Actress Jackie Lou Blanco is deeply grieving the passing of her ex-husband, Ricky Davao, who died on May 2, 2025, due to cancer. Ricky was 63 years old. Through an Instagram story, Jackie Lou expressed her profound sorrow over the loss of the man who was not only her former husband but also the father of their three children. Despite their separation, Jackie and Ricky remained friends and continued to care for each other.

Jackie shared a photo of Ricky with her mother, Pilita Corrales, who also passed away just recently on April 12. She captioned the photo, “I know you are singing in heaven. You will forever be missed. I love you.”

But what is the story behind Ricky Davao’s love life, and who were the women he truly loved? Behind the camera and applause stood a man who quietly fought not only on the stage of art but also in the stage of life and love. This is the story of actor, father, and lover Ricky Davao.

Ricky Davao, whose real name was Frederick Charles Aviera Davao, was born on May 30, 1961. He was the son of veteran actor Charlie Davao. From a young age, Ricky had a passion for the arts, particularly dancing. At age 16, he became a member of the Vikor Crowd, a dance group in the 1970s. From dancing, he transitioned into film, gradually rising to fame. One of his first films was Patayin si Mediavilla with Fernando Poe Jr.

However, beyond his talent in acting, people admired him even more for his discipline, humility, and respect for the industry. In the 1980s, while Ricky was busy with his acting career, a woman entered his life and changed it forever—Jackie Lou Blanco, daughter of Pilita Corrales.

During a segment of the GMA Super Show, Ricky was supposed to perform a song with Snooky Serna, but when she couldn’t make it, Jackie Lou stepped in. Neither of them knew that this would be the beginning of their love story. They dated, became friends, and eventually lovers. In 1989, they decided to get married, and their love bore fruit in the form of their three children: Kenneth, Ricky May, and Ara.

To the public, they were the ideal couple—both actors, both dedicated to their craft, and loving parents. But even the strongest love faces trials. In 2011, after more than two decades together, Ricky and Jackie Lou decided to part ways. It was a difficult decision, especially for their family and children. However, they remained friends. Jackie Lou clarified there was no third party involved and said, “We are better off as friends.” They continued to support each other as co-parents and never harbored resentment.

In fact, in 2021, they worked together again in the series I Can See You: Alternate, where they played a married couple. Years later, Ricky found love again with a private individual named Mayeth Malca. While the details of their love story were mostly kept private, Ricky once shared that she had shown him “dedication, understanding, and unconditional love” during one of the lowest points in his life, calling her his “silver lining.”

During his health battles, Malca became Ricky’s anchor. Their relationship, though quiet, was full of genuine care. In 2024, even while still active in showbiz and theater, Ricky’s diagnosis was made public—he had stage 4 cancer. Despite the difficulty, he chose to fight, quietly and with dignity. He never neglected his duties as a father, partner, and friend.

On May 2, 2025, Ricky Davao passed away at the age of 63. In a post by his daughter Ara Davao, she shared that he passed peacefully, surrounded by his children and loved ones. She also posted a photo of Ricky with their grandmother Pilita Corrales, who had died less than a month earlier, captioned: “Our angels.”

Jackie Lou also posted this same photo, saying, “I know you are singing in heaven. You will forever be missed. I love you,” suggesting that the two are now reunited above. Many were moved by the enduring friendship and respect between Ricky and Jackie Lou, even after their separation.

Meanwhile, Ricky’s daughter, Ricky May, made a heartfelt request: “For those that were trusted to visit my dad in the hospital, please do not post photos of him during this time. Out of respect for his privacy. Thank you.”

Ricky’s partner, Mayeth Malca, remembered his final moments in the hospital by posting a photo of him holding a gift and flowers. Her message read:
“From the very beginning, up to your last breath, I saw how fiercely you fought. The best decision I have ever made in my life was to be with you and never leave your side all throughout. I lied when I told you I’d be okay. I lied when I said I’d be strong, because the truth is, life doesn’t feel right without you. But I carry you with me always—in my heart, in my memories, in every quiet moment. I love you forever, my man, my Bubba.”

Ricky’s remains are now being mourned by loved ones, friends in the industry, and fans. In the many tributes, one sentiment remains constant: Ricky Davao was a good man, a hardworking actor, and a responsible father. Beyond all the roles he played on film, TV, and stage, the most important role Ricky played was simply being a good human being.

He showed that life’s trials can be overcome with dignity, and that love—even when a chapter ends—can begin again. His life is a lesson in acceptance, respect, and love. In his quiet way, Ricky Davao left behind a legacy—not just as an actor, but as a role model. In the final scene of his life, though he said no words, his message was clear: love, fight, and keep loving.