David Licauco, known for his roles in Maria Clara at Ibarra and Pulang Araw, is not just an actor but also a businessman, proudly running Sobra Cafe, a restaurant that has quickly gained a following. In the newly opened second branch at Opus Mall, Licauco welcomed questions, ranging from business to personal quirks, answering with his signature charm and humor.
When asked about the first thing that comes to mind upon waking up, Licauco, fondly called the “Pambansang Ginoo,” admitted, “I try not to think.” Instead, he follows a morning routine that helps him ease into the day. “But the first thought is always business,” he added, highlighting his entrepreneurial mindset.
At Sobra Cafe, he takes an active role in curating the ambiance, proudly showcasing fan-gifted artworks of his notable characters: Hiroshi (Pulang Araw), Fidel (Maria Clara at Ibarra), and Carding. “Sobrang na-appreciate ko,” he said of the thoughtful presents.
A self-confessed coffee lover, Licauco prefers his caffeine fix over milk tea. When it comes to food, he enjoys simple, sometimes “bland” meals. “For some reason, I just like eating healthy,” he shared. However, his ultimate comfort dish is “beef tapa ng Sobra — sweet and salty minsan.”
With a busy schedule, he leans toward dieting rather than exercising. “Right now, diet. Kasi malapit na yung show ko sa Bench,” he explained, referring to his upcoming fashion show commitment.
Licauco, despite his focus on health, has a soft spot for desserts, particularly the American casual dining restaurant chain’s molten lava cake. “May ice cream sa top,” he said with a grin.
Licauco’s taste in entertainment is just as diverse as his career. If there were a biopic about his life, he’d want his friend, Dustin Yu, to portray him — “Dahil alam na alam niya yung ins and outs ng buhay ko.”
As for his favorite films, he mentioned Itaewon Class and The Founder, both of which resonate with his journey as a restaurateur. “I see the struggles, I can relate to them,” he shared.
When it comes to music, Licauco listens to Alone Together and songs from OPM bands like Hale. “Wala namang cringe,” he said when asked about embarrassing tracks on his playlist.
A frequent traveler, Licauco prefers the window seat despite the risk of being caught sleeping mid-flight. His dream destination is “Australia.” But when it comes to Philippine spots, he never gets tired of Boracay and Tagaytay. “I love Boracay. ‘Yan talaga ‘yung favorite ko,” he said.
If given a superpower for a day, he’d choose time travel, specifically to the 1980s. “Yung wala pang cellphone, wala pang ganito. Mas maganda yung connection ng mga tao,” he reflected.
When asked about the most random thing he’s taken home from a trip, he gave a surprising answer: “Feelings.”
On relationships, Licauco values happiness, intelligence, and emotional maturity. “I fall for girls who are happy, who love life, who are smart, and emotionally intelligent.” His most unexpected compliment is “Mabait ka pala,” he shared, laughing. “Siguro kasi ‘yung dating ko minsan, medyo mukhang sungit.”
For those seeking closure, he offered a piece of advice: “I think everybody needs closure so that next time, hindi na nila gagawin yung mga pagkakamaling yun. Just wait, be patient, and distract yourself from your problem.”
Licauco prides himself on his attention to detail. “Now, I have a business. I’m an actor, ‘di ba? And I run Sobra Cafe. A lot of people were surprised na naging successful ako.”
Through the inaugural “50 Simpol Questions,” Licauco is proving that reinvention is possible, that one can balance passion and practicality, creativity and commerce, all while savoring life’s simpler joys.
Watch Licauco answer Simpol.ph’s ’50 Simpol Questions’ in this first-ever episode.
