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Remembering Ricky Davao: Celebrities mourn the death of the actor-director
It was announced on Friday evening that Ricky Davao has passed away due to complications related to cancer, his daughter Ara Davao confirmed on social media. He was 63 years old.
Tributes for the veteran actor-director immediately poured in on social media, with fellow artists sharing stories of their time with Ricky.
Barbie Forteza
Barbie Forteza worked with Ricky in projects like "Inday Will Always Love You" and "Mariquina."
She wrote on X, "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."
"Gone too soon, Tay."
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.
— Barbie Forteza (@dealwithBARBIE) May 3, 2025
Gone too soon, Tay. ???????? pic.twitter.com/NlLY7Nq7ua
Dingdong Dantes
In a touching tribute on Facebook, Dingdong Dantes looked back on his memories with Ricky. The actor said that Ricky didn't just perform, but rather lit up the room.
"He had presence—commanding, joyful, magnetic. And always, that signature smile. The one that made his eyes disappear. That smile is burned into memory because it wasn’t just a facial expression—it was his spirit in full bloom," Dingdong said.
"From those small stages of casual gatherings to the big screens of film and television, Tito Ricky brought something rare: a blend of brilliance, warmth, and generosity," he added.
Dingdong said they were able to work closely in "Alternate," a television series that required them to have lock-in shoots due to the pandemic. Ricky played his father and this was how Dingdong for to know Ricky "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," he said.
Dingdong said that even as an actor, Ricky had his "director's eye," which meant precise and graceful movements, and giving his onscreen partners something to work with.
At the end his tribute, Dingdong said, "He exits the stage now, not with finality, but with grace. Leaving behind echoes of music, traces of masterful performances, the warmth of his fatherly ways, and the kind of good vibes that linger long after the last song has been sung."
"Maraming salamat, Tito Ricky. You made our industry, our work, and our lives richer. This curtain call is not goodbye. It’s simply our standing ovation."
Heart Evangelista
Heart Evangelista and Ricky worked on the projects “Forever” and “My Korean Jagiya.”
In her Instagram Stories, “Tito [Ricky], you will be missed…”
“So much love for you, thank you for everything,” Heart added.
Kokoy De Santos
Kokoy De Santos posted a series of Instagram Stories to honor Ricky, his co-star in the Cinemalaya film, “Fuccbois.”
“Paalam, Sir Ricky,” he wrote in a photo with co-star Royce Cabrera.
He also shared a video of them posing and laughing together.
Benjamin Alves
Ricky and Benjamin Alves worked on several projects together, including “Coffee Prince” and “Adarna,” among others. He called him, “One of the kindest, most passionate souls I’ve ever met.”
Benjamin added that his favorite memory would be their rehearsals 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,” he said.
Benjamin added, “And who could forget Direk Ricky at cast parties, ready to give us a personal concert.”
The actor added that Ricky is a humble person.
“I was pleasantly surprised how nonchalant of him, a seasoned actor who really poured his soul on screen, just focus on the next passion project. This is the kind of actor he was,” he said.
Ricky was also Benjamin’s first director.
“And from day one he allowed me to make my mistakes—patience when I needed it the most. It took us 4 projects for me to really feel like I had something to offer him. This is the kind of person, and I imagine, the kind of father, he was,” he said.
To end his message, Benjamin said, “You were gone too soon Direk Ricky. I will forever find comfort in your smile, and your absolute love for our craft, our industry. I love you Direk.”
EA Guzman
EA Guzman took to Instagram Stories to honor the showbiz legend.
He wrote, “Isa sa pinakamabait at pinakamasayahing tao na nakilala ko.. Napakahusay pa.”
“You will be missed, Direk Ricky,” EA added.
Jason Abalos
Jason Abalos posted a photo with Ricky and the late Nora Aunor on Instagram.
Jason said that Direk Ricky was his father in his first teleserye “Vietnam Rose,” and first indie film, “Endo.” He was also his father in “Kabisera” and they shared a kissing scene in “Separados.”
“Napaka propsayonal, ramdam ko ang bawat eksena, tinatanggap niya ako ng buong buo sa bawat proyekto kahit na ako ay baguhan at wala pa masyado karanasan, hindi madamot tuturuan ka sa paraan na maiintindihan mo, lahat ng proyekto namin ino-obserbahan ko lang siya dahil humahanga ako sa kanyang ugali at paraan ng pagta-trabaho,” Jason said.
“Tuturuan ka nya para mapaganda ang pelikula, kasabay nito na hindi niya namamalayan na natututo ako para mapabuti ang aking karera. Bitbit ko at bibibitin ang mga katangian na hinangaan ko po sa inyo.”
Pancho Magno
Pancho Magno posted a group photo with Ricky from one of their projects.
“My ninong and our very cool and loving director, [Ricky Davao].” Pancho said. “We will miss you!”
Eugene Domingo
Eugene Domingo shared a still from their film, “Working Girls.”
She wrote, “An excellent actor who can do EVERYTHING. Thank you for the light and inspiration.”
Mark Reyes
Direk Mark Reyes described Ricky as somebody “Always full of life and pure happiness.”
“From ‘My Korean Jagiya’ to ‘Sang’gre,’ you always made working with you a joy. No ego, no issues,” he said.
Direk Mark added that he appreciates his sincere support.
“I am honored that one of your last shows is ‘Sang’gre,’” Direk Mark revealed.
“We will enjoy your brilliance as an actor in a series when the show airs this June, perhaps for the last time. I will miss chatting and sharing dinner with you on the set.”
Mark added, “Rest now, Direk Ricky. Your legacy will be cherished. Bravo [Ricky Davao]! Bravo!”
Zsa Zsa Padilla
Zsa Zsa Padilla said on Instagram, “I don’t know anyone who wasn’t a friend of Ricky Davao. He was everyone’s buddy!”
They played siblings on “Familia Zaragoza” and she calls him brother. They also worked together in the play, “Larawan,” which were 10 shows staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
“Whenever we’d run into each other, we’d always recall those cherished moments. The last time I saw him, we were celebrating a birthday from our group chat—just like always, full of laughter and warm memories,” Zsa Zsa said.
The Divine Diva added, “So now, hearing of the passing of another artist makes my heart grow heavy. Ricky was a very good actor—dedicated and professional.”
She added that they “had that instant connection and took time to chat before heading to work.”
“Ricky is a great loss to the movie industry. His presence will be missed on stage, television and in the movies,” Zsa Zsa said.
“May you rest in peace, Brother. My deepest condolences to all the loved ones left behind. And thank you for the joy you brought in every role you portrayed—on stage, on television, and in film.”
Ice Seguerra
Ice Seguerra posted a photo from their last party for Ricky’s birthday.
“You’ve always been there for me and Liza [Dino]. Sa kahit anong event, performance—never ka nawala,” Ice said.
He added more memories with Ricky. “Siguro, kung meron akong katapat sa pagiging excited kumanta tuwing nakakakita ng mic, ikaw yun. Napakasarap mong kakwentuhan, ka-jamming, at kaibigan.”
Ice also revealed that he was able to visit Ricky in the hospital before his death.
“Kahit hindi ka na noon makasalita, madaldal ka pa rin. Hindi ko malilimutan yung saya mo noon nung sinabi nung doctor mo na pwede ka na kumain ng chocolate,” Ice said. “At yung ngiti mo nung sinabi ko sa iyo na buti nag shave ka na ng buhok dahil mas pogi ka at mukha kang mas bata.”
Ice added, “I really thought you were going to get better. Na magkakaroon ulit ng time na makaka hang out ka ulit namin or makikita kong nanonood ka ng concert ko.”
“Someday, mag du-duet tayo ulit,” Ice said. “I will miss you, Tito Ricky. You’re finally home.”
—Nika Roque/KG/JCB, GMA Integrated News
