The ‘jackpot’: Ricky Davao dreams of directing ‘good material . . . interesting’ films

Ricky Davao (left) with daughter Arabella

“I don’t write scripts but I want to be able to make more interesting films,” said actor Ricky Davao as a way to call out other members of the creative field, to inform them that he is keen on directing materials that he’d find worth his while.

“I’m OK to do drama or action, or even action-drama. I also enjoyed directing ‘!Oka Tokat’ before so I can do horror, or horror-comedy. Actually, I’m open to doing films in any genre as long as the material is OK. I don’t write but I can easily tell if a script is a good one. I’m praying that I’d win the jackpot, that I’d be able to direct a really good material. Sadly, these days, those who write the scripts are also those who direct the films,” he told Inquirer Entertainment.

Tribute

Ricky, who has been an actor since the late ’70s and a TV director since 1997, said he has yet to receive an award as a director. “This is because I’ve only done one film, ‘Paraiso’ for Gawad Kalinga. I’ve been blessed with various awards as an actor, so paging writers! It’s my dream to be able to do films while I still have the energy for it. Let’s see if I’d be able to do something that’s worthy of an award. Over the years, it was already enough for me that I get to work with an actor whose performance affects me, that I have shows that do well ratings-wise,” Ricky pointed out.

Ricky, as the recipient of the Natatanging Gintong Parangal bilang Pinakamahusay na Aktor at Direktor sa Industriya ng Pelikulang Filipino, is among the 25 honorees of the third Gintong Parangal that will be held on Aug. 13, 6 p.m., at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. The tribute is organized by members of the academe.

“I consider an award as a badge that reminds me to keep doing my job well, that some people think of me as a role model. It also helps me remember that I have to be right all the time, especially with what I do on social media. With just one wrong click, everything in your life, particularly the reputation you’ve built all these years, will be ruined,” he shared with reporters.

Ricky said he considers himself blessed to still be working even during the pandemic. This is why, “in small and simple ways,” he tries to pay it forward. “As a director, I treat my actors equall—I don’t believe in small actors as opposed to superstars. I also teach them what I’ve learned from veteran actors that came before me—from FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr.) to Eddie Garcia. I learned that if you want to become a good actor, you first have to become a good person,” he said.

Inspiring words

Ricky’s daughter, Arabella, who is trying to make a name for herself in the industry, would often get inspiring words from her dad. Ricky said he was aware that Arabella has frustrations with her acting career, too. “I told her that if you really like to be in this industry, you have to be patient. While waiting, help yourself by making sure you look pretty, by working out, by reading books and watching good and bad films, by making sure you know what’s happening in the industry,” Ricky began.

He also said Arabella should always be prepared for anything. “By this, I mean she should be ready if ever she receives a call to go to an audition. This happened to her once. She got a call for something but she got so nervous that she went home feeling bad. I told her that it’s OK, that it happens to the best of us, but that it should also serve as a lesson to her. In the United States, even popular actors attend cattle calls. This is because they know that one hit movie will change their lives forever,” Ricky stressed.

In terms of dealing with bashers, Ricky told his daughter: “It’s either you just ignore and let other people fight for you, or if your stomach can take it, fight them head on. For me, it’s no use fighting them. The world can be a happy place if you choose it to be.”

He continued: “Of course, it’s easier said than done. I’d definitely choose to avoid them, especially if what these bashers are saying are not true. Give them two to three days and they will surely leave you alone. Unless they have an agenda against you, then you have to find out why. I hope the younger generation will not get offended, but I find them too sensitive; or maybe, I’m just unable to understand them. Whatever the case may be, it’s not wrong to listen to me because what I’m saying is based on experience. These are nuggets of wisdom.”