MANILA -- Friends and colleagues of the late veteran actor Ricky Davao came to the first night of his wake held on Sunday at Heritage Park in Taguig City.

Among those who attended was actress and broadcaster Ali Sotto, who had worked with Davao in various television dramas and often joined him in showbiz events.

"Nag-iisa si Ricky Davao. His character, he's very jolly. Walang masang tao sakanya. Walang masang tinagat. He's funny, he's hilarious talagang walang dull moment pag kasama siya," Sotto said.

"He's very generous with his presence. Ang dali-dali niyang inbitahin, that's why a lot of people wil miss him. Hindi siya madamot. Pupunta siya and he would really make you feel important and valued," she added.

READ: Ricky Davao passes away at 63

Singer and actress Marissa Sanchez, who starred alongside Davao in the film Sosyal Climbers, was also present.

"As a friend, he's very unselfish. Kumbaga, kung merong Mother of Perpertual Help, merong Father of Perpetual Help, si kuya Ricky 'yun," Sanchez said.

Director and talent manager Johnny Manahan, who had known Davao for four decades since their early years in the entertainment industry, also came to pay his respects.

"He's one if the nicest persons I've ever met. Not all artists are like that. He's one of the better ones, the best. He's like no other. It's like we lost a gem.

Actor Pen Medina, who had worked with Davao, described him as hardworking and easygoing.

"A very hardworking actor who works well with his colleagues, always smiling, telling stories, and being a good person. "The way he deals with people in real life is the same way he deals with directors," Medina said.

Actor Rez Cortez, a longtime friend and neighbor of Ricky Davao. He shared that Davao was one of his closest friends, making the loss deeply personal.

"Ricky, just include us in your journey to heaven, pray for us in the movie industry. We are your friends, you will leave us here in this world. Ricky, we love you," Cortez said.

Also present at the wake were Ricky Davao's former wife, Jackie Lou Blanco, John Arcilla, Vina Morales, Nanette Inventor, Mitch Valdez, Cory Quirino, Leah Navarro, Michael de Mesa, Bobot Mortiz, Joey Reyes, Laurice Guillen, Agot Isidro, Rio Locsin, Efren Reyes Jr., among others.