IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Getting to know David Licauco, the fan-favorite ginoo from ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’

INQUIRER.net / 07:00 AM January 30, 2023

Image: Instagram/@davidlicauco

A resident on the list of daily trending topics, “Maria Clara at Ibarra” star David Licauco certainly has the spotlight on him and fans can’t seem to get enough of this ilustrado’s charm.

Bringing to life the character of Fidel de los Reyes in the hit historical drama series, Licauco has been a regular dose of kilig not only to Klay (his character’s love interest portrayed by Barbie Forteza) but to the viewers who have been crushing on the actor since the show premiered in October.

The Filipino-Chinese actor ventured into show business in 2014 but his social media following notably increased after landing his recent TV series role. In case you’re needing an info sheet to get to know more about Licauco, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s some of the facts about the current internet boyfriend everyone’s gushing about:

An affectionate son, sibling

Licauco, second among four siblings, was born into a family of Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs. He shares a close relationship with his parents Jac and Eden, as well as his siblings Elan, Jean and James. Licauco, who is vocal and expressive of his love to them, can frequently be seen dropping endearing messages at his siblings’ social media pages.

The family of six is a modern Chinese family who, according to the actor, does not strictly stick to traditions in terms of choosing a partner. Anyone can get in line, folks!

Basketball varsity player in college

Licauco, who stands 5 ’11 tall, was a shooting guard for the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Blazers and played in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Licauco was initially fixed on pursuing a professional career in basketball but after figuring in a car accident in 2013 where he lost a friend, the actor had a reevaluation of his life goals and eventually gave up the sport. The actor opened up about this in a 2018 interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal.

Mr. Chinatown 2014 1st runner-up winner

Licauco shifted to modeling and joined Mr. and Ms. Chinatown pageant in 2014, where he won the first runner-up title. He then became an endorser of several brands, landed magazine covers, walked runways of local fashion shows, and even went high up in billboards.

His acting career jumpstarted in ABS-CBN

In 2014, Licauco made a guesting in Vice Ganda’s talk show “Gandang Gabi Vice,” which was then followed by a cameo on the latter’s comedy film “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin.” He also booked guest roles in “FlordeLiza” (2015) and “Ipaglaban mo!” (2016) before signing with GMA in 2016, then starring in a major role in the TV series “Mulawin vs. Ravena” (2017).

Some of Licauco’s notable TV appearances before his “Maria Clara at Ibarra” stint include “Kapag Nahati ang Puso,” “TODA One I Love,” as well as “Heartful Café” and “Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune” where he teamed up with Maria Clara actress Julie Anne San Jose and Forteza, respectively.

Licauco was also paired with Shaira Diaz in the 2019 rom-com film “Because I Love You” which earned him the New Movie Actor award from the 36th PMPC Star Awards for Movies in 2021.

An entrepreneur with several food businesses

Licauco is a business management degree holder and an entrepreneur managing several food businesses including Kuya Korea, Sobra Comfort Food, Sobra Cafe and As Nature Intended. The actor started his brands through online platforms during the pandemic, then eventually expanded into physical stores. Licauco also recently announced that Kuya Korea will be opening for franchise soon.

A fitness junkie

Licauco put a lot of work into achieving his toned body and it’s not something the actor keeps to himself, as he has been generously treating fans to glimpses of his workout sessions.

A celebrity fanboy

Heart Evangelista, Julia Barretto and Julie Anne San Jose were so far the only celebrities Licauco admitted having a crush on. In his past interviews, Licauco gushed about working with San Jose (“Heartful Café”) and Evangelista (“Mulawin and Ravena”), who the actor described as his “longtime crush.” He also expressed hopes of being in a project with Barretto in the future.

Meanwhile, the “Maria Clara at Ibarra” star revealed in 2018 that he dated an ABS-CBN actress but he opted not to name her. Apart from this, Licauco has no other known romantic relationships and he has yet to introduce one to the public. So, have you secured your spot in the line? EDV

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Getting to know David Licauco, the fan-favorite ginoo from ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’

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