Well-respected actor Ricky Davao quietly celebrated his 60th birthday recently in the company of his children with a special dinner at his Quezon City home.
“I have a lot to be thankful for as I welcome the beginning of my life as a senior citizen,” he said, flashing a wide grin. Davao shared that he was just reminded by his youngest daughter Arabella to start applying for the government-issued card that will allow him to enjoy the benefits, perks and many discounts of being a senior citizen. “I will definitely work on getting one the soonest, I hope they have an online application for that,” he said, adding, “ I have a few more weeks of free time before I go back to work on this new GMA TV series.”
Davao is referring to the television adaptation of the Ishmael Bernal movie Nagbabagang Luha, which he shepherds as the director. The series will be topbilled by two of the network’s prized stars, Glaiza de Castro and Rayver Cruz.
Davao recounted that he and his team were locked-in for around six weeks for the first cycle of shooting for the new series, and everyone had to adjust to the stricter network health and safety protocols.
“This is the new normal for everyone working in television and even films, for that matter. Even if everyone has been tested negative prior to entering the bubble, we have to abide by the stringent rules implemented on the set to assure that it will be a safe and healthy work environment,” he shared.
He added that he has gotten more conscious of his health. “I do a lot of walking and spend a lot of time in my stationary bike at home. Nowadays, I guess everyone should focus on how to stay healthy in both mind and body, so we can be shielded from the virus and be fit to work and go on with our daily activities—more so now that I am already one of the youngest senior citizens in the country.”
Davao shared that he misses going out of town. “Traveling is one thing I really, really love, and this pandemic has put a halt or pause to many of us who love to go out of town to recharge or simply to enjoy beautiful places by ourselves or with the special people in our lives.” He added that for many years, he would shun parties when his birthday drew near and instead drive off or fly out to a travel destination usually by himself. After he wraps up his work for the new TV series, Davao plans to accept one or two acting jobs. “I’ve been getting inquiries lately to act for film and television. I enjoy both acting and directing, that is why I really have to manage my time well to be able to accommodate both. These days, I really have to consider a lot more factors before I accept any work engagement.”
Ricky Davao continues to be a well-loved presence in the entertainment world. He is pleasant, respectful, straightforward, fun, very professional, fair, focused and consistently good at what he does, always producing well-received outputs. He is still very charming and has remained suave, sharp and sweet even with the additional silver gray strands on his crown.
Happy 60, Ricky Davao!