Ricardo Carlos Castro Yan (Tagalog: [jan]; March 14, 1975 – March 29, 2002) was a Filipino actor.

Rico Yan
Born
Ricardo Carlos Castro Yan

(1975-03-14)March 14, 1975
Mandaluyong, Rizal, Philippines
DiedMarch 29, 2002(2002-03-29) (aged 27)
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Resting placeManila Memorial Park – Sucat
Other names
  • Corics
  • Ric
  • Mr. Dimple
  • Rico
Alma materDe La Salle University
Occupations
  • Actor
  • model
  • host
  • businessman
  • spokesperson
Years active1995–2002
AgentStar Magic (1995–2002)
RelativesManuel Yan (grandfather)

Yan graduated from De La Salle University in 1997 with a degree in Marketing Management. He was an alumnus of Star Circle Batch 1 now ABS-CBN Corporation's Star Magic in November 1995.

His preppy rich persona was used to effect in subsequent films such as Radio Romance, Ama, Ina, Anak and Madrasta. After several television and movie parts, Yan[1] became a household name when he played Ricky Salveron in Gimik (1996) and Gabriel Maglayon in Mula Sa Puso (1997). He also known for television shows like Mara Clara (1996), 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila (1996), Saan Ka Man Naroroon (1999), Magandang Tanghali Bayan (2001) and Whattamen (2001). Yan's other best-known films on Star Cinema[2] were Paano Ang Puso Ko? (1997), Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (1998), Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita (1998), Gimik: The Reunion (1999), Mula sa Puso: The Movie (1999) and Got 2 Believe (2002). In 2014, Star Cinema ranked him the No. 5 in the List of "The Kings of Star Cinema", twelve years after his death.[3] Yan starred in commercially successful television and films with pairings opposite Judy Ann Santos and Claudine Barretto.[4]

Family and early life edit

Ricardo Carlos Castro Yan was born at The Medical City, which was then located in Mandaluyong, Philippines. Yan grew up in a family of soldiers and business men. He was the son of Roberto Yan, Sr. (1947–2015), an ethnic Filipino Chinese from Metro Manila and his Ilocana wife, Teresita Castro-Yan who hailed from Laoag, Ilocos Norte.[5] He was the grandson of Manuel T. Yan, Sr. (1920–2008),[6] former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Ambassador to Thailand, Indonesia, and United Kingdom, and Colonel Isabelo Ruiz Castro. He had 3 siblings: Geraldine, Tina, and Bobby, a television host. His parents are business owners, owning a security agency for having military background in the family. Yan was an alumnus of Xavier School for his primary education in 1988 and high school from De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in 1993.[7]

Career edit

Early work: 1995 edit

Yan was a twenty-year-old senior student from De La Salle University when he got his first shot of popularity. He was one of the promising commercial models of Cosmopolitan Modeling Agency, picked to be the main man on his first television commercial for Master Facial Cleanser.[8] He was discovered while falling in line in one of the fast foods on his school De La Salle University when a talent scout asked him if he wanted to be a commercial model. Talent manager Johnny Manahan asked Yan if he wanted to be in the movies. Yan was reluctant in joining showbiz and was managed by Biboy Arboleda. He was then launched as one of the members of Star Circle Batch 1, composed of eight talents. While Yan was finishing his marketing thesis and trimesters in college, he was also enthralling public attention through his commercials and most magazine covers.

Breakthrough: 1996–2000 edit

1996 marked as a compelling period on Yan's career; he became notable. As a matinee idol, he was most charming. In June 1996, Yan played the boy next door character in youth-oriented show Gimik,[9] named Ricky Salveron directed by Laurenti Dyogi shown on The Filipino Channel (TFC). The show was about the lives of a solid bunch of juvenile living in an imaginary village that tackles the experiences and fun of being young, alongside Judy Ann Santos, Jolina Magdangal, Giselle Toengi, Mylene Dizon, Patrick Garcia, Diether Ocampo and Marvin Agustin. The show ran tremendously for three years and was adapted in motion picture release, GIMIK: The Reunion in 1999, because of the outpouring on screen chemistry of Yan and Santos on Gimik the team up continued on television drama Mara Clara, he played the young medical intern named Derrick Gonzales. In the same year, Yan became a co host on 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila, a noon time variety show where he had a portion called Ricollection.

In 1997, Yan played the protagonist Gabriel Maglayon in successful primetime television drama Mula sa Puso,[10] an assiduous cab driver who is willing to give up everything for the family and loved one, alongside Claudine Barretto. The series ran auspiciously for 2 years and was adapted for motion picture release, Mula sa Puso: The Movie in 1999. Playing Gabriel was one of Yan's unforgettable characters on television.

On Star Drama Presents, Yan did showcased his versatility with depth as an actor by playing off beat characters that was not his typical. He was one of the few Talent Center artists who had numerous appearances in the series, starring in twelve, as featured artist in March 1997 and April 1998.[11]

In 1999, Yan next starred on television drama Saan Ka Man Naroroon opposite Claudine Barretto. He was the agriculturist named Daniel Pineda, an uncomplicated young man but when love transpired, acquired uncertainty with how life's been hard on him. Married a rich old maid to ameliorate living, nevertheless, the union was tormented with lies and deceit.

Yan worked with Director Chito S. Roño in a mini-series titled Detour (2000), making it as his third starring role for Star Drama Presents. He was Carl, an eccentric rich young man who was dying and in journey through life. Carl bumps into all sorts of equally weird characters emerging as a better person at the end of the road. Wearing all the prosthetics during summer of 2000 where the temperature shoots up to 38 degrees Celsius. Yan being the professional and thespian, did his job without a single complaint and gave a profound depiction of the said character.

In movies, Yan moved up to be a leading actor. In 1996 and 1997, he did Paano ang Puso Ko?, as Jason Delgado, a free-spirited, mischievous and playful repatriate. Indisposed but want to live a normal and enjoy life to the fullest. And Joel Bernabe, a sedulous merchandiser in the two-part film Flames: the Movie.

In the film Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, a romantic drama, directed by Rory Quintos[12] In September 1998, Yan played Alex Medina, an aspiring businessman whose only dream is to open his own restaurant. Paired opposite Judy Ann Santos whose character needs to choose between family and Alex, the movie was Yan's first full-length role as a leading man, shot in one of the most romantic place Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

In June 1998, following the success of Mula sa Puso then came Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita. Yan played Miguel Quirino, an elitist, methodical student council president that has exceptionally high standards, whose character was constantly pissed and flirted by Mela (Claudine Barretto) just to get his attention. The film received a positive response critical and commercial.[13][14]

Critical success: 2001–2002 edit

In 2001, Yan maneuvered to a different genre from leading man to be part of a comic triumvirate called Whattamen whom initially started on Gimik. In September 2001, he showed his humorist side by playing the pleasant and witty Castro in an all-male comedy sitcom, focusing in three characters on Whattamen[15][16][17] alongside, Dominic Ochoa,[18] Marvin Agustin and Ai-Ai delas Alas.[19] A restaurant possessor, who is the charming guy, is all charms and the sane one in the group. Later on the trio had a spin-off from sitcom to daily afternoon show Magandang Tanghali Bayan, where Yan was launched as one of the new hosts.

In February 2002, Yan filmed his last movie Got 2 Believe, a romantic comedy directed by Olivia Lamasan, which was a huge box office hit and received a gold record award for the official soundtrack before his death, were Yan recorded a duet, alongside Claudine Barretto as one of the theme songs, Got to Believe in Magic. Yan played Lorenz Montinola a commitment-phobic photographer whose only dream is to be an international one.[20]

When he died, Yan had been marked to do three more motion picture films that year under his film outfit Star Cinema after his box office hit movie Got 2 Believe. He was chosen by screenwriter Ricky Lee and director Marilou Diaz-Abaya to play a lead role in the movie sequel of Moral. A major role for the play Sinta in Dulaang Sibol of Ateneo theater by Director Johnny Manahan and an addition on Fernando Poe Jr. and Judy Ann Santos movie sequel of Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko.

He had two shows, Magandang Tanghali Bayan[21] and Whattamen[22] airing at the time of his death.[23]

Death and memorial edit

On March 29, 2002, Yan, while on a vacation during Holy Week, was found dead inside his hotel room by his friend, actor Dominic Ochoa at the Dos Palmas Resort in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.[24] He died of cardiac arrest due to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis.[25][26] His public wake was held in La Salle Green Hills. An estimated 10,000 people attended his last funeral rites in Metro Manila.[27] His funeral was also televised live on ABS-CBN, countless television tributes were given to honor him. Gary Valenciano moved people to tears on his rendition of The Warrior is a Child, Yan's requested song. He was interred in Manila Memorial Park, Parañaque on April 4.[28] Yan's burial was ranked No. 6, "List of Most Attended Funerals in Philippine History" by SPOT.[29]

A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales of his last movie, Got 2 Believe,[30] his documentary Forever Young: Remembering Rico,[31] and his other movie Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita, contributed to the[32] Rico Yan Youth Foundation.[33][34][35][36]

Personal life edit

Fr. Tito Caluag, who was Yan's spiritual adviser before his death, disclosed that Yan wanted to become president. "Rico wanted to be a leader but never mentioned leadership because he only wanted to serve. He wanted to be like JFK who gave America a sense of pride and class, and inspired his people." said Caluag.[37]

Yan first dated Tricia Sandejas.[38] From 1998 to 2002, Yan later dated actress Claudine Barretto, who was his on-screen partner beginning in 1996, when they co-starred on Madrasta.[39] They broke up in 2002, weeks before his death.[40]

Other endeavors edit

Yan was also a successful strategist entrepreneur and owned several businesses, including Orbitz Pearl Shakes, Java Hut, Buddy Burger, Timbuktu Cafe and Tequila Joe Grill and Restaurants. He had a column on Manila Bulletin titled "C'est la Vie".[41][42][43][44][45][46]

In 1998, Yan was the first official youth spokesman for the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, touring the Philippines for free to promote education among youths. As well as establishing Pinoy Yan Movement, a non-profit organization that aims to make young people stay in school and value education, he assisted the Are You a Forest King? Foundation, visiting many schools to promote the importance of tree growth and was associated in various foundations and initiatives that furthered the interests of the youth and leadership formation.[47] Yan was also the first Philippine National Red Cross Pledge 25 spokesperson in 1999.

Filmography edit

Films edit

Year Title Role Producer Director
1996 Radio Romance Gary Balmaceda Star Cinema Jose Javier Reyes
Ama, Ina, Anak Dennis
Madrasta Dodie Olivia Lamasan
1997 Paano Ang Puso Ko? Jason Delgado Rory Quintos
Home Along da Riles da Movie 2 Gabriel Efren Jarlego
Flames: The Movie (Part 2: Pangako) Joel Bernabe Khryss Adalia
1998 Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita Miguel Quirino Wenn Deramas
Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay Alex Medina Rory Quintos
1999 Mula sa Puso: The Movie Gabriel Maglayon Wenn Deramas
Gimik: The Reunion Ricky Salveron Laurenti Dyogi
2002 Got 2 Believe Lorenz Montinola Olivia Lamasan

Television edit

Year TV show Role Notes / Episodes Director(s)
1995–2002 ASAP Himself Performer Johnny Manahan
1996–1999 Gimik Ricardo "Ricky" Salveron Main Role Laurenti Dyogi
1996–1997 Mara Clara Derrick Gonzales Book 2 Emil Cruz Jr., Jerry Lopez Sineneng
1996 Maalaala Mo Kaya Nico Main Role; Agua Bendita Jerry Lopez Sineneng
Dante Main Role; Valentines Card Manny Castañeda
Jun Main Role; Dinuguan
Telesine Specials Carlo Roses for Tracy Mark Reyes
Star Drama Presents Joshua Guest; He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not Edwin O'Hara
1996–1998 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila Host Danni Caparas, Victor de Guzman
1997–1999 Mula sa Puso Gabriel Maglayon Main Role Wenn Deramas
1998 Esperanza Guest Don Cuaresma
Wansapanataym Rico Pilot Episode; Ang Mahiwagang Palasyo Johnny Manahan
Star Drama Presents Carlo Featured Artist; Matinee Idol Wenn Deramas
JJ Featured Artist; Rebelde Michael de Mesa
Marco Featured Artist; Internet Nick Lizaso
Jake Featured Artist; Take Two Eric Quizon
1998 Francis De Leon Featured Artist; Walang Personalan Johnny Manahan
Miguel Featured Artist; Recuerdo Wenn Deramas
Randy Macaraeg Featured Artist; Gubat sa Likod ng Rehas
Wilfredo Featured Artist; Jose, Reynaldo, Wilfredo Don Cuaresma
1998 Maalaala Mo Kaya Gerald Robles Main Role; Shades Ruel Bayani
1999 Kulturang Handog Para Sa Bayan Host Johnny Manahan
FLAMES Sam Main Role; Amerika o Wala Gilbert Perez
Usapang Business Himself Guest
The Correspondents Himself Guest Correspondent; Martial Law
1999–2001 Saan Ka Man Naroroon Daniel Pineda Main Role Wenn Deramas
1999 Maalaala Mo Kaya Stephen Main Role; Medalya Ricky Davao
2000 Pipol Himself Guest
Star Drama Presents Carl Mini Series; Main Role; Detour Chito Rono
2001 StarStudio Richard Main Role; Crossroads Leo Rialp
Laki sa Laya Host Johnny Manahan
2002 Coverstory Himself Guest
CinemaTalk
2001–2002 Whattamen Richard "Richie" Castro Main role John-D Lazatin
Magandang Tanghali Bayan Host Last TV appearance Edgar Mortiz, Bobbet Vidanes

Awards and recognitions edit

Year Award Organization
2001 Youth Ambassador Philippine Youth
1999 FAMAS Youth Achievement Award FAMAS
1999 Philippine National Red Cross Pledge 25 Spokesperson Philippine National Red Cross
1998 Official DECS-CSCA Spokesperson and Role Model for Students and Youth Department of Education Culture and Sports – CSCA
1998 Gawad KKK Outstanding Youth in The Field of Entertainment National Centennial Commission
1998 Medal of Honor KASAMA Foundation
1998 Outstanding Youth Role Model National Youth Commission
1998 Parangal ng Bayan/People's Choice Awardee People's Choice Philippines

Film and television awards edit

Year Film / Television Organization Award Result
1997 Paano Ang Puso Ko? PMPC Star Awards for Movies Best New Actor Nominated
1998 Maalaala Mo Kaya Shades 12th Star Awards for TV Single Performance by an Actor Nominated
Kay Tagal kang Hinintay FAMAS Best Actor Nominated
2003 Got 2 Believe Nominated
21st FAP Awards Won

Others

1997 Best Male Star – Kislap Magazine
1997 Best Male Star – Movie Star Magazine
1997 Most Popular Young Male Star – Movie Star Magazine
1998 Most Popular Love Team – Rico Yan and Judy Ann Santos (Pabonggahan sa Moviestar'98),

References edit

  1. ^ Friday Five: Rico Yan's Unforgettable Performances ABS-CBN Dated 2015/04/02. Retrieved 2016/01/01
  2. ^ Throwback Star: We Love and Miss You, Rico Yan 'Star Cinema" Dated 2014/03/20. Retrieved 2014/03/25
  3. ^ Rico Yan #5 All Time Leading Man of Star Cinema Star Cinema Dated 2014/03/24. Retrieved 2014/03/25
  4. ^ No#1 Pinoy Love Team That We Wish Still Exist by Margarita Contreras "Cosmopolitan Philippines". Dated 2014/09/10. Retrieved 2014/09/11
  5. ^ My Enigmatic Rico by Teresita Yan 'People Asia". Dated 2002/05/15. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  6. ^ "A Grandfather Remembers". Archived from the original on March 26, 2014.
  7. ^ Ricky, Whatta La Sallian by Maria Katrina Tan Pajarillo The Philippine Star. Dated 2002/05/08.[clarification needed] Retrieved 2016/04/16
  8. ^ Rico Yan #11 From Selling to Starting, 15 Ads That Made Celebs Spot. Ph. Retrieved 2014/03/06
  9. ^ Friends Forever Memorable Barkadas Star Cinema Dated 2014/03/17. Retrieved 2014/03/25
  10. ^ Goodbye Corics by Dir. Wenn Deramas 'Star Studio Magazine". Dated 2002/05/09. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  11. ^ Birthday Ngayon ni Rico Yan by Ogie Diaz Dated 2014/03/14. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  12. ^ Dir. Rory Quintos on Rico Yan's Striking Resemblance to Thai Actor 'Philippine Entertainment Portal. Dated 2012/10/17.[clarification needed] Retrieved 2014/03/27
  13. ^ An Indepth Look At The Depth of Rico Yan by Jet Valle 'Old article. Dated 2001/04/04.[clarification needed] Retrieved 2015/03/27
  14. ^ Rico And His Field of Dreams 'The Philippine Star" Dated 2002/02/10.[clarification needed] Retrieved 2014/03/28
  15. ^ A Riot Act with Whattamen by Stephani Zubiri 'Philippine Star' Dated 2001/08/23. Retrieved 2014/03/28
  16. ^ What Is Whattamen Up To? by Boy Abunda 'Philippine Star' Dated 2001/04/16. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  17. ^ Getting Personal with Whattamen. Retrieved 04/03/14
  18. ^ Dominic Ochoa says it took him about 3 years before getting over the demise of best friend Rico Yan 'Philippine Entertainment Portal" Dated 2012/03/30. Retrieved 2014/03/27/
  19. ^ I Remember Rico Yan by Dir. Jose Javier Reyes 'Inquirer News" Dated 2002/03/30. Retrieved 201403/27
  20. ^ Rico Yan #2 Cheesiest Quotes in Local Leading Men 'Spot. Ph' Retrieved 2014/03/06
  21. ^ Magandang Tanggahali Bayan's Tribute to Rico Yan. Retrieved 2014/04/03
  22. ^ Who Should Replace Rico Yan in Whattamen? by Leia Torre 'Inquirer News" Dated 2002/04/23. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  23. ^ Remembering Rico Yan 'Philippine Entertainment Portal" Dated 2007/03/29. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  24. ^ Rico Yan Last Interview by Edgar Cruz 'Philippine Star" Dated 04/04/14. Retrieved 04/04/14
  25. ^ "Let's remember Rico Yan on his 15th death anniversary". ABS-CBN Corporation. March 29, 2017. Archived from the original on January 26, 2020.
  26. ^ “No foul play in actor Yan’s death” by Gulf News Dated 03/31/02. Retrieved 12/25/19
  27. ^ Rico Yan A Funeral Fit for A President for Actor Who Want to be One by Lea Salterio. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  28. ^ Dizon, Nikko; Felipe, Cecile Suerte (April 5, 2002). "Metro stands still as Rico is buried". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  29. ^ 10 Most Attended Funerals in Philippine History SPOT. Dated 2009/06/08]
  30. ^ Rico Yan Death And Its Blessings by Louie An Pilapil 'YS Online". Dated 2002/04/03. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  31. ^ Rico Yan There are Lessons Even As We Mourn by Cathy Babao-Gumbala 'Inquirer News". Dated 2002/04/06. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  32. ^ Rico Yan Youth Foundation Launch 'Malaya News". Dated 2002/05/08. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  33. ^ Rico Yan The Correspondents Special 'The Correspondents". Dated 2002/04/01. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  34. ^ The Rico I knew by Butch Francisco 'Star Bytes". Dated 2002/04/04. Retrieved 03/27/14
  35. ^ The Mystique of Rico Yan A Wholesome Kid as A Icon by Sen. Blas Ople. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  36. ^ What A Man Rico Yan! by Monique Buensolido 'The Philippine Star" Dated 2002/04/06/. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  37. ^ My Friend Rico by Father Tito Caluag 'Inquirer News" Dated 2002/03/29. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  38. ^ Santiago, Erwin (December 6, 2011). "Madalas ngayong makita si Mayor Jun-jun Binay kasama ang isang simple, maganda, at diumanolsquo;y ma". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  39. ^ Abad, Ysa (March 29, 2021). "Remembering Rico Yan". Rappler. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
  40. ^ Lo, Ricky (March 23, 2002). "Why Claudine and Rico broke up". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
  41. ^ Rico Yan Unveiled Dated 2002/05/04. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  42. ^ Rico Yan Answers 5 Facts. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  43. ^ This Yan Could Also Cook by Rikka Dylim. Retrieved 04/03/14
  44. ^ Rico Yanism, Anyone?. Retrieved 2014/04/03
  45. ^ Rico Yan Power of Hug. Retrieved 2014/03/27
  46. ^ "'BANGUNGOT' KILLS RICO YAN; CLAUDINE STILL IN SHOCK". Retrieved June 25, 2016.
  47. ^ Rico Yan's Journey Towards Spiritual Enrichment Philippine Headline News by Sol Jose Vanzi Dated 2002/03/10. Retrieved 2016/04/16

External links edit