In a heart-wrenching moment that gripped fans and colleagues alike, veteran actress Jackielou Blanco has finally spoken up about the real reason behind the death of her beloved husband, Ricky Davao. With a trembling voice and eyes brimming with sorrow, she bravely faced the public to honor the memory of the man she once called her soulmate.

“It Took Everything in Me to Speak Today”

During an intimate press conference held in their family home, Jackielou stood before cameras not as a celebrity, but as a grieving wife—fragile, honest, and overwhelmed. Her first words immediately tugged at the heartstrings of everyone present:

“It took everything in me to speak today. Ricky wasn’t just my husband… he was my best friend, my protector, and my peace.”

While initial reports surrounding Ricky’s death were vague and speculative, Jackielou made it her mission to clarify the truth and put an end to unfounded rumors.

A Quiet Battle, Fought in Silence

With tears flowing freely, Jackielou revealed that Ricky Davao had been battling a serious illness for months, one they chose to keep private.

“He didn’t want the world to see him weak. He always said, ‘I want people to remember me as strong, as someone who inspired.’ So we kept it within the family.”

She disclosed that Ricky had been diagnosed with a rare degenerative condition, and though the disease was aggressive, Ricky fought quietly and bravely until his final breath.

The Final Moments: “He Died Holding My Hand”

Perhaps the most heartbreaking moment of the entire conference came when Jackielou shared the story of Ricky’s final hours:

“He was in pain, but he didn’t complain. He held my hand and whispered, ‘Salamat, mahal ko… hanggang dulo.’ That was the last thing he said.”

Her voice cracked as she recalled how Ricky spent his last few moments surrounded by their children, holding onto love even as life slowly slipped away.

A Love That Defied the Spotlight

Despite both being in the public eye for decades, Ricky and Jackielou kept their marriage sacred and grounded. They endured the highs and lows of the entertainment industry together, building a home filled with laughter, creativity, and unwavering devotion.

“We may have had our trials, but Ricky was always home to me. Always,” Jackielou whispered through tears.

A Message to Fans: “Celebrate Him”

Jackielou ended her emotional speech with a message to fans, friends, and the showbiz community:

“Don’t remember Ricky in a hospital bed. Remember him smiling on stage, directing with passion, or dancing with me in the kitchen. Celebrate his life, his work, and his kindness. That’s how he would’ve wanted it.”

Tributes Pour In

After her statement, social media was flooded with messages of love and condolences from celebrities, directors, former co-stars, and fans. Many remembered Ricky as a pillar of Philippine cinema, a mentor, and a gentle soul who brought light to every room he entered.

“Ricky Davao was not just a great actor, he was a great human being,” one director posted.

The Legacy Lives On

As Jackielou Blanco and her family continue to grieve, they also take solace in the impact Ricky left behind—a legacy built not just through roles and awards, but through genuine love, quiet strength, and unshakeable family values.

In the words of Jackielou herself:

“Even in death, Ricky taught me how to be strong.”

Ricky and Jackielou’s daughter to make her own name in showbiz
Rikki Mae Davao, daughter of Ricky Davao and Jackielou Blanco, is getting active in showbiz.

Why did she decide to enter showbiz only now?

Rikki Mae said, “Actually growing up, of course, there were offers, when we were in high school and even grade school, but we weren’t allowed in school.

“And I think my parents really wanted us to finish school first and so did I. And I think that, there was definitely fear or maybe insecurity that stopped me from trying.

“So now it’s like, ‘I don’t want to, whatever!’

“Even if you’re scared or have insecurity you know, our life is just one, so we might as well do what we want to try,” Rikki Mae added.

Another reason why Rikki Mae’s acting career was delayed was because she tried her hand at a career in the corporate world.

“I also wanted to try to build my own name in a different industry so my experience is in the corporate industry too.

“And I was actually a pre-school teacher first, during the pandemic and before that, kids ages one to six and I also did HR [Human Resources], I worked for a BPO, corporate communications, so that’s it.

“It’s like I’m the only one in my family who goes to the office,” Rikki Mae laughed,

“so when I tell stories, they can’t relate.

“Because what they do, taping, call time, things like that, it’s really different.”