Nagbigay-pugay ang mga mahal sa buhay at mga katrabaho ng aktor at direktor na si Ricky Davao, na pumanaw sa edad 63.

Sa kaniyang Instagram, nag-post ang partner ni Ricky na si Mayeth Malca ng larawan ng aktor na hawak ang isang floral arrangement na nagpapakita ng pagmamahal nito sa kaniya.

“Bubba, mahal na mahal kita sobra. Thank you—for your love, for your courage, for your trust, and for letting me walk with you through your most difficult days,” caption ni Mayeth.

“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,” dagdag niya.

“There’s an emptiness now that nothing can fill. And I miss you more than words will ever be able to express, ” ayon pa kay Mayeth.

Sa kaniyang Instagram, nag-post ang dating asawa ni Ricky na si Jackie Lou Blanco ng anunsyo ng pagpanaw nito. 

Sa kaniya namang IG stories, ibinahagi ni Jackie Lou ang larawan nina Ricky at kaniyang inang si Pilita Corrales, na pumanaw naman nitong Abril.

“I know you are singing in heaven. You will forever be missed. I love you,” caption ni Jackie Lou.

Sa kaniyang post sa Facebook, inilahad ni Dingdong Dantes na hinahangaan na niya si Ricky, bago pa niya ito makamayan.

Inalala pa ni Dingdong kung paanong napupukaw at nagbibigay ng sigla si Ricky sa mga nakakasalamuha nito.

“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,” pag-alala ni Dingdong.

“Tito [Ricky], you will be missed… So much love for you, thank you for everything,” caption ni Heart Evangelista sa kaniyang IG stories.

“One of the kindest, most passionate souls I’ve ever met,” caption ni Benjamin Alves sa kaniyang IG.

“My favorite memory of Direk Ricky is when we would rehearse scenes on set; he would block and describe what he wants for our characters - saying our dialogue verbatim with such vigor you’d feel conscious you’ve been portraying it wrong all this time. That’s the kind of director he was,” dagdag niya.

“I had the privilege of working with Mr. Ricky Davao and I learned so much from him. I had the privilege of calling him my father on-cam, and my friend off-cam. Definitely one of the greats, I would say,” sabi ni Barbie Forteza. 

— Jamil Santos/VBL, GMA Integrated News