Ricky Davao with his non-showbiz girlfriend, Benedict Mique and Gina Alajar. Image from Bandera
Love knows no age, and Ricky Davao is proof of this adage as he disclosed that he is celebrating one year of happiness with his non-showbiz girlfriend.
In a surprising revelation, the award-winning veteran actor admitted that he is “super in love” at the moment, dashing hopes of a reconciliation with his ex-wife, Jackie Lou Blanco.
During the grand media conference for his new film, “Monday First Screening,” co-starring Gina Alajar and directed by Benedict Mique under NET25 Films, Davao candidly shared his romantic journey.
The seasoned actor found a connection to the film’s storyline, which revolves around two seniors who fell in love after meeting at a free movie screening for senior citizens every Monday.
“Di ba, si Charlie Chaplin ikinasal when he was 89 yata o 88 years old. Tapos si Robert de Niro (nagka-baby pa). So, very timely lang talaga tong Monday First Screening. Ano lang, kailangan lang maging happy,” said Davao.
(Didn’t Charlie Chaplin get married when he was around 88 or 89 years old? And Robert De Niro even had a baby. So, ‘Monday First Screening’ is very timely. We just need to be happy.)
When asked if he is still in love as a senior citizen, Ricky quickly responded with a gleeful “Yes!” Although his girlfriend, Malca Darocca, is younger than him, the age gap between them is not too significant. Malca accompanied him to the “Monday First Screening” press conference, but Ricky chose not to introduce her to the press, preferring to keep their relationship private to avoid intrigue.
Even his closest friends, such as Tirso Cruz III, Rez Cortez, and Michael de Mesa, were surprised to learn about his love life.
“It’s an open book naman. Kaya lang ako, I’m not very open about it. Ayoko naman magsinungaling. I’m very very outgoing person, but when it comes to myself, my family life, and my love life, siguro I share a bit. Even my closest friends, sina Tirso (Cruz III), sina Rez (Cortez), Michael (de Mesa), biglang nagugulat, ‘Ay, meron ka na pala!’ Parang need-to-know basis, hindi ko inaano (flaunt),” he said.
(It’s an open book anyway. But I’m not very open about it. I don’t want to lie. I’m a very outgoing person, but when it comes to myself, my family life, and my love life, I only share a bit. Even my closest friends suddenly say, ‘Oh, you’re already in a relationship!’ It’s on a need-to-know basis; I don’t flaunt it.)
While it is uncertain whether “Monday First Screening” will be released in theaters or on the streaming app Netflix, NET25 Films will continue to organize block screenings across different parts of the Philippines.
Aside from Davao and Alajar, the film also stars Ruby Ruiz, Soliman Cruz, Allen Abrenica (brother of Aljur and Vin), and Bb. Pilipinas 2nd Runner-Up Reign Parani. EDV