Veteran actor and director Ricky Davao was remembered by colleagues and friends during the final night of his wake at the Heritage Park in Taguig City Tuesday evening until the early hours of Wednesday morning, May 7.

Family, friends, colleagues pay tribute to Ricky Davao

Among the early mourners was National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, who fondly remembered Davao’s deep love for singing.

“I feel very sad because Ricky, for me, is one of those people who really enjoy life, who enjoy singing, who enjoy what he’s doing,” Cayabyab shared. 

“Especially si Ricky, kasi medyo later pa niya na-realize na gusto niyang umawit.”

Actress Cherry Pie Picache also arrived to honor her long-time colleague.
“He is a dear, dear colleague. I’ve done so much work with Ricky. I’d like to believe that he is a dear friend,” she said. 

“You’re sad because you’re gonna miss him—his earthly presence. But you’re happy too, because there’s no more pain, and he’s finally home in the loving arms of our Father.”

Janice de Belen, who worked with Davao on various projects, also came to offer her condolences.

“I don’t know what to say. It’s really sad. It was a surprise,” she said, recalling memories with the late actor. 

“Before the pandemic, we were together for My Korean Jagiya. Kami yung magkasama sa dressing room. We shared a lot of talks, food, so much kwento. I really admire him. I always admired him.”

Concert King Martin Nievera also paid tribute, sharing a light yet touching memory with the late actor.


“What we had in common is music,” Martin said. 

“Sabi niya, ‘May tampo ako sa’yo—every time you go to the audience sa mga shows mo, dumadaan ka lang sa akin, you always pass me.’ 

I told him, ‘I don’t know, I always look for people I don’t know sa shows.’ 

Sabi niya, ‘You don’t ever choose me.’ 

"So finally, in my last show where I saw Ricky in the audience, I went straight to him and made him sing a whole song. Talagang hinanap ko si Ricky para matupad yung dream niya—na kakanta siya talaga in a concert, not just one or two lines but the whole song.”

John Estrada, one of the last to pay his respects, shared heartfelt memories with the esteemed artist.

Estrada emphasized Davao’s exceptional talent as an actor. ”Ang dami ko pwede sabihin sa isang Ricky Davao but definitely everybody knows how great of an actor he is… Such a loss for the industry."

He highlighted Davao’s character, echoing sentiments from close friends.

“Tama yung sinasabi ng mga close niyang kaibigan—walang masamang tinapay sa isang Ricky Davao,” he stated.

“Kahit magbago ka sa industriya, magtagal ka sa industriya, para kay Ricky isa kang ka-trabaho,” he added.

Recalling Davao’s generosity as a performer, Estrada said, “When it comes to acting, he’s a giver. Talagang hindi niya ipagkakait pag alam niyang eksena mo, ibibigay niya talaga sa’yo. Kumbaha hindi siya nang aagaw ng eksena mo.”

Beyond his acting prowess, Estrada fondly remembered Davao’s sense of humor and his passion for music.

“I think he’s one of the funniest people I’ve met. Although, hindi naman siya komedyante, dramatic actor siya pero he’s really funny and of course everybody also knows that he loves singing… Para ngang binansagan siyang ‘Karaoke King’ ng industrya ng pelikulang 'yun sa industrya natin so 'yun tsaka ang bait-bait talaga,” he said.

Estrada also recounted a particularly memorable experience while working with Davao in the 2002 drama “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.”

“Meron kami eksena sa Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay but siguro hindi siya nag stretching so… Pumutok 'yung hamstring niya… Ganun ka professional ang isang Ricky Davao tinapos niya muna ang eksena bago siya dinala sa ospital,” Estrada recounted.

Also seen at the wake were ABS-CBN Corporation Chairman Mark Lopez, COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes, talent manager Annabelle Rama, Jayda, Jessa and Dingdong Avanzado, and Claudine Barretto—just a few among the many personalities who came to honor Davao’s legacy.