David Licauco: From Reluctant Actor to Business-Minded Leading Man

In the fast-paced world of Philippine showbiz, where fleeting fame and celebrity scandals often overshadow hard work, one man has quietly — and strategically — built a career not just in acting, but in business. David Licauco, known to fans as the “Pambansang Ginoo” (National Gentleman), is not just a matinee idol with a perfectly sculpted jawline and a smile that makes the internet buzz. He’s also an entrepreneur who reportedly earns as much as ₱50 million a year, a figure that both stunned and impressed fans when it surfaced online.

But behind the headlines, viral interviews, and constant teasing about his love team with Barbie Forteza, Licauco’s journey tells the story of someone who never intended to become an actor, struggled at first to find his place in showbiz, and eventually grew into both a respected performer and a financially savvy entrepreneur.

An Accidental Start in Showbiz

For Licauco, the bright lights of showbiz were never part of the original plan. In fact, his first dream was to become a professional basketball player. Acting, he admitted, wasn’t even on his radar.

“I never thought I was going to be an actor until 2017,” he recalled. Before that, his first brush with the limelight came through modeling. Discovered at a Boracay party when a talent scout approached him, he didn’t even see himself as particularly handsome at the time. “I just thought I had a nice body since I was preparing for it,” he joked.

From modeling gigs and competitions like Mr. & Ms. Chinatown 2014, he transitioned into television. His first major project under GMA was Mulawin vs. Ravena. But at that point, Licauco admitted he wasn’t serious about the craft. Acting felt more like a hobby, a way to pass time, and yes, a way to earn money.

It wasn’t until 2021, with his role in Heartful Café, that things began to change. Acting workshops helped him appreciate the depth of the craft. By the time he starred in Maria Clara at Ibarra and Pulang Araw, Licauco had embraced his profession fully. In fact, he credits Pulang Araw as his most meaningful project so far — not only because he had grown as an actor, but also because he won an award for his performance.

“When you work really hard for something, you will be rewarded,” he reflected.

The Love Team Pressure

In the Philippines, love teams are not just for entertainment — they’re big business. Fans invest emotionally (and financially) in the chemistry between two stars, sometimes blurring the line between fiction and reality.

For Licauco, that spotlight intensified with Barbie Forteza. Their pairing drew significant attention, especially when both stars found themselves single at the same time. Fans, predictably, wanted their on-screen chemistry to blossom into real life.

Licauco admits the teasing and pressure can be overwhelming. “Yes, it’s a bit pressuring. But I’m not taking it negatively,” he said with a knowing smile. His laughter during interviews whenever Barbie’s name comes up only fuels speculation. “If it happens, it happens,” he added, leaving just enough ambiguity to keep fans guessing.

But behind the scenes, the actor maintains a careful boundary. He revealed he has never been in a serious relationship with anyone in showbiz, though he once briefly dated someone from the industry. For now, he prefers non-showbiz partners, citing the challenges of trust and perception that come with fame.

The 50-Million Peso Question

One of the most talked-about revelations about Licauco came from an interview with a TikTok content creator, where he casually mentioned earning ₱50 million a year. The statement spread like wildfire online, shocking fans and fueling debates about whether it was a flex or a joke.

Licauco later clarified that the figure wasn’t meant to be taken too seriously. Still, it highlighted his growing reputation not just as an actor, but as a shrewd entrepreneur.

His business ventures include:

Sobra Café in Alabang and Quezon City

Kuya Korea, a fast-casual Korean food chain with branches in SM Clark, SM Manila, and Araneta Center

Good Drip, a “beauty coffee” brand

Sideline projects in construction

Balancing business and acting hasn’t been easy, especially during demanding shoots like Pulang Araw. “I kind of neglected my businesses at that time,” he admitted. These days, he makes a conscious effort to strike a balance, taking calls and planning between takes.

As for financial discipline, Licauco revealed that he personally manages his money. His golden rule? Don’t splurge. “I have to think twice, thrice, so many times before buying something expensive,” he explained. His practical mindset reflects his Filipino-Chinese upbringing, where financial discipline and entrepreneurship are almost second nature.

The Qualities He Wants in a Woman

Now at 30, Licauco admits his priorities and preferences have matured. Asked what qualities he looks for in a woman, he listed both physical and personal traits.

Physically, he prefers women who are half-Chinese, half-mestiza, with fair skin and expressive eyes. But beyond appearances, what matters most to him is character.

He values a woman who is:

Genuinely nice and empathetic

In touch with life, meaning she’s not glued to her phone or obsessed with social media

Caring and understanding, especially of his career’s demands

Emotionally stable, a trait he admits can be challenging to find

For Licauco, being with someone grounded and authentic is more attractive than fame or status. And while he isn’t rushing into marriage, he made it clear he wants to settle down once he finds the right partner and feels secure enough in his career.

The Challenges of Being an Introvert in Showbiz

Interestingly, Licauco describes himself as an introvert — a surprising trait for someone thriving in an extrovert-heavy industry. For years, he struggled with social awkwardness, especially at events and gatherings.

He related how ABS-CBN executive Carlo Katigbak once gave him the book Quiet by Susan Cain, which helped him better understand his personality. Over time, Licauco learned to embrace a kind of “work extroversion” that allows him to perform on stage and in front of cameras while still remaining grounded in his introverted nature.

“I think I’m still the same David from 10 years ago,” he said. “Simple. People might think because I’m in showbiz and have businesses that I’m different, but that’s not the case.”

Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

Despite his business ventures, Licauco isn’t stepping away from acting. He stars in the upcoming GMA Pictures film Samahan ng Makasalanan (Group of Sinners), where he plays a priest trying to reform the people of his community. The film also stars Sanya Lopez and veteran actor Joel Torre.

As for the future, Licauco sees himself maximizing his leading-man years before eventually settling down. “If you settle down too early, you wouldn’t get leading man roles anymore,” he said pragmatically. For now, he’s balancing fame, personal growth, and entrepreneurship with the same calm discipline that has become his trademark.

Conclusion

David Licauco’s story is one of unlikely beginnings, steady growth, and deliberate choices. From an 18-year-old model who never thought he was handsome, to a reluctant actor fumbling through early roles, to today’s award-winning performer and multimillion-peso entrepreneur, he embodies the idea that success comes from embracing challenges and evolving along the way.

He may laugh off the endless speculation about his love life, but when it comes to his craft and his businesses, Licauco is anything but casual. He is methodical, disciplined, and quietly ambitious.

In a world where many stars chase fleeting fame, David Licauco stands out by building something more lasting — a career and a life that blend artistry, entrepreneurship, and authenticity. Whether he’s on-screen as a romantic lead or off-screen managing his café, one thing is clear: the “Pambansang Ginoo” is here to stay.

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