RICKY DAVAO SHEDS TEARS AS HE RECALLS DAUGHTER RIKKI MAE COMING OUT TO HIM: “NATANGGAP KO NAMAN AGAD”
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In a rare, emotional revelation that has touched the hearts of netizens and showbiz followers alike, veteran actor and director Ricky Davao bared his soul in a recent interview, recalling the deeply personal moment when his daughter Rikki Mae Davao came out to him as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Holding back tears, the 63-year-old multi-awarded actor opened up about the experience that, he says, made him not just a better father, but also a more compassionate human being.

“Natanggap ko naman agad,” Ricky said with his voice cracking. “Kasi anak ko siya. At mahal ko siya, anuman ang piliin niyang landas.”

💔 A FATHER’S HONEST REACTION

In a candid moment during a sit-down interview on a popular talk show, Ricky was asked about the most life-changing conversation he’s ever had with his children. Without hesitation, he mentioned the day his daughter Rikki Mae—his child with ex-wife, actress Jackie Lou Blanco—opened up about her sexuality.

“Umiiyak siya noon. Akala ko may masamang nangyari. Pero ang sabi lang niya, ‘Dad, I’m gay.’ At ang sagot ko, ‘Yun lang pala.’”

Ricky said he immediately embraced his daughter, reassuring her that there was nothing to forgive, nothing to hide, and nothing to be ashamed of.

“Ang sabi ko, ‘Anak, mahal na mahal kita. Wala kang kasalanan.’”

👨‍👧 A STRONGER BOND

According to Ricky, that vulnerable exchange actually brought him and Rikki Mae closer than ever.

“Nakita ko ang tapang ng anak ko. Naisip ko, ilang taon niya siguro tinago ‘yon, ilang beses siyang natakot baka hindi ko siya matanggap. Mas nasaktan ako doon.”

He said he considers it a privilege to have been trusted with that truth, and that since that day, he has made it a personal mission to be a better ally and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community—not just for his daughter, but for all young people struggling to live their truth.

💬 PUBLIC SUPPORT AND PRAISE

The emotional clip of Ricky’s interview quickly went viral, with fans, celebrities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community flooding social media with messages of support and admiration.

Actor Iza Calzado tweeted:

“Ricky Davao is proof that love wins. What a beautiful father.”

Director Antoinette Jadaone shared the clip with the caption:

“This is how we parent. No conditions. Just love.”

Even international audiences noticed, with LGBTQ+ advocates praising Ricky for modeling acceptance, empathy, and emotional vulnerability—traits rarely seen from male figures in traditional Filipino households.

🏳️‍🌈 RIKKI MAE SPEAKS

Rikki Mae, who has been living a more private life away from the limelight, also posted a brief but touching message on her Instagram stories:

“Thank you, Dad. You’ve always been my hero. And you still are.”

It was accompanied by a childhood photo of the two of them together, hugging at a beach with the caption, “Forever your little girl.”

🌟 A ROLE MODEL BEYOND THE SCREEN

Ricky Davao’s revelation is being hailed as a milestone moment in Philippine showbiz, especially in an era where discussions about gender identity, acceptance, and family dynamics are becoming more open—but still face resistance.

Fans have pointed out that Ricky’s reaction is not just heartwarming—it’s a lesson.

“Dito mo makikita kung sino talaga ang tatay. Walang ‘pero,’ walang ‘sayang.’ Basta pagmamahal lang,” said one netizen in a viral Facebook post.

🎥 WHAT’S NEXT FOR RICKY?

While Ricky Davao continues to shine onscreen with a string of acclaimed TV dramas and directorial projects, many are now hoping he’ll lend his voice more openly to LGBTQ+ advocacy.

When asked if he plans to get involved in causes for queer youth, Ricky smiled and said:

“Kung may maitutulong ako, bakit hindi? Kung may batang makakaramdam ng tapang dahil sa sinabi ko, sapat na ‘yon.”

In a country where traditional values and modern identities often clash, Ricky Davao’s raw honesty and unconditional love are a breath of fresh air—reminding everyone that parenthood is not about perfection, but about acceptance.

Because at the end of the day, love doesn’t ask questions. It just embraces.