JERRY OLEA
Nagdadalamhati muli ang local showbiz sa pagpanaw ng aktor at direktor na si Ricky Davao nitong Mayo 1, 2025, Huwebes.
Artista si Ricky sa entablado, pelikula, at telebisyon.
Bumuhos ang Facebook posts kaugnay rito.
Read: Award-winning actor Ricky Davao dies at 63
VILMA SANTOS
Shout out ni Vilma Santos-Recto: “Our Prayers And Condolences.
"REST IN PEACE PARE KO
"We Will Miss You Sir Ricky Davao.
"SALAMAT!”
Unforgettable para sa atin ang Viva movie nina Ricky at Ate Vi na Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig? (1987), sa direksiyon ni Eddie Garcia.
BIBETH ORTEZA
Naghuhumiyaw rin ang FB post ni Bibeth Orteza: “When those who post ‘Pahinga kana’ don't even know that ‘kana’ is not one word... Ricky Davao is laughing his head off.”
DINGDONG DANTES
Pagbibigay-pugay naman ng Kapuso actor at Aktor board of director na si Dingdong Dantes: "There are people you meet in this industry whom you admire from afar long before you get the chance to shake their hand.
"For me, Ricky Davao was one of them.
"I would spot him at parties, events, and industry gatherings—and almost without fail, he’d find his way to the stage. Not to grab attention, but to give joy.
"One song in, and the entire room would shift. All eyes on him. All ears tuned in. And just like that, he owned the moment.
"I was still a young actor then, still piecing together how this world worked, when I realized: This man wasn’t just performing. He was lighting up the room. He was the room. His background in theater showed. 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.
"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. And I remember thinking, one day, I hope I get to work closely with him.
"That day came in November 2021, during the height of the pandemic. We were cast together in the television series Alternate, where we had to lock in for two to three weeks of shooting. Even before that, there was an eight-day hotel quarantine.
"He played my father, which meant we shared scenes, conversations, and quiet in-between moments that allowed us to connect beyond the script.
"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.
"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.
"There’s one morning I won’t forget. We were having coffee, and he was talking about intermittent fasting. He couldn’t understand why it wasn’t working.
"I asked him, 'Tito Ricky, wag ka na mag-3-in-1. Try black coffee. Mas masarap. And you’ll stay in a fasted state.'
He took the advice, laughed, and updated me every morning after that.
"It was a simple exchange — but it showed me who he was. Curious. Open. Sincere. Fatherly in the truest sense.
"On pictorial day, I brought my own camera. I took a candid photo of him and Jackie Lou Blanco, who also played my mother in the show. What are the odds, right?
"They were game. Smiling. Effortlessly cool. I captured that moment.
"And that photo, to this day, is the clearest image I have of him: relaxed, joyful, smiling that signature smile, eyes shrinking into the laughter lines that carried decades of love, work, and music.
"And now, as the curtain gently falls on Ricky Davao’s time with us, I imagine him once more on that stage — just like in the countless parties, social gatherings, and karaoke nights I saw him in — where he would light up the room with a song, a smile, and a presence no one could ignore.
"Only this time, the stage is far greater, the audience far vaster, and the light he leaves behind shines brighter than ever.
"Tito/Direk Ricky didn’t just perform; he gave.
"Whether as a singer, actor, director, or simply as himself in quiet conversations over coffee or walks around a set, he gave his truth, his laughter, his guidance.
"And that smile — that Chinito smile that would vanish into crescents of pure joy — remains imprinted in the hearts of everyone who knew him, worked with him, learned from him, and loved him.
"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."
Read: Ricky Davao, pumanaw kapiling ang kanyang pamilya
NOEL FERRER
Malalim ang pinagsamahan ng ating mahal na FDCP chairperson na si Direk Joey Reyes kay Ricky Davao.
Ang sabi ni Direk Joey: “I have known you for decades. And I had this running joke which you knew so well. I told people, ‘Never make the mistake of handing him the microphone ... because you will never be able to get it back.’
“I memorized your modus operandi. You would pretend to be shy not wanting to share your vocals but in reality you will sing at the slightest provocation.
“And when you get your vocal chords in full capacity, there is no way that you would ever stop or even surrender that microphone to anybody else.
“But that is you. That was you.
“I will remember you for the movies we made together. When I filmed Minsan May Isang Puso with the young Carlo Aquino and the late Jaclyn Jose as well as Ana Capri, I was certain that the role of the pained panadero wrestling with a bitter past and using his cynicism as defense can only be personified by you.
“When I watched your performance in the Cinemalaya film of Edong Roy entitled F--kbois you were literally guffawing when you shouted two rows away saying that you based your character from my idiosyncratic behavior. I cringed. And laughed.
“At times when you are not singing, we were laughing. And I am going to miss that.
“Maybe because I got to know you more than just the actor on my set ... or doing that role in theater directed by the late Tony Espejo which I adapted from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
“I am sad.
“I am so heartbroken because a beautiful, loving and caring man left us. I knew for the past few months that you were in pain —and I do not know whether I should feel relieved that you have not ended that suffering ... or feel lost that you have joined the so many in our community who left so dramatically if not unceremoniously.
“But I will remember you as a friend more than anything else. And a terrific human being who made anyone but everyone feel loved and wanted.
“Goodbye, Frederick Charles.
"Marami kaming lumuluha pero nakakasiguro kami na yakap ka na ngayon ng Dakilang Ama nating lahat at doon sa langit... naghahanap ka ng microphone para kantahan silang lahat.”
At nang finally ishinare ni Direk Joey ang kanilang pelikulang Minsan May Isang Puso sa YouTube, heto ang sabi niya: “Dearest Ricky: Thank you for giving me the chance to make this film which remains as one so close to my heart.
“This ... and our adventure in ONE NIGHT ONLY ... are two sides of your coin ... how you can make people laugh, how you can make people cry.
“But most of all, what a beautiful human being you were ... and will always be in our hearts and minds.
“We are already missing you, Ricky. Badly.”
Nakaka-miss ka talaga Ricky! Hindi ka na nakasagot sa Christmas greetings sa text noon. Dati-rati, isa ka sa mga nauunang bumati kapag birthday…
Salamat talaga, Ricky!
Read: Zsa Zsa Padilla, Mark Meily pay tribute to Ricky Davao
GORGY RULA
Ang isa sa hindi makapaniwala sa pagpanaw ni Ricky Davao ay si Paolo Contis.
Ang huling pinagsamahan daw nila ay ang pelikula ng isang political candidate na kinunan pa sa Bicol, bandang summer noong nakaraang taon.
Kito Kita ang title ng pelikula, at sobrang saya pa raw nila sa ilang araw na pagsasama nila sa shooting.
Hindi raw niya alam kung may sakit na si Direk Ricky nung panahong yun.
“Grabe di ko alam!” text ni Paolo sa akin.
“Biglaan ba yung sakit niya? Sa shooting naman ng Kito, okay pa siya e!
“Ang saya pa namin sa shooting,” text pa uli sa akin ni Paolo.
Naalala pa ng Kapuso actor ang pagsasama nila ni Direk Ricky sa horror-fantasy TV show noong 1997 na Oka Tokat.
Naidirek din siya ni Ricky sa drama series ng GMA-7 na Little Nanay, at ang dami pa raw nilang pinagsamahan. Kaya ang saya raw nila nang magsama sila uli sa shooting ng pelikulang ginawa nila noong nakaraang taon.
LAST TEXT EXCHANGE WITH RICKY
Hindi ko rin makalimutan ang huling palitan namin ng text ni Direk Ricky na nangako pa akong sasamahan ko siyang pumunta sa Roxas City, Capiz.
Capizeño kasi ang pamilya ni Direk Ricky.
Nung nag-artista ito ay pinalitan ang spelling ng apelyido niyang Davao, dahil ang tamang spelling talaga ng pangalan niya ay Dabao.
May properties pa raw sila sa isang town sa Capiz na gusto sana niyang ayusin, dahil hindi na ito naasikaso ng pamilya niya.
Kaya sabi ko pa sa kanya, sabihin lang sa akin kung kailan siya magkakaroon ng panahong umuwi ng Roxas City para samahan ko siya.
Maraming salamat sa masaya at walang kanegahan na friendship, Direk Ricky.
Kasama po kayo sa panalangin ko araw-araw.
JERRY OLEA
Kabilang pa sa mga Facebook posts na nagpupugay kay Ricky…
THE METROPOLITAN THEATER
"Nakikiisa ang Tanghalang Metropolitan sa pakikiramay sa pamilya, mga mahal sa buhay at mga tagahanga ni Ricky Davao.
"Si Ricky Davao ay isang beteranong Pilipinong aktor at direktor na kilala sa pagiging mahusay sa Philippine entertainment industry.
"Nagsimula ang kanyang karera noong dekada 1980 at mula noon ay lumabas na siya sa maraming pelikula, drama sa telebisyon, at paggawa ng teatro.
"Siya ay kinikilala para sa kanyang malakas na kakayahan sa pagganap ng iba’t ibang karakter na madalas na naglalarawan ng kumplikado at dramatikong mga tungkulin.
"Isa si Ricky Davao sa naging bahagi ng produksyon ng MET na CONTRAMUNDUM Ang All-Star Cast Concert ng Ang Larawan na ipinalabas sa Tanghalang Metropolitan noong 2023.
"Maraming salamat sa pagbabahagi ng iyong talento na malaking kontribusyon sa sinehan at teatro sa Pilipinas. Bilang isang artista, mananalaysay, tagapagturo, at simbolo ng integridad, ang iyong pamana ay magbibigay inspirasyon sa mga artista at madla sa hinaharap."
CINEMALAYA
"Veteran actor Frederick Charles Caballes, also known as 'Ricky Davao' died this Thursday, May 1, 2025 at age 63.
"His legacy lives on in the voices he helped uplift and the powerful stories he brought to life.
"He brought depth and brilliance to unforgettable roles in films like Fuccbois and Mariquina, and served as a juror and host who championed indie storytelling.
"The Cultural Center of the Philippines and Cinemalaya Foundation mourn the passing of Ricky Davao.
"As the curtain falls on his remarkable life, his contributions to the films he graced, the artists he inspired, and the stories he helped illuminate will forever remain in the heart of Philippine cinema.
"Maraming Salamat, Ricky Davao."
Read: Ricky Davao, kinumbinse ni Lino Brocka noon na magteatro
SILVER LINING - MUSICAL
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved mentor and friend, Ricky Davao.
"From day one, you stood with the Silver Lining Musical Family — with unwavering support, wisdom, and heart.
"Your legacy lives on in every note we sing and every story we tell.
"Thank you for the love, the guidance, and the light you shared with us all.
"Our sincerest condolences and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
"Rest in power, Sir Ricky. You will always be part of our harmony."
FILM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF THE PHILIPPINES
"The Film Development Council of the Philippines joins the industry in mourning the passing of veteran actor and director Ricky Davao.
"Ricky was a respected and familiar face in Philippine film, television, and theater — an artist whose talent, dedication, and humility left a mark on audiences and colleagues through the years.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.
"His legacy lives on in the stories he helped tell and the lives he touched.
"Paalam at maraming salamat, Ricky."
ROSELLE MONTEVERDE, REGAL ENTERTAINMENT INC. PRODUCER
"It is deeply painful to lose a dear friend.
"I feel truly honored to have been part of the Wednesday Club for so many years — a cherished circle filled with laughter, shared meals, lighthearted gossip, and the kind of raw, genuine friendship that’s hard to come by.
"Each time we lose a member, a piece of our collective spirit goes with them. And today, my heart aches once more.
"Ricky, your passing leaves a space no one else can fill — not just within our circle, but in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved you.
"Thank you for the beautiful memories, for your kindness, your joy, and for simply being the radiant, happy soul that you were.
"The Wednesday Club lives on in my heart as a sacred treasure, and your light will always shine within it.
"Rest well, my dear Ricky. You will be missed by many."
Read: Ricky Davao reacts to daughter Arabella joining Batang Quiapo
TARA ILLENBERGER, FILM EDITOR AND DIRECTOR
"Hearbreaking is an understatement.
"Lately this succession of passing of film icons have made me reflect back on the projects I have been a part of.
"I tried to understand all this collective sense of mourning... and I am awed at how art, how film touches us all, and leave indelible marks... whether from the perspective of a filmmaker; or audience.
"As much as I don't want to make this about me, my feeling of loss comes from my personal experience.
"So allow me this attempt at a tribute: 26 years ago, Ricky Davao was the lead in the first film I ever edited, Gil Portes' Saranggola. He played a policeman who inadvertently shot the playmate of his beloved son; while they were flying kites on the rooftops.
"Two years later, he was also in Minsan May Isang Puso a film by Joey Reyes (for which I received my first editing award from the Young Critics Circle). He played the role of baker with a caustic tongue, who witnesses the struggles of a boy left to care for his bedridden father.
"Both are films showing the human and vulnerable side of 2 toxic male characters; both complex roles that demanded deliberate, nuanced acting. Both were quiet, low-budget, heart-rending films.
"But these small films became BIG (not financially, unfortunately) and memorable because of his great performance that resonate across time, across social class, platforms even...
"When I directed my first short film, Durog, Ricky was in the cast only as a support actor for the lead, Baron Geisler.
"He came very early morning, right after a taping to do 2 measly scenes for me.
"I thanked him profusely for making time and asked him why he agreed to do it. He said he likes working with young, new directors.
"I said i was embarrassed our honorarium wasnt much. He answered even if 'monay lang ibabayad,' pupunta siya for Sarah Pagcaliwagan Brakensiek [lead actress].
"That was the kind of artist he was. He was a warm sunshine.
"Thankfully, I made it worth his while because we made it into Cinemalaya that year, 2007.
"Later on, I had a chance to work with him as an editor when he directed a telemovie. Yes, he was a prolific TV director too, a detail not known to many.
"In the course of my editing career, some of the films he acted in, whether big or small roles, comedic or dramatic, became my favorites... mga 12 or 13 titles yata lahat yun. Direk, mamimiss kong i-edit ang mga eksena mo.
"Know that we will remember your talent, discipline, your craft; most of all, your kindness and generosity. It is, after all, the heart that makes real big stars shine brightest."
Read: Ricky Davao, bakit binabalik-balikan ang teatro kahit maraming proyekto sa TV at pelikula?
FRANK RIVERA, PLAYWRIGHT AND ACTOR
Isang Pahimakas
Pagkakaibigang hinubog ng Sining
Ng mga Katotong malapit sa atin
Ng mga huntahang napakadamdamin
Saka mga dulang bumuo sa atin.
Apat na dekadang pagkakaibigan Kay Mario't kay Maryong** ating barkadahan
Pati na si Nonon at ating tanghalan
Maraming intriga na pinagtawanan
"Lahat tinulaan," minsan sinabi mo
"Ang kaarawan ng maraming katoto Bakit kahit minsan di sumagi sa 'yo Na ako'y batiin sa kaarawan ko."
Nang tulaan kita, abot-hanggang teynga
Ang mga ngiti mo noong naging tawa
"Maraming Salamat, ngunit, Frank, mali ka
"Di ko naman bertdey, sa isang linggo pa."
Ngunit nang dumating iyong kaarawan
Kung bakit ito ay aking nalimutan
Kaya ngayon, RICKY, buong kalungkutan
Hindi ko man gusto, ika'y tutulaan
Sana'y maling muli itong pagtula ko
Sana ang balita ay hindi totoo
Sana drama lamang na pang- entablado
Sana may dula pang magsasama tayo **Mario O'Hara; Maryo de los Reyes
PAALAM, RICKY, KKK (Kasining, Kapanalig, Kapatid)!
VINCENT A. DE JESUS, COMPOSER / MUSICAL SCORER / ACTOR
"Awards night. Early 2000s. I don't remember which awards night it was.
"Ricky won for Best Actor. I won for Best Music.
"Wala akong car, so waiting for a taxi ako kasi uwian na.
"Nakita ako ni Ricky sa exit ng venue at kinausap niya ako.
"'Saan ka ba uuwi?'
"I said Scout Rallos, Tomas Morato.
"And he said, 'Tomas Morato ako nakatira. Hop in!'
"And I rode inside his white 70s vintage Toyota Corolla car na sabi niya binili niya from his first paycheck from Mother Lily. And he took me home.
"And that was the start of our friendship.
"I love you, Ricky.
"Ang hirap i-process, Ricky."
JONATHAN CRUZ, SCREENWRITER
"Paalam Ricky Davao
"Ilang beses ko nang nakatrabaho si Ricky bilang aktor o direktor sa mga shows namin.
"Iba talaga si Ricky umatake. Makikita mo sa trabaho niya na malalim siyang tao at inaaral niya talaga ang script.
"Aaminin ko ito bilang writer, buwisit kami sa mga artista o direktor na hindi matranslate ang sinulat namin sa eksena.
"Napakahirap magsulat dahil pinipiga namin ang utak namin para makalikha ng mga eksena na matindi ang emosyon while at the same time ay mailatag namin ang eksena na kakaiba at may craftmanship.
"Sa totoo lang, may ilang direktor akong nakatrabaho na galing na galing sa sarili nila.
"May isa na direktor na kapag nagra-rate ang show, akala niya ay siya ang nagpa-rate ng show. Mayabang!
"Sa loob loob namin, sinwerte ka lang sa show na ito. Sobrang dismayado kaya kami sa pagdidirek niya.
"Pero iba si Ricky.
"Nakita ko sa pag-arte at pagiging direktor niya na pinagbubuti talaga ang trabaho.
"Kadalasan pa nga ay nilalagpasan pa niya ang expectations ng mga writers.
"At higit sa lahat, wala siyang yabang. Taong tao siya.
"Isa kang malaking kawalan ng industriya. May your soul rest in peace."