Jackie Lou Blanco, Mariz Ricketts reveal secret to enduring support amid challenging times

How do Jackie Lou Blanco and Mariz Ricketts show their support for each other during challenging times?

On Wednesday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the two actresses opened up about the depth of their decades-long friendship, emphasizing that their bond strengthened through adversity and trials.

“Real friendships talaga grow hindi lang sa oras nang masaya kayong lahat. Sa oras nang malungkot ka. Si Jackie, from day one hanggang matapos,” Mariz said.

This unwavering support was crucial as Mariz and her husband, Ronnie Ricketts, navigated a difficult legal battle.

In 2022, Ronnie was acquitted by the Supreme Court for a graft case concerning “mishandling of seized pirated DVDs and VCDs in 2010.”

Jackie detailed how she supported Mariz during this time.

“I would just always tell her I'm just here and then no’ng nagpunta na for the final in the [Sandiganbayan], I was just there and ano lang, basta ‘Nandito lang ako. I'm praying for you.’ Nakasuporta lang talaga,” she said.

“‘Yun din ‘yung point na parang si Ronnie, ni-love na rin si Jackie. Best friend na rin niya si Jackie,” Mariz said.

They also discussed how their supportive dynamic works in reverse.

When Jackie experienced her own rough patches involving her ex-husband, Ricky Davao, Mariz employed a different but equally comforting approach: waiting for her friend to speak first.

“Ako kasi, I don't ask. Sa kaniya dapat manggagaling or if ever hindi man siya magsasalita, I'm just there. There are times na bigla na lang siyang magsasabi, I wait for her until she's ready,” Mariz said.

“‘Yun ‘yung gusto ko sa kaniya, she doesn't push. Even if she heard na like this, she'll wait,” Jackie said.

Jackie and Ricky got married in 1989, but the two separated later on. Together, they have three children: Kenneth, Rikki Mae, and Ara.

Ricky passed away in May after facing complications related to cancer.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News