Photo credit : Aradavao Instagram page
Philippine film, TV, and theater lose one of their most respected talents
MANILA – Ricky Davao, the acclaimed Filipino actor and director known for his thoughtful portrayals and lasting contributions across stage and screen, passed away on May 1, 2025, after a battle with cancer. He was 63. His daughter, Arabella “Ara” Davao, confirmed his peaceful passing, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Born Frederick Charles Caballes Davao on May 30, 1961, Ricky was the son of veteran actor Charlie Davao, a respected figure in Philippine cinema who died in 2010. Ricky would go on to carve his own distinguished path, not through name alone, but through a career built on versatility, integrity, and artistic excellence.
From Dance to Dramatic Depth
Ricky’s early passion for performance began in the 1970s as a dancer with the Vicor Crowd. Though he earned a degree in Industrial Management Engineering from Mapúa Institute of Technology, he chose the arts as his true calling.
He first gained recognition in film with roles in Abot Hanggang Sukdulan, Ipaglaban Mo, and American Adobo. His breakthrough performance came in Saranggola (1999), where his powerful portrayal of a police officer and conflicted father earned him Best Actor honors at both the Metro Manila Film Festival and Gawad Urian.
Davao’s career was notable for his range—moving seamlessly between film, television, and theater. In the politically charged 1980s play Bongbong at Kris, he took on the daring role of a fictionalized Bongbong Marcos, earning him an Aliw Award for Best Stage Actor. He also left his mark on popular television, including long-running dramas like Mula sa Puso and the recent Love Before Sunrise.
He was also an accomplished director and served as a juror at the 2013 ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards, a reflection of his commitment to elevating Philippine cinema.
Private Life and Legacy of Grace
Ricky married actress Jackie Lou Blanco in 1989. They had three children—Kenneth, Rikki Mae, and Arabella—and although they later separated, the former couple maintained mutual respect, reuniting professionally for select projects in recent years.
Family, friends, and industry peers describe Davao as deeply committed not only to his craft but also to his role as a father and mentor. In interviews, his children often spoke about his quiet strength, humor, and thoughtfulness—qualities that also shaped the characters he portrayed.
Honors and Accolades
Ricky Davao received numerous awards throughout his career, including:
- Best Actor – Saranggola, Metro Manila Film Festival and Gawad Urian (1999)
- Best Supporting Actor – Dayang Asu, ASEAN International Film Festival (2017)
- Best Supporting Actor – Fuccbois, Cinemalaya (2019)
- Aliw Award for Best Stage Actor – Bongbong at Kris (1988)
These honors reflect a career built not only on skill, but on courage in choosing meaningful roles and pushing boundaries in storytelling.
Enduring Impact
Ricky Davao’s passing marks the loss of a deeply respected performer, a beloved father, and a thoughtful storyteller whose work will continue to resonate with audiences across generations. More than a celebrity, he was a craftsman of character—on screen and off.
