In a poignant interview on Sunday, actress Jackie Lou Blanco revealed the profound grief she and her children have been facing after the recent deaths of two key figures in their lives. Her mother, renowned singer Pilita Corrales, passed away in April, and her ex-husband, actor Ricky Davao, who was the father of her three children, passed away just last week.

"It's been really very hard," Blanco shared with reporters during a chance interview at Malacañang, where her late mother was honored with the Presidential Medal of Merit, the highest civilian award in the Philippines.

Blanco explained the complexity of grieving, saying, "It's difficult because you know when you grieve, your grieving is not finished after you've put them in their final resting place so we're still grieving for my mom and now we're grieving for Ricky." She emphasized the weight of the situation, adding, "It is difficult. It's just hard."

Pilita Corrales, known as the "Asia's Queen of Songs," passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 87. Meanwhile, Ricky Davao, 63, succumbed to complications from cancer after battling illness for several months. Blanco spoke with admiration about Davao’s courage during his illness, saying, "Although Ricky has been sick for the last couple of months, he really fought a good fight."

Blanco also highlighted the emotional toll on her children, who are grieving the loss of both their father and grandmother simultaneously. "It's particularly hard for my children because they lost their dad and their mamita at the same time," she noted.

Amid the sorrow, Blanco reminded her children to honor their late loved ones by living lives of excellence and kindness. "By being excellent in what we do, by being good people," Blanco said. "Kung ano man yung mga tinuro nila sa amin, that's what we will try to share to other people."

The family is drawing strength from one another, relying on faith and prayer to navigate this difficult time together. "We are just trying to draw strength from each other and we are praying for God's strength that we are able to go through this together," Blanco added.

Ricky Davao’s wake began on May 4 at Heritage Park in Taguig, and it will run until May 6. Pilita Corrales, following her cremation at the same cemetery, was laid to rest in mid-April.

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Short Biography of the Characters:

• Jackie Lou Blanco: A well-known actress in the Philippine entertainment industry, Jackie Lou Blanco is the daughter of the iconic singer Pilita Corrales. She is also recognized for her roles in television and film and has three children from her marriage to Ricky Davao.
  
  

• Pilita Corrales: Often called the "Asia's Queen of Songs," Pilita Corrales was a legendary Filipino singer with a career spanning several decades. She is celebrated for her powerful voice and contributions to the Philippine music scene. Pilita passed away at the age of 87 in April 2025.
  
  

• Ricky Davao: A veteran actor, Ricky Davao was known for his extensive work in Filipino television and film. He was the ex-husband of Jackie Lou Blanco and the father of her three children. Ricky passed away at the age of 63 in April 2025, after a battle with cancer.
  
  

This emotional chapter in the Blanco-Davao family is a reminder of the deep bonds of family, love, and the shared strength that helps us through the toughest times.