David Alexander Sy Licauco (Tagalog: [ˈdeɪvɪd lɪˈkaʊko]: born June 15, 1994) is a Filipino actor, model, and businessman.[1] He is known for portraying Malik for GMA television drama Mulawin vs. Ravena (2017) and Fidel de los Reyes y Maglipol in Maria Clara at Ibarra (2022–2023) and Carding in Maging Sino Ka Man (2023).

David Licauco
Licauco in 2022
Born
David Alexander Sy Licauco

(1994-06-15) June 15, 1994 (age 30)[1]
Quezon City, Philippines[2]
EducationDe La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (BSBA)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • brand ambassador
  • model
  • entrepreneur
Years active1997–present
AgentSparkle (2016–present)[3]
Height5 ft 11.5 in (182 cm)[4]

Early and personal life

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Born to Jolan Alexander Licauco and Eden Sy Licauco with Chinese Filipino ancestry, he is the second eldest among his siblings. His siblings are Elan Alyssandra, Jean Arianne May, and James Daniel; the latter two are both volleyball players and have previously played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles. He is one of the grandchildren of Jaime Licauco, an internationally known parapsychologist, newspaper columnist, author, lecturer, hypnotherapist, and consultant.[5] In 2014, he started his career as a model after he won 1st runner-up in Mr. and Ms. Chinatown.[6]

Education

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Licauco finished high school at Grace Christian College. He then studied college at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, playing for its varsity basketball team,[7] then graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration Major in Computer Applications in 2016.

Health problems

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On April 23, 2024, Licauco revealed on 24 Oras that he would undergo surgery for his sleep apnea that he had been enduring since July 2023.[8] In May 2024, he successfully underwent through radiofrequency ablation.[9]

Career

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2014–2016: Career beginnings

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Prior to becoming a TV actor and a professional model, Licauco started modelling inside the campus for several school event posters.[10] His modelling flair was discovered in the shores of Boracay.[11] He then landed a modelling job via Mr. and Ms. Chinatown on ABS-CBN which opened him opportunities in modelling and acting.[12] In the succeeding months, he walked for several fashion shows such as those of Cosmopolitan, Coca-Cola, and Bench,[13] and graced magazine covers including Candy Magazine, Chalk Magazine, and Garage Magazine.[14]

Although Licauco had been a constant face in fashion shows and magazine covers, in 2014 he made his acting debut in the movie The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin topbilled by Vice Ganda. In the succeeding year he made a cameo in the television series FlordeLiza aired on ABS-CBN followed by playing small roles in Ipaglaban Mo!, Magpakailanman and Karelasyon in 2016.[15][16]

In all honesty, Licauco never dreamed of entering Philippine showbiz and becoming a star. In his March 2023 interview for GMANetwork.com's Kapuso Profiles, he admitted that growing up, he never considered himself "good-looking" enough to be in showbiz. "I was just an ordinary basketball player na tamad-tamad, so ’di ko lang talaga inisip talaga ’yon,”[17]

2017–2021: Rising popularity

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In 2017, Licauco starred in the television fantaserye Mulawin vs Ravena. After landing the role of Malik, Licauco's popularity skyrocketed, launching him into stardom. Because of this, he landed consecutive roles in the television series Kapag Nahati ang Puso and TODA One I Love.[18][19]

In 2021, Licauco received his first leading role in GMA Network's romantic comedy series Heartful Café. It premiered on April 26, 2021, on the network's Telebabad line up.[20][21]

2022–present: Breakthrough

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In 2022, Licauco received his breakthrough role in Maria Clara at Ibarra where he starred as Fidel de los Reyes, the mischievous friend of the character Crisostomo Ibarra (played by Dennis Trillo) and potential love interest of Klay Infantes (Barbie Forteza). His performance was tagged by various media outlets as the "New Philippine Superstar not for his boy-next-door looks, but on-point acting skills."[22] Licauco also sang the official theme song for the FiLay love team in the show entitled "Kailangan Kita", which was released on December 23, 2022. The theme song is under GMA Music and GMA Playlist.[23]

On November 22, 2022, Licauco renewed his contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.[24]

Licauco was a cover star of March, 2023 issues of Cosmopolitan Philippines, Mega Man Magazine and Scout magazine. He became a cover model of Summit Media's Preview Magazine October, 2023, as “new-generation matinee idol,” and L'Officiel Hommes Philippines Fall-Winter issue, November, 2023, "Balancing Act".[25][26]

Other work

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Business career

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In 2019, Licauco, as entrepreneur, opened his first restaurant, Turks Shawarma in Valenzuela, Metro Manila. He is the president and CEO of DJA Fitlife Corporation, Kuya Korea Corporation, MAD Business Group, and As Nature Intended. He expanded his food and on-line businesses with His Sobra Comfort Filipino Food delivery rising to Sóbra Café in Ayala Alabang. He founded Kuya Korea and 25th Burgers chains.[27]

Aside from restaurants, he also owns a fit-out construction company in Metro, Manila, Alpha Fitness Club, a 3-in-1 gym along Taft Avenue and Blue Water Day Spa in Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons. [28]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2014 The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin Anarchist Guest role [29]
2019 Because I Love You Rael Tansinco Lead role [30]
2023 Without You Axel [31]
2024 G! LU Patrick [32]
That Kind of Love Adam "Mr. Perfect" de Dios [33]

Television series

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2015 Flordeliza Simon Guest role [34]
2016 Ipaglaban Mo! John's friend [35]
Magpakailanman: Ang Sundalong Magiting Sgt. Canega [36]
Karelasyon Teammate [16]
2017 Sa Piling ni Nanay SPO2 Alexander Jesuitas
Karelasyon
Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa Aiden [37]
Mulawin vs. Ravena Malik Supporting role [38]
2018 Kapag Nahati ang Puso Zach Yee [39]
Magpakailanman: Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali Aron Guest role [40]
Dear Uge: Isang Takong, Isang Tanong Andrew Salvador [41]
2019 One Hugot Away: Walang Label Ben Main role [42]
TODA One I Love Kobe Generoso Supporting role [43]
Wish Ko Lang!: My Dream Debut Guest role [44]
Tadhana: Obsession Manny
Wish Ko Lang: Against All Odds Niño [45]
2020 Go! Marikina Aldrin Kho
2021 Magpakailanman Richard Yap Guest role [46]
Heartful Café Ace Nobleza Main role [47]
Dear Uge: Shout Up Fiel Guest role [48]
2022 Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune Anton Chan Main role [49]
Regal Studio Presents: Isn't She Lovely Stephen Guest role
2022 – 2023 Maria Clara at Ibarra Fidel Reyes y Maglipol Supporting role (Noli Me Tangere arc) / Main role (El Filibusterismo arc) [50]
2023 Maging Sino Ka Man Ricardo "Carding" Macario Main role [51]
2024 Pulang Araw Hiroshi Tanaka [52]

Discography

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Soundtrack appearances

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List of soundtrack appearances, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"It's The Best Thing" 2021 Heartful Café OST
"Kailangan Kita" 2022 Maria Clara at Ibarra OST

Awards and nominations

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Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Ref.
NWSSU Students' Choice Awards 2023 Best Supporting Actor in a Primetime Teleserye Maria Clara at Ibarra Won [53]
Platinum Stallion National Media Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role Won [54]
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2021 New Movie Actor of the Year Because I Love You Won [55]
VP Choice Awards 2023 Supporting Actor of the Year Maria Clara at Ibarra Won [56]

References

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  1. ^ a b Ruiz, Marah (November 13, 2022). "IN PHOTOS: David Licauco is one wholesome guy!". GMA Network. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  2. ^ PEP TV (June 10, 2020). "David Licauco on TikTokized workouts, being a boxing fan, indecent proposals, getting married". YouTube. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  3. ^ "'David Licauco: The New Sparkle Superstar". GMA Network. January 10, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  4. ^ Licauco, David [@davidlicauco] (April 11, 2020). "@rnvcvlln and @cosmo_ph Im 5'11" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  5. ^ Licauco, David (October 14, 2022). "10 Fast Facts to Know About "Maria Clara at Ibarra" Rising Star David Licauco". Candy Mag (Interview). Interviewed by Cass Lazaro. Retrieved October 14, 2022.[self-published source]
  6. ^ Robles, Renzneil (October 15, 2022). "David Licauco aka Fidel of 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' is a real-life negociante!". Village Pipol. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  7. ^ Godinez, Bong (November 20, 2022). "Get to know David Licauco, Maria Clara at Ibarra heartthrob". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  8. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (April 24, 2024). "David Licauco to undergo surgery to cure sleep apnea". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  9. ^ Basina, Carby (May 8, 2024). "David Licauco is feeling better, sleeping better following sleep apnea surgery". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  10. ^ "David Licauco". Renegade Branding Concepts.
  11. ^ Ed Lorenzo. "HELLO MR. DAVID FEATURING DAVID LICAUCO". Style MNL.
  12. ^ The Philippine Star. "Chinatown pageant new source of showbiz stars". Philstar. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  13. ^ Villamonte, Jerico (May 11, 2022). "LOOK: Bench releases a new range of neon-colored undergarments". GARAGE. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  14. ^ Aedrianne Acar (January 18, 2017). "LOOK: 16 hot photos of David Licauco & Nikki Co". GMA Network. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  15. ^ "David Licauco recalls how his life changed after 2013 car accident". Panay News. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  16. ^ a b Gayflor De Guzman (June 30, 2019). "'Wow ang haba!' David Licauco reveals how many inches is his "alaga"". LionHeartTV.
  17. ^ "David Licauco : The Modern Gentleman". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  18. ^ Jojo Gabinete. "David Licauco, grateful na makasama ang seasoned actors sa Kapag Nahati ang Puso". PEP.PH. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  19. ^ Aaron Brennt Eusebio (January 7, 2019). "David Licauco on 'TODA One I Love' role: Happy and grateful". GMA News. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  20. ^ Anarcon, James Patrick (April 16, 2021). "GMA-7 explains why Heartful Cafe will now air on GMA Telebabad instead of Gtv". Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  21. ^ The Manila Times. "Julie Anne San Jose, David Licauco set to brew romance in 'Heartful Café'". The Manila Times. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  22. ^ "Get to Know David Licauco the 2022 Breakthrough Actor of the Year". GMA Network. December 8, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  23. ^ "Official theme song nina Klay at Fidel, mapapakinggan na sa 'Maria Clara at Ibarra'". GMA Network. November 18, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  24. ^ "David Licauco Renews Exclusive Contract With GMA". GMA Network. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  25. ^ Geneciran, Danyl (November 6, 2023). "L'Officiel Hommes Philippines' FW 2023 with David Licauco". L'Officiel Hommes. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  26. ^ Lim, Ron (November 7, 2023). "David Licauco is the new cover model of lifestyle magazine". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  27. ^ "The Other Side of David Licauco, a Rising Food Entrepreneur in His Own Right". esquiremag.ph. August 14, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  28. ^ Llemit, Kathleen (August 14, 2023). "David Licauco adds construction company to his businesses". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  29. ^ "The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin". Netflix.
  30. ^ Marcelo, RM. "David Licauco & Shaira Diaz Lead Stars in the Movie 'Because I Love You'". Barbieliciousss.
  31. ^ "David Licauco, Shaira Diaz to star in Valentine film 'Without You'". GMA Network. December 29, 2022. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  32. ^ "David Licauco deepens bonds over barkada film 'G! LU'". CinemaBravo. April 19, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  33. ^ GMA Integrated News (June 2, 2024). "'That Kind of Love' starring Barbie Forteza, David Licauco drops teaser trailer". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  34. ^ Siazon, Rachelle (September 15, 2018). "David Licauco recalls how his life changed after 2013 car accident". PEP.PH.
  35. ^ Sabik:Ipaglaban Mo Recap. ABS-CBN Entertainment. March 9, 2019 – via YouTube.
  36. ^ Magpakailanman: Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali Teaser Ep. 335. GMANetwork. June 6, 2019 – via YouTube.
  37. ^ "The Kapuso 'Chinito Heartthrob'". The Philippine Star. March 25, 2017 – via PresReader.
  38. ^ Abanilla, Clarizel (March 13, 2017). "'Regal Baby' David Licauco becomes Kapuso network's 'Chinito Heartthrob'". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  39. ^ Caligan, Michelle (July 6, 2018). "IN PHOTOS: At the media conference of 'Kapag Nahati Ang Puso'". Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  40. ^ "Magpakailanman presents 'Nakawin Natin Ang Bawat Sandali'". GMA News. June 3, 2019.
  41. ^ Sun, Cherry (May 18, 2021). "'Dear Uge Presents' Sneak Peek: 'Isang Takong, Isang Sagot'". GMA News.
  42. ^ "GMA Public Affairs brings to life digital love stories via 'One Hugot Away'". GMA Network. March 21, 2019.
  43. ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (December 12, 2018). "IN PHOTOS: Meet the cast of GMA's upcoming series 'TODA One I Love'". GMA Network. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  44. ^ "'Wish Ko Lang' gives OFW's daughter a star-studded debut party". Manila Standard. June 28, 2019.
  45. ^ Wish Ko Lang: Lalaking bulag, na-in love sa babaeng may cancer Full Episode. GMA Public Affairs. January 8, 2021 – via YouTube.
  46. ^ Magpakailanman: Gua Ai Di/I Love You: The Richard and Melody Yap Love Story (Full Episode). GMA Network. September 27, 2022 – via YouTube.
  47. ^ "About Heartful Café TV GMA Entertainment". GMA Network.
  48. ^ Ramos, Jansen (July 23, 2021). "IN PHOTOS: Sanya Lopez at David Licauco, magtatambal sa 'Dear Uge'". GMA Network.
  49. ^ Villano, Alexa (February 7, 2022). "David Licauco Gives A Glimpse of A Son's Dilemma in Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune". Modern Parenting.
  50. ^ Ruiz, Marah (October 3, 2022). "Karakter ni David Licauco sa 'Maria Clara at Ibarra,' malayo raw sa kanyang typical roles". GMA Network.
  51. ^ GMA Integrated News (September 12, 2023). "Barbie Forteza, David Licauco watch 'Maging Sino Ka Man' premiere while on set". gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  52. ^ Calderon, Nora (May 5, 2023). "Barbie at David, pinaghahandaan ang 'Pulang Araw'" [Barbie and David, preparing for the 'Pulang Araw']. The Philippine Star (in Filipino). Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  53. ^ Geli, Bianca (April 15, 2023). "Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, and Andrea Torres win awards for 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' anew". gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  54. ^ GMA News (February 16, 2023). "Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, Andrea Torres win big at Platinum Stallion National Media Awards". gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  55. ^ "'David Licauco won New Actor of the Year at 36th PMPC Star Awards". GMA Network. January 16, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2021.
  56. ^ Acar, Aedrianne (March 30, 2023). "David Licauco, Myrtle Sarrosa win big at the 4th Village Pipol Choice Awards". gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
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