Remembering Ricky Davao: Father, Actor, and Director
Ricky Davao passed away at the age of 63 on May 1
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of veteran actor and director Ricky Davao, who died on May 1 at the age of 63 due to complications from cancer. His children, Rikki Mae, Ara, Kenneth, and Justine, confirmed the news on May 2.
“For more than four decades, he dedicated his life to the craft of acting and directing. His remarkable body of work and award-winning performances have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire. Most of all, he was a loving father, brother, son, and friend,” Ara announced.
The actor’s passing comes as the family continues to grieve the death of Pilita Corrales, Jackielou Blanco’s mother, who died April 12. Jackielou is the late actor’s former wife.
Ricky Davao during the announcement for Sang’gre in 2023. Photo from gmaencantadia
Ricky Davao: Filmography and Directing Career
Born Frederick Charles Davao, Ricky was one of the children of the late actor Charlie Davao. Some of his siblings, including Bing and Charlon, also appeared in movies.
Recognized as one of the country’s most versatile actors, Ricky’s filmography includes classics like Patayin si Mediavillo, Totoo Ba ang Tsismis?, Bulaklak sa City Jail, and Natutulog Ba ang Diyos?
His other notable films include Ipaglaban Mo: The Movie, Eskapo, Ang Lalaki sa Buhay ni Selya, and Saranggola. He last appeared in Sinagtala, released earlier this year.
Beyond acting, Ricky directed several beloved television programs, including episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya, Magpakailanman, Oka Tokat, and Munting Paraiso.
His teleserye directing credits for GMA include Grazilda, Kokak, Sisid, Coffee Prince, Makapiling Kang Muli, Mga Basang Sisiw, Adarna, and Forever.
He was also active in the theater scene and, before his death, was set to appear in the upcoming Encantadia sequel Sang’gre, scheduled for release later this year.
Ricky Davao and Rhian Ramos during the announcement for Sang’gre in 2023. Photo from gmaencantadia
Co-Workers Remember a Gentle Giant
Colleagues and friends flooded social media with tributes, remembering Ricky as both a consummate professional and a kind-hearted man.
Dingdong Dantes, who worked with Ricky in Alternate, reflected on their shared time on set:
“ 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,” he wrote on Facebook.
“ On screen, he was incredibly precise. His director’s eye never left him. He hit marks perfectly, took notes gracefully, and always gave his scene partners something real to work with. His performances were consistent, deep, and alive. I remember watching him and thinking, This is it. This is how you do it. Tito Ricky was a living barometer of professionalism: focused, evolving, empathetic, vulnerable—always present.”
Agot Isidro, whom she fondly call him Froots wrote: “Ilang beses din kitang naging scene partner, mula Okidok the movie, sa Oka Tokat (5 years! Rona and Jack), Kung Paano Ka Nawala, and recently sa Larawan. Always jolly, ready to hog the mic, nakangiti, may bimpo sa balikat kasi ubod ng pawisin. Always ready to step in to make the scene better, as actor and director. You just let your work speak for yourself. Kept your life private, bubunot lang ng phone to show pics of the kids. Kung may bad day ka, di namin nakita. Walang masamang tinapay sa yo. And kung may chichika ako sa yo, di ka lang iimik. Ayaw pumatol sa chismis. A true gentleman.”
Actor Jason Abalos, who played his father in the teleserye Vietnam Rose, added:
“Napaka propesyonal, 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 at 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 shared. “Tuturuan ka nya dahil gusto niya 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.”
Ricky Davao: A Supportive Father
At their father’s wake, Ara Davao shared that Ricky showed his love not through words, but through thoughtful actions.
“Hindi kami masyado yung, ‘I love you, I miss you’ yung ma-words pero ano siya, super acts if services. And then kahit anong gawin ko like sa school and then nung nagshowbiz ako sobrang stage father,” she said of her dad.
Justine Davao posted a childhood photo with her dad, writing: “ I’ll always be your Teddygirl, Papa. I love you.”
Rikki Mae also shared photos on her Instagram Stories of family and friends who visited the wake at Heritage Park in Taguig.
Despite grieving the loss of her mother, actress Jackielou Blanco remained strong for her family. Speaking at Malacañang on May 4 during a tribute to her mother, she reminded her children to honor their grandma and father by living out the values they taught.
“Kung ano man yung mga tinuro nila sa amin, that’s what we will try to share to other people,” Jackielou said. “We are just trying to draw strength from each other, and we are praying for God’s strength [so] that we are able to go through this together.”
Ricky Davao may be gone, but his presence lives on—in his work, legacy, and the love of those who knew him best.
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