“He Always Had a Song for Me”: Sharon Cuneta Remembers Her Deep Bond with Ricky Davao

On the night of May 5, 2025, at the solemn wake of Ricky Davao at Heritage Park in Taguig City, Sharon Cuneta stood quietly among the mourners, her eyes filled with both sorrow and gratitude. The megastar of Philippine entertainment wasn’t just there to pay respects to a fellow actor—she was there to say goodbye to someone who had been part of her life for decades: a co-star, a friend, a confidant, and above all, her “Pare.”

In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Sharon opened her heart, recalling her long and meaningful friendship with the late actor and director Ricky Davao. Her voice trembled with emotion, but her memories were vivid, and her words were soaked in warmth and admiration.

“We Go Way Back…”

“Yung unang movie namin, mag-boyfriend pa sila ni Jackie nung 1987,” Sharon recalled, referring to Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin, a classic Regal Films melodrama where she starred alongside Ricky. “Tapos we did Kahit Konting Pagtingin.”

Their on-screen chemistry was unmistakable, but what endured long after the cameras stopped rolling was a sincere friendship that only grew stronger through the years. Sharon shared that she had witnessed many chapters in Ricky’s personal life—including his marriage to actress Jackie Lou Blanco and the birth of their first child, Ken, whom Sharon proudly calls her godson.

“When they got married and had Ken, I became his ninang,” she said fondly. “Pare at Mare ang tawagan namin. That was just how close we were.”

A Friendship Built on Laughter and Loyalty

Sharon’s recollections weren’t just about milestones—they were about the little moments, the quirks, and the spontaneous laughter that made their bond special. One of the memories that stood out for her was Ricky’s deep love for music. “Si Ricky mahilig kumanta,” she said with a laugh. “Kahit saan kami, party, kahit nga burol ng kaibigan, sasabihin sa akin nun, ‘May dala akong minus one.’”

Sharon smiled as she remembered how Ricky would insist on singing a duet with her, regardless of the occasion. “He always had a song for me,” she said. “That was Ricky—he brought joy even in the most unexpected places.”

It was moments like these that etched Ricky Davao into Sharon’s heart. Their camaraderie wasn’t just about work or showbiz—it was about being present for each other through the highs and lows of life, even during moments of grief. Sharon recalled how Ricky would show up, minus one track in hand, ready to lift spirits with a song. “He made everything lighter, even the heaviest situations,” she said.

Jackie Lou Blanco: A Shared History

The mention of Jackie Lou Blanco added another layer to Sharon’s reflections. Jackie, Ricky’s estranged wife and herself a prominent actress, recently made headlines with her emotional statement that she had “closure” with Ricky before his passing.

For Sharon, Jackie wasn’t just a colleague—she was part of the same extended family of friendships that had been nurtured over decades. “I was there from the time they were dating,” she said. “I saw their love story unfold, and I was there when their family began.”

It’s a rare kind of friendship that survives not only the tests of time but the complexities of life in the public eye. Sharon’s connection with both Ricky and Jackie stands as a testament to the kind of loyalty and love that many in showbiz only dream of.

Mourning a Gentleman

As tributes poured in for Ricky Davao from all corners of the entertainment industry, what stood out most was the unanimous respect he commanded—not just as an actor or director, but as a human being. Known for his professionalism, intelligence, and humility, Ricky carved a unique space for himself in a world often criticized for being fleeting and superficial.

Sharon echoed these sentiments. “Ricky was a gentleman,” she said. “Always respectful, always generous with his time and talent. He wasn’t just there for the big moments—he was there for the small ones, too. And sometimes, those mean the most.”

Her eyes welled up as she continued, “You know, in this industry, you meet a lot of people. Some stay, some don’t. But Ricky… he stayed. He was a constant. And that’s rare.”

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Ricky Davao’s passing is a monumental loss not only to his family and close friends but also to Philippine cinema and television. His versatility as an actor—from dramatic roles to comedic turns—and his later work as a director made him a beloved figure among peers and fans alike.

But for Sharon, Ricky’s most important role was never in front of the camera. “He was my friend. That’s the role I will always remember him for,” she said softly.

She also took a moment to express her condolences to Ricky’s children, especially Ken, whom she watched grow up. “I hope they know how proud Ricky was of them. He talked about them all the time. His face would light up.”

Final Goodbye

As Sharon Cuneta stepped out of Heritage Park that evening, the weight of the loss was evident on her face. But behind the sadness was an undeniable sense of peace—a peace that comes from knowing she had loved, laughed, and lived many moments with someone who truly mattered.

“I’ll miss him,” she whispered. “But I’ll sing for him, too. Because I know, wherever he is now, he still has his minus one.”

In Loving Memory of Ricky Davao (1961–2025):
Actor. Director. Friend. Gentleman.

He brought stories to life and left behind one of his own—etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.