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David Licauco
Filipino actor and model (born 1994) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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),[5] Fidel de los Reyes y Maglipol in Maria Clara at Ibarra (2022–2023),[6] Carding in Maging Sino Ka Man (2023)[7] and Hiroshi Tanaka in Pulang Araw (2024) aired on GMA Network.[8]
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Early and personal life
Born to Jolan Alexander Licauco and Eden Sy Licauco with Chinese Filipino ancestry, he is the second-oldest child. 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 a grandson of Jaime Licauco, an internationally known parapsychologist, columnist, author, lecturer, hypnotherapist, and consultant.[9] >
Education
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,[10] then graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration Major in Computer Applications in 2016.
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Acting and modelling career
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Perspective
2014–2016: Career beginnings
Prior to becoming a TV actor and a professional model, Licauco started modelling inside the campus for several school event posters.[11] His modelling flair was discovered in the shores of Boracay.[12] He then landed a modelling job via Mr. and Ms. Chinatown on ABS-CBN which opened him opportunities in modelling and acting.[13] In the succeeding months, he walked for several fashion shows such as those of Cosmopolitan, Coca-Cola, and Bench,[14] and graced magazine covers including Candy Magazine, Chalk Magazine, and Garage Magazine.[15]
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.[16][17]
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,”[18]
2017–2021: Rising popularity
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.[19][20]
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.[21][22]
2022–present: Breakthrough
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."[23] 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.[24]
On November 22, 2022, Licauco renewed his contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.[25]
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".[26][27]
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Other ventures
Male Pageant
Prior to modeling and acting, Licauco joined a male pageant and won Mr. Chinatown 1st runner up in 2014.[28] This open doors for him to join modeling and showbiz industry.[29]
Business
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.[30]
Aside from restaurants, he also owns a fit-out construction company.[31]
Sports career
Licauco has played basketball. Both the typical 5x5 format and the 3x3 variant. He was a varsity player for De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde in the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the 2010s.[32] Along with Louie Vigil, Gryann Mendoza and Tosh Sesay, Licauco formed the Taho Story A Team which played in the two-day 2025 Pilipinas United 3x3 League.[33][34] He was also brand ambassador for the namesake taho business of the team.[35]
Personal life
Licauco previously dated actress Sue Ramirez and model and flight attendant Beatrix Santos (2019-2023).[36]
In June 2024, Licauco confirmed that he was taken but did not disclose the name of his non-showbiz girlfriend in Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.[37] He confirmed that he was single and had broken-up with his mystery girlfriend on January 1, 2025.
Filmography
Film
Television series
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Discography
Soundtrack appearances
Awards and nominations
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References
External links
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