MANILA — An overwhelming wave of grief and sympathy continues to pour in for the late award-winning actor and director Ricky Davao, who passed away at the age of 63 after battling lymphoma cancer. 

On the second night of his wake, loved ones and colleagues from both in and out of the entertainment industry gathered to pay tribute to his life and legacy.

Rikki Mae Davao, one of his daughters, shared: “Nauwi namin siya sa house. So after being in the hospital ng matagal, we were able to bring him home, show him his dogs. We did have time to talk to him one by one, and those people who were abroad.”

Ara Davao reflected on their loss: “It doesn’t sink in right away, lalo na now that we’re surrounded by people. They say grieve sinks in more after, but I think there’s also freedom because we also said in our statement that he was sick. He just feels like there’s no more pain and there’s peace.”

The grief is even more profound for actress Jackie Lou Blanco, Ricky’s former wife, who is facing another heartbreaking loss just two weeks after the passing of her mother, Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales.

“A lot of people who have come and said their condolences, when they see us, they kinda don’t know what to say. They just look at us and hold their hands. Kasi parang they understand kung gaano kabigat na magkasunod,” said Jackie.

She added that she is thankful they were in a good place before Ricky’s passing:

“Things were in a better place and I’m happy that it was in that place. At least naging maayos before he passed.”

Throughout the night, many of Ricky’s colleagues visited to honor his contributions to Philippine entertainment. Among those present were Edu Manzano, Tonton Gutierrez and Glydel Mercado, Coney Reyes, Jaime Fabregas, Allen Dizon, and Joross Gamboa.

“He was a very jolly person, always had a ready smile. I never saw him frown. Tapos ang hilig niya kumanta. Mayroon ngang balita doon na pag nahawakan niya yung mic, ayaw na niya ibigay,” said Fabregas.

Also present were Iza Calzado, Tirso Cruz III, Cesar Montano, Rez Cortez, and Patricia Javier.

“Mamimiss ko sa kanya, pag nakikita ko siya sa labas, laging may ‘Huy!’ Ganun siya—lagi siya nambubulaga. And yung kanyang sweet smile,” said Javier.

Veteran actress Bibeth Orteza recalled their fond nicknames for each other:

“I call him Kana. He called me ‘Yanan,’ which is ‘Nanay’ spelled backwards.”

She added, “It’s not the award per se that recognizes—it’s his performance.”

A family tribute is set on Tuesday, May 6, and on Wednesday, Ricky’s urn will be brought home.