The first night of veteran actor-director Ricky Davao’s wake was not only a solemn farewell—it became a deeply emotional and unforgettable gathering, as family, friends, and fellow artists listened to his final message, leaving many in tears.
Held at Heritage Park in Taguig City, the wake began at 3:00 p.m., with the atmosphere already heavy with sorrow and reverence. Only close family members and selected industry friends were allowed to attend the opening night—a quiet and personal tribute to a man who shaped Philippine cinema and television for decades.
An Unexpected Goodbye in His Own Words
The moment that struck the deepest chord was when Ricky Davao’s final message—a heartfelt recording he had left for his loved ones—was played during the evening. His voice, soft and reflective, echoed through the chapel.
“If you’re hearing this, then I’ve finally found peace. Don’t cry for me, smile for the moments we shared. I’ve lived, I’ve loved, and I am grateful to all of you.”
As his words played, his daughter, Rikki Mae Davao, broke down and was comforted by other relatives. Several colleagues in the industry, including Dingdong Dantes and Barbie Forteza, were seen wiping away tears. Even veteran actors known for their composure couldn’t hold back emotion.
One friend who worked with Ricky on multiple film projects whispered, “It felt like he was right there with us, telling us not to grieve too much. But how can we not?”
Jackie Lou Blanco’s Silent Grief
Also in attendance was Jackie Lou Blanco, Ricky’s former wife. Though the two had separated over a decade ago, their bond remained respectful and quietly enduring. Jackie Lou remained close to the casket, offering silent prayers throughout the evening. Observers noted how deeply affected she appeared when Ricky’s voice filled the room.
According to a family source, Ricky had requested that his message be played only on the first night—for those who had known his truest self beyond the screen.
A Room Full of Stories and Silence
After the recorded message, guests were invited to share memories. Some spoke, while others couldn’t. Instead, they stood in silence, heads bowed.
Among the stories shared was one from a lighting technician who had worked with Ricky on several TV sets:
“He always asked if we’d eaten. He cared about people no one noticed. He didn’t just act—he was kind.”
The novena Mass held later that evening added another layer of reflection. It was led by a priest who had known the Davao family personally, and he reminded everyone:
“Ricky lived with purpose, and even in death, he continues to teach us how to live.”
A Wake That Became a Legacy
The wake will remain open to the public in the coming days from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with more services planned, including a Christian ceremony and a family tribute. But it is the first night that will remain etched in the memories of those who were there—a night when the man behind the roles revealed his final curtain call, speaking from beyond, full of grace, humor, and gratitude.
In his final message, Ricky left a few parting words for his children:
“To my kids—Rikki, Arabella, and my youngest—thank you for making my life beautiful. I’ll always be with you. Keep creating, keep loving.”
As the night ended and the candles burned low, no one left without a tear. Ricky Davao was gone—but his voice, his stories, and his love remained, lingering in the hearts of all he touched.
Tearful Jackie Lou Blanco says she had “closure” with Ricky Davao
Jackie Lou: “And I know in my heart that he heard what I said.”
Jackie Lou Blanco couldn’t hold back tears during her eulogy for estranged husband Ricky Davao.
Ricky passed away after a battle with cancer on May 1, 2025.
They are survived by three children: Kenneth, Rikki Mae, and Ara.
The final night of Ricky’s funeral was held on Tuesday night, May 6, 2025, at Heritage Park in Taguig City.
Jackie Lou gave the final speech at the program.
According to Jackie Lou, she had a chance to talk to Ricky when he was dying.
She said: “When the time was near, he had septic shock, and we thought that that was it.
“And so, Rikki Mae said, ‘Mom, maybe you wanna talk to Dad.’
“And at that point, I just wasn’t sure because ‘Your dad might get angry. He might suddenly stand up, get angry. I’m not sure.’
“Aunt Lot was there, and I said, ‘Ask your brother if it’s okay to talk to him.’ He said yes. I said, ‘Hey, okay. Thank you, Lord.’
“I went in. I said, ‘Ricky, this is Jackie. I’m here with the kids. I just want you to know that I won’t abandon you. I will take care of them.’
“And I said, ‘I’m sorry for whatever it is that I have done. I hope that you forgive me.’
“He didn’t open his eyes but I knew that he heard me.”
Jackie Lou and Ricky have been separated for fourteen years.
They were married in 1989, but they divorced in 2011. They were not legally annulled.
Jackie Lou continued: “Ricky and I may not have had a happy ending, but my prayer was answered.
“I had closure.
“And I know in my heart that he heard what I said.”JACKIE LOU BLANCO’S FOND MEMORIES WITH RICKY DAVAO
Jackie Lou also recalled the happy memories she had with Ricky when they were still together as a couple.
JACKIE LOU BLANCO’S FOND MEMORIES WITH RICKY DAVAO
Jackie Lou also recalled the happy memories she had with Ricky when they were still together as a couple.
Known to be a joker among friends and co-workers, Ricky was the same at home.
Jackie Lou looked back: “It’s true what my kids and friends say that Ricky is a real joker.
“When my kids were small, you know, he would come home from taping and, you know, he wouldn’t wipe the blood off his face. He’ll lie down there, right?
“Then he’ll say, ‘Call the kids.’ So, I’ll call the kids, they’ll come down. ‘Oh my gosh, what happened to Dad?!’”
Ricky didn’t move for a long time, pretending to be wounded and bloody.
“And then, for a long time, they were scared.
“I mean, he was that kind of dad. He would always joke around.” Jackie Lou, who is organized and safety-conscious, also recalled the veteran actor-director.
“I learned from him, he would tell the kids to lose everything, just don’t take the passport.
“‘Because if you lose that, it’s like you’re dead,’ he would say.
“And then, I learned from him that when we travel, ‘We need to Xerox your passport. So all the details, you have one in your bag, you have one in your suitcase.’
“That’s right, if it’s lost, you have all your details.”
Ricky is also said to be good at managing money.
“He’s very, very prudent,” said Jackie Lou.
“As in, I remember, when I was younger, we had an office that took care of everything.
“So, when I didn’t seem to know much about how to write checks. He was the one who taught me back then.
“Then he was the one who taught me that you need to save. It’s like you get from your salary, you put aside 20 percent or 30 percent.”
AFTER SEPARATION
Jackie Lou did not mention the reason why she and Ricky separated.
The only thing she shared was that they also went through a period of not being okay after their separation.
The actress still looks back: “When we got separated, things were not okay for a while.
“Ricky, because he had a lot of pride. That’s just how he was. He wasn’t very good at winning, he was a bit of a slob, you know, that’s how he was.
“So, at first, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate events together because it was awkward.
“Like, when the kids have birthdays, there are separate occasions, right?
“So, it would be awkward when we would be at events, but I prayed. I said, ‘Lord, please be more organized. Because I know, if we’re organized, the kids will be organized too.’”
God said that Jackie Lou’s prayer was answered when she and Ricky had grandchildren.
There was a family gathering where they were together for the first time.
Kenneth’s son was still a baby at the time, the estranged couple’s eldest child.
“So, when he arrived, I told Ken, ‘Oh, you go to your dad.’
“And my grandson was there, still a baby. And you know that [Ricky], he kind of pretended not to be happy, right?
“So, he sat there, looking at his grandson. Of course, he probably couldn’t stand it anymore because he was so cute, right?!
“So, he picked up the phone, but didn’t show that he was picking up the phone. Then, he took a picture of his grandson.
“So, I said, ‘Okay, thank you, Lord.’ Because I know his heart softened.
“And from that time on, wow, he was such a wonderful grandfather.”
Jackie Lou said she witnessed a different side of her estranged husband.
“The one in my mind who was a strict dad or a disciplinarian, he wants everything to be in place…
“His heart softened so much towards his grandchildren. And that means his heart softened towards me too.”
Since then, their co-parenting relationship has been great.
She says she asks Ricky for help, especially when their children need advice.
Even if he doesn’t answer her, Jackie Lou is surprised that Ricky has found a way to do whatever she asks.
“I was very, very happy,” said Jackie Lou. ON PRAYING FOR RICKY TO GROW CLOSER TO GOD
Jackie Lou also got emotional when she remembered the time when she wanted to get back together with her husband.
“There was a time when I received the Lord as my personal Savior,” Jackie Lou said first.
She then said, “I’m sorry, Malca, no disrespect to you.”
The “Malca” she referred to was Mayeth Malca Darroca, Ricky’s non-showbiz partner, who was also there listening to the eulogy.
Jackie Lou continued: “Part of my prayer was if it was the Lord’s will to heal my marriage. That was my prayer.
“But after a while, my prayer changed.
“What was more important to me was for Ricky to accept the Lord in his heart. For me, above anything, that was most important.”
Jackie Lou’s prayer for Ricky was answered again.
Jackie Lou added that Tirso Cruz III and his wife Lyn Ynchausti-Cruz visited Ricky. Tirso is also known by the nickname Pip.
Jackie Lou cried again: “And when he got sick, Lyn and Pip were one of the first ones who went, and they prayed, and he accepted the Lord in his heart.
“And I was so happy because I knew that no matter what happened, Ricky would be okay.
“I know that I wouldn’t have to worry because he would be taken care of in heaven.”
JACKIE LOU’S FAREWELL TO RICKY
Although she wasn’t sure at first whether she should give a eulogy, Jackie Lou eventually decided she wanted to pay tribute to Ricky.
She said, “Even if we didn’t end up together, he was such a big part of my life.”
Jackie Lou’s eulogy became even more touching every time her children and friends approached her when she mentioned them in the eulogy.
She also called Ricky’s partner, Malca, and thanked her for taking care of Ricky.
Their blended family was said to be fine because of Ricky, who passed away on good terms with all of Jackie Lou’s children.
This includes Teddy, Ricky’s son with his ex-girlfriend named Cheryl Singzon.
At one point, Jackie Lou also called Teddy, who even though he didn’t say it out loud, he also considered her his son.
In the end, Jackie Lou said how much she loved Ricky.
“I love you. I have always loved you and I will always love you.
“Thank you so much. Rest in peace.
“Thank you, Ricky.
“You lived such a wonderful life. You were able to do everything in excellence.”
Jackie Lou continued: “Say hello to my mom. Tell her I miss her… Now you can sing with Mamita.”
Jackie Lou’s mother, Pilita Corrales, passed away just April 12
Before concluding, Jackie Lou asked those present in the chapel, “Can I ask everyone, let’s give Ricky a standing ovation for the life that he lived. Thank you.”
At this point, all the guests applauded and expressed their condolences to Ricky’s family.
As the closing song of the program, a video of Ricky singing “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin” was aired.
This was taken by PEP.ph in January 2024 at the funeral for the late veteran entertainment columnist Mario Bautista.
The three chapels at Heritage Park were still full even though the program for those who paid tribute to Ricky ended at 10:25 P.M. last night.
The program was held at Chapel No. 8.
Ricky’s cremated remains will be brought home after the final mass at the Heritage Park Chapels this Wednesday, May 7.
