best in our industry… but to me he was Kuya Ricky…  Plus he was fondly called by my kids Tito Nong… as time went by we got closer, and he would never miss out on greeting me for any occasions… we would have our personal kwentuhans about life and on not so good days he would always remind me that everything was gonna be okay,” Lotlot shared.

Lotlot recalled that Ricky was “very fond” of her kids, Janine, Jessica, Diego, and Maxine — whom he would always put on a “proud uncle smile” for.

“His passing has left a dent in my heart… our family’s heart. But I know for sure in heaven where he is, he will always be watching over us,” Lotlot added, extending condolences to Ricky’s family.

Friends from the entertainment industry

Manilyn Reynes, who more recently starred alongside Ricky in the 2018 television series Inday Will Always Love You, lamented over not being able to speak to her “kuya” over the phone again before his death.

Manilyn remembered Ricky as a thoughtful older brother who would always shower her with souvenirs every time they would meet on set after he came home from a trip. She also recalled how he would make her feel safe whenever they would have to do dangerous or scary scenes together.

Ricky had also served as a role model to some of the current industry’s biggest names, one of those being Dingdong Dantes. In a lengthy Facebook post, the 44-year-old actor spoke about how in awe he was over Ricky’s ability to mesmerize whoever was watching him on stage — telling himself that one day, he’d love to work with the late veteran, until that wish finally came true when they were chosen to star as father and son together in Alternate.

“There’s something sacred about lock-in shoots. You strip away distractions. You focus, not just on your role, but on the people around you. You collaborate, co-create, and in the downtime — you share life. That’s where I got to know Tito Ricky not just as an actor or director, but as a man. We’d talk about everything — our processes, family, even Loujude’s adobo recipes. He shared stories. Listened intently. And gave insight not just about the craft, but about living with purpose,” Dingdong wrote.

“Tito/Direk Ricky didn’t just perform; he gave. Whether as a singer, actor, director, or simply as himself in quiet conversations over coffee or walks around a set, he gave his truth, his laughter, his guidance. And that smile — that Chinito smile that would vanish into crescents of pure joy — remains imprinted in the hearts of everyone who knew him, worked with him, learned from him, and loved him,” he added.

Jericho Rosales also looked back on the times he got to work with Ricky, and how generous the late actor had been to him.

“He was also funny. One of the few electrifying artists that I look up to. I was gearing up for a project with him [because] I loved working with him so much. It’s sad. But I’ll choose to celebrate him and be generous in return. There will never be another Ricky Davao,” Jericho said.

Ricky Davao’s memorial services will be held at The Heritage Park in Taguig City from May 4 to 7. May 4 will be for family and friends, while on May 6, there will be a family tribute. – Rappler.com