David Licauco

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]

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]

Film

Television series

Soundtrack appearances