Zsa Zsa Padilla recalls Ricky Davao as 'everyone’s buddy'

In the wake of veteran actor Ricky Davao’s passing, many from the Philippine entertainment industry have come forward to honor a man who was not only a consummate performer but also a cherished friend to many. Among them is singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla, who offered a heartfelt tribute to her longtime colleague and friend.

“I don’t know anyone who wasn’t a friend of Ricky Davao. He was everyone’s buddy,” Padilla said, recalling her early years working with Davao. The two first shared the screen as siblings in the classic teleserye Familia Zaragoza, a role that sparked a bond so genuine that she would affectionately call him “Brother” ever since.

Their connection deepened in 1997 when they starred together in the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ stage adaptation of Larawan. Ricky took on the role of Tony Javier, opposite Zsa Zsa’s Paula Marasigan, in a run of ten shows that required close collaboration. It was a time she remembered with warmth and gratitude—one that would become a touchstone in their later encounters.

“Whenever we’d run into each other, we’d always recall those cherished moments,” she shared. “The last time I saw him, we were celebrating a birthday from our group chat—just like always, full of laughter and warm memories.”

Even when they didn’t share scenes, like in the recent psychological thriller Cattleya Killer, Zsa Zsa noted how Ricky’s presence always brought comfort. “I saw him in the hotel lobby where we were staying. As always, we had that instant connection and took time to chat before heading to work.”

Padilla praised not just Ricky’s talent but also his dedication and professionalism. “Ricky was a very good actor. His presence will be missed on stage, television, and in the movies.”

As she bid her final goodbye, Padilla’s words served not only as a tribute but as a gentle reminder of the human connections that define the soul of show business.

“May you rest in peace, Brother. My deepest condolences to all the loved ones left behind. And thank you for the joy you brought in every role you portrayed—on stage, on television, and in film.”