The past year saw Ricky Davao excel in movies, television shows, and theatrical productions where he particularly shone in "Insiang" and "Art."

For 2008, Ricky topbills "Saint Pio of Petrelcina (The Life of Padre Pio)" which marks the first activity of the Pete Roa foundation called PRIME, organized immediately after his death.

The play, written and directed by Nestor Torre, Jr. with the special participation of Boots Anson Roa, premieres on Pete’s birthday on January 16. It will be held at People’s Village, Tiendesitas, Frontera with dinner at 6 p.m. Show starts 8 p.m.

Ricky says that portraying Padre Pio is his most difficult assignment to date. Although it reminds him of an earlier triumph, Felipe de las Casas, patron saint of Mexico two decades ago, Saint Pio’s bio is more physical, and involves aging from 22 to 70 years old.

Director Torre says that casting involved an actor with a wide range and depth, someone who would understand and empathize with the character.

Boots plays his mother Peppa with Andy Bais as his father Orazio. Boots finds Pio a colorful saint with a keen sense of humor and the ultimate threshold of pain in enduring his stigmata. Peppa was a strong woman, she says, who imbued Pio with her faith and determination.

In bringing the story of Padre Pio to the stage, director Torre as in his many religious outings, once again depicts saints as humans, making them more reachable to ordinary men.

The late Pete Roa was a devotee of Padre Pio. Aside from paying tribute to Padre Pio, his foundation is also involved in helping stroke patients and educating broadcasters.

Tickets are at P1, 000 including dinner. For more information, call 929-9571 and 928-6816.