Ara Davao celebrates first Christmas without Ricky Davao, Pilita Corrales

Ara Davao is celebrating her first Christmas without her father Ricky Davao and grandmother Pilita Corrales.

On Instagram, Ara posted throwback photos of her late loved ones and wrote that Christmas "comes with mixed emotions" for her this year.

"I'm grateful, I'm celebrating, but I'm also carrying the quiet ache of losing people who meant everything to me. And maybe that's okay," she said.

"Grief, after all, is just love that never learned how to leave. Somehow, that still feels very Christmas-y," she added.

Pilita passed away in April. She was 87 years old.

She first rose to fame in Australia with her hit song "Come Closer to Me." When she returned to the Philippines, she conquered the music industry, with hits like "A Million Thanks to You."

She also became a television star, first starring in "Your Evening with Pilita," a number of other shows, and even movies. Her other hit songs include "Kapantay Ay Langit," "Usahay," and "Ang Pipit."

Meanwhile, Ricky passed away in May after facing complications related to cancer. He was 63 years old. Tributes from fellow celebrities instantly poured in on social media.

With a career spanning over 40 years, Ricky was best known for his roles in "Abot Hanggang Sukdulan," "Saranggola," and "Ipaglaban Mo The Movie," which earned him accolades from FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and the Metro Manila Film Festival, among others.

Ricky made a memorable performance as Governor Emil in "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre." His last appearance on the show was in September.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Ara Davao (@aradavao)