David Licauco

In this Filipino name, the middle name or maternal family name is Sy and the surname or paternal family name is Licauco.

David Licauco
Licauco in 2022
Born
David Alexander Sy Licauco

(1994-06-15) June 15, 1994[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 in (1.80 m)[4]
Basketball career
Career information
CollegeBenilde
Career history
2025Taho Story (3x3)

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]

Early life and education

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]

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.

Acting and modelling career

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]

Licauco did not initially intend to pursue a career in entertainment. In a March 2023 interview for GMA Network's Kapuso Profiles, he stated that he did not consider himself "good-looking" enough for the industry during his youth, while describing himself as having been an "ordinary basketball player" who did not envision becoming an actor.[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]

Other ventures

Male pageantry

Prior to modeling and acting, Licauco joined a male pageant and won Mr. Chinatown 1st runner up in 2014.[28] This opened doors for him to join the modeling and showbiz industries.[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

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2014 The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin David Guest role [38]
2019 Because I Love You Rael Tansinco Lead role [39]
2023 Without You Axel [40]
2024 G! LU Patrick [41]
That Kind of Love Adam "Mr. Perfect" de Dios [42]
2025 Samahan ng mga Makasalanan Rev. Sam

Television series

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2015 Flordeliza Simon Guest role [43]
2016 Ipaglaban Mo! John's friend [44]
Magpakailanman: Ang Sundalong Magiting Sgt. Canega [45]
Karelasyon Teammate [17]
2017 Sa Piling ni Nanay SPO2 Alexander Jesuitas
Karelasyon
Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa Aiden [46]
Mulawin vs. Ravena Malik Supporting role [47]
2018 Kapag Nahati ang Puso Zach Yee [48]
Magpakailanman: Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali Aron Guest role [49]
Dear Uge: Isang Takong, Isang Tanong Andrew Salvador [50]
2019 One Hugot Away: Walang Label Ben Main role [51]
TODA One I Love Kobe Generoso Supporting role [52]
Wish Ko Lang!: My Dream Debut Guest role [53]
Tadhana: Obsession Manny
Wish Ko Lang: Against All Odds Niño [54]
2020 Go! Marikina Aldrin Kho
2021 Magpakailanman Richard Yap Guest role [55]
Heartful Café Ace Nobleza Main role [56]
Dear Uge: Shout Up Fiel Guest role [57]
2022 Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune Anton Chan Main role [58]
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) [59]
2023 Maging Sino Ka Man Ricardo "Carding" Macario Main role [60]
2024 Pulang Araw Hiroshi Tanaka [61]
2025 Beauty Empire Javier Guest role [62]
Sanggang-Dikit FR Andrew Dizon [63]
2026 Never Say Die Main role [64]

Discography

Soundtrack appearances

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

Awards and nominations

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 [65]
Platinum Stallion National Media Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role Won [66]
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2021 New Movie Actor of the Year Because I Love You Won [67]
VP Choice Awards 2023 Supporting Actor of the Year Maria Clara at Ibarra Won [68]

References

  1. ^ a b Ruiz, Marah (November 13, 2022). "IN PHOTOS: David Licauco is one wholesome guy!". GMA Network. Archived from the original on October 24, 2022. 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. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  4. ^ Licauco, David [@davidlicauco] (April 11, 2020). "@rnvcvlln and @cosmo_ph Im 5'11" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  5. ^ "David Licauco as Malik in Mulawin vs Ravena". Rappler. Archived from the original on January 2, 2025. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  6. ^ "Maria Clara at Ibarra, umaariba sa No. 1 spot sa Netflix Philippines". PEP. April 16, 2023. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  7. ^ "Maging Sino Ka Man streaming exclusively on Netflix". Rappler.
  8. ^ "Netflix and GMA partnership for Pulang Araw". Philippine Entertainment Portal . Archived from the original on December 31, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ Godinez, Bong (November 20, 2022). "Get to know David Licauco, Maria Clara at Ibarra heartthrob". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  11. ^ "David Licauco". Renegade Branding Concepts.
  12. ^ Ed Lorenzo. "HELLO MR. DAVID FEATURING DAVID LICAUCO". Style MNL.
  13. ^ The Philippine Star. "Chinatown pageant new source of showbiz stars". Philstar. Archived from the original on July 26, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  14. ^ Villamonte, Jerico (May 11, 2022). "LOOK: Bench releases a new range of neon-colored undergarments". GARAGE. Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  15. ^ Aedrianne Acar (January 18, 2017). "LOOK: 16 hot photos of David Licauco & Nikki Co". GMA Network. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
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  17. ^ a b Gayflor De Guzman (June 30, 2019). "'Wow ang haba!' David Licauco reveals how many inches is his "alaga"". LionHeartTV.
  18. ^ "David Licauco : The Modern Gentleman". www.gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  19. ^ Jojo Gabinete. "David Licauco, grateful na makasama ang seasoned actors sa Kapag Nahati ang Puso". PEP.PH. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  20. ^ Aaron Brennt Eusebio (January 7, 2019). "David Licauco on 'TODA One I Love' role: Happy and grateful". GMA News. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  21. ^ Anarcon, James Patrick (April 16, 2021). "GMA-7 explains why Heartful Cafe will now air on GMA Telebabad instead of Gtv". Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  22. ^ The Manila Times. "Julie Anne San Jose, David Licauco set to brew romance in 'Heartful Café'". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on April 26, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  23. ^ "Get to Know David Licauco the 2022 Breakthrough Actor of the Year". GMA Network. December 8, 2022. Archived from the original on December 12, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  24. ^ "Official theme song nina Klay at Fidel, mapapakinggan na sa 'Maria Clara at Ibarra'". GMA Network. November 18, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  25. ^ "David Licauco Renews Exclusive Contract With GMA". GMA Network. November 8, 2022. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  26. ^ Geneciran, Danyl (November 6, 2023). "L'Officiel Hommes Philippines' FW 2023 with David Licauco". L'Officiel Hommes. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  27. ^ Lim, Ron (November 7, 2023). "David Licauco is the new cover model of lifestyle magazine". GMA Integrated News. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
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  31. ^ Llemit, Kathleen (August 14, 2023). "David Licauco adds construction company to his businesses". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  32. ^ Morales, Luisa (August 24, 2025). "David Licauco admits feeling anxiety, stress in basketball return at Pilipinas United 3x3 League". One Sports. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  33. ^ Donato, Jerry (August 27, 2025). "'Pambansang Ginoo' David Licauco shows athleticism in 3x3 basketball league". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  34. ^ Tuazon, Nikko (August 30, 2025). "David Licauco lives out basketball dream at Pilipinas United 3x3 League". PEP.ph (in English and Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  35. ^ Barrantes, Andrei (August 27, 2025). "David Licauco realizes hoop dreams through Pilipinas United 3x3". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
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  38. ^ "The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin". Netflix.
  39. ^ Marcelo, RM. "David Licauco & Shaira Diaz Lead Stars in the Movie 'Because I Love You'". Barbieliciousss.
  40. ^ "David Licauco, Shaira Diaz to star in Valentine film 'Without You'". GMA Network. December 29, 2022. Archived from the original on January 1, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  41. ^ "David Licauco deepens bonds over barkada film 'G! LU'". CinemaBravo. April 19, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
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  43. ^ Siazon, Rachelle (September 15, 2018). "David Licauco recalls how his life changed after 2013 car accident". PEP.PH. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  44. ^ Sabik:Ipaglaban Mo Recap. ABS-CBN Entertainment. March 9, 2019 – via YouTube.
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  48. ^ Caligan, Michelle (July 6, 2018). "IN PHOTOS: At the media conference of 'Kapag Nahati Ang Puso'". Archived from the original on July 11, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
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  50. ^ Sun, Cherry (May 18, 2021). "'Dear Uge Presents' Sneak Peek: 'Isang Takong, Isang Sagot'". GMA News. Archived from the original on October 16, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
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  57. ^ Ramos, Jansen (July 23, 2021). "IN PHOTOS: Sanya Lopez at David Licauco, magtatambal sa 'Dear Uge'". GMA Network.
  58. ^ Villano, Alexa (February 7, 2022). "David Licauco Gives A Glimpse of A Son's Dilemma in Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune". Modern Parenting.
  59. ^ Ruiz, Marah (October 3, 2022). "Karakter ni David Licauco sa 'Maria Clara at Ibarra,' malayo raw sa kanyang typical roles". GMA Network. Archived from the original on October 15, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  60. ^ 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.
  61. ^ 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). Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  62. ^ Abunda, Boy (August 24, 2025). "David at Barbie, kanya-kanya ng laro!". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  63. ^ GMA Integrated News (December 19, 2025). "David Licauco's 'Never Say Die' character crosses over to 'Sanggang Dikit FR'". GMA News Online. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  64. ^ "GMA Network unveils new drama slate for 2026". Señal News. January 16, 2026. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
  65. ^ Geli, Bianca (April 15, 2023). "Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, and Andrea Torres win awards for 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' anew". gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  66. ^ 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.
  67. ^ "'David Licauco won New Actor of the Year at 36th PMPC Star Awards". GMA Network. January 16, 2021. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2021.
  68. ^ Acar, Aedrianne (March 30, 2023). "David Licauco, Myrtle Sarrosa win big at the 4th Village Pipol Choice Awards". gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  • Media related to David Licauco at Wikimedia Commons
  • Sparkle GMA Artist Center profile
  • David Licauco at IMDb
  • David Licauco on Instagram
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