Dr Ricardo G Abad (1946-2023)

We extend our condolences to the family of Dr Ricardo Abad, Professor Emeritus and Artistic Director of Areté, who passed away on 26 December 2023.

An outstanding sociologist and esteemed faculty of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the Department of Fine Arts, Ricky (GS’58, HS’62, AB Sociology ‘66) was a passionate advocate for theater education, inspiring individuals, students, and groups to discover the best in themselves and use it to make a difference in their communities, nation, and the world.

From the time he was cast in the 1957 Ateneo Grade School production of The Prince and the Pauper, Ricky discovered the transformative power of theater. He joined the Ateneo Experimental Theater of National Artist for Theater and Literature Rolando Tinio in college. After completing his doctoral studies at Fordham (1975), Ricky joined Tinio’s company, Teatro Filipino, taking part in a repertoire of classic and contemporary Western plays set in Filipino translation. Ricky also became the moderator of Tanghalang Ateneo (TA), eventually becoming its longest-serving director. He was also one of the University’s most beloved teachers, colleagues, and mentors. Ricky founded the Fine Arts Program in 2000, ushering in a new generation of theater professionals. He was the Metrobank Most Outstanding Teacher (College Division) in 2001 and a recipient of the Metrobank Award for Continuing Excellence and Service in 2009.

Sintang Dalisay, one of Ricky’s most successful works, is an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet set in an imaginary Muslim community and accompanied by kulintangan music. It has been performed in the Philippines and abroad and received the Aliw Awards in 2012 for Best Non-Musical Production and Best Direction for Ricky. He won the Aliw Awards for stage three times, earning him an Aliw Hall of Fame Award in 2017. He also received the Golden Leaf Award for Theater Arts Education and the Natatanging Gintong Parangal Bilang Pinakamahusay na Alagad ng Sining sa Teatro.

Throughout his career, Ricky’s generosity of spirit was unbounded. He formed RolePlayers Inc in 2005, teaming up with former TA actors to create workshops on creativity and storytelling for business students and managers. Before his untimely demise, he served as president of the Asia-Pacific Bond of Theater Schools, a regional consortium dedicated to the cross-cultural sharing of information and researchers for theater training across 25 theater schools in the region.

Wake and Mass Schedules

28 -31 December 2023, 6pm
Online Mass
go.ateneo.edu/CelebratingRicky

1- 2 January 2024, Time (TBA)
Rizal Mini Theater, Ateneo de Manila University

Jan 3, 10am
Church of the Gesù

We request the Ateneo community to keep Ricky and his family in your prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto Ricky O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.