Kapamilya actress Ara Davao took to social media to share an emotional letter to her father, veteran actor and director Ricky Davao, following his recent passing.
On her Instagram page, Ara posted photos of herself holding her father’s urn, along with a picture of all Ricky’s children.
“Pa, it’s still so hard to believe that you’re gone. Many days will feel empty without you, but I find comfort in knowing you’re now free from pain and suffering,” Ara wrote.
Although she is still grieving, Ara expressed how she still wants to enjoy life just like what her father wanted for her.
“I know it won’t be easy, but I’ll keep trying to live my best life everyday—because that’s what you would’ve wanted,” she added.
Ara went on: “It’s been a week since you left us.. and a lifetime still to go. I’ll miss you everyday. Rest well and watch over me. Love you, Pa. 🤍.”
Ricky Davao passed away at the age of 63 after battling lymphoma earlier this May. His family confirmed the news in a statement.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Ricky Davao. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children and loved ones, after bravely facing complications related to cancer,” Ara wrote in a joint social media post of Ricky’s family.
Ara highlighted his contributions to the industry, adding, “For more than four decades, he dedicated his life to the craft of acting and directing. His remarkable body of work and award-winning performances have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire. Most of all he was a loving father, brother, son, and friend.”
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Ara recalled her final moments with her father.
"During the last days siguro I just kept saying 'I love you, Pa,' 'Goodnight,' and nakaka-respond pa siya ng 'Goodnight,' 'I love you,'" Ara recalled. "I will never forget those moments talaga."
Friends, colleagues, and family members paid tribute to the late actor, honoring his legacy and life.
READ: Family, friends, colleagues pay tribute to Ricky Davao
Actor Michael De Mesa wrote in his post about the beautiful brotherhood he has with Ricky on and off cam.
“We’ve come a long way, my friend. And now, I’ll have to come to terms with a world that no longer has you in it. But I’ll hold on to the memories, the laughter, and the brotherhood,” Michael said.
“Rest easy, Ricky. I take comfort in knowing you’re now with our Lord, probably cracking jokes and sharing stories with Ralph and Cherie up there. Until we meet again. I will miss you so much. I love you, my brother.”
Actor Dingdong Dantes also paid his respects, saying he admired both the professional and personal sides of Ricky.
“I got to know Tito Ricky not just as an actor or director, but as a man. We’d talk about everything—our processes, family, even Loujude’s adobo recipes. He shared stories. Listened intently. And gave insight not just about the craft, but about living with purpose,” Dingdong wrote.
“Maraming salamat, Tito Ricky. You made our industry, our work, and our lives richer. This curtain call is not goodbye. It’s simply our standing ovation. 👏👏👏”
Ricky’s former wife Jackie Lou Blanco also honored him during the final night of his wake.
READ: Stars gather to honor Ricky Davao at final night of wake
"Though our time together Ricky changed over the years, I will always honor the good we shared and the family that we built. Your presence will be missed in the everyday moments. The family gatherings na lagi kang nagpapatawa, the quiet ways you showed how you cared,” Jackie said in a video posted by Allan Diones.
“Ricky, rest well knowing how deeply loved. Thank you so much for being the kind of father that you are and I promise you like I promised you, na hindi ko pababayaaan mga anak natin. I will take care of them, we will honor you by sharing kung ano 'yung tinuro mo sa amin. We will honor you by trying to be excellence in whatever field that we are in and by being good people just like you are," she added.