Ricardo G Abad: One Person, Two Passions
A Life Well Lived
Ricardo G Abad (“Ricky”) had two passions in life (kahiligan, he called it): Sociology and Theater Arts, one enriching the other, playing out in parallel but often overlapping lines on a stage that was the Ateneo.
As we remember him today, on the 40th day he left us, we look at his extraordinary contributions in advancing art in the sciences and the sciences in art through research, scientific publications, performance, acting, directing theater, writing creative works, teaching, social commentary, and outreach.
His body of work includes over a hundred publications and academic papers, over 200 theater productions, and over 300 workshops and webinars in theater arts, teaching practices, Philippine culture, and social research in both Filipino and English.
He shared these passions unselfishly with colleagues, students, actors, theater crew, community workers, prison inmates, and underprivileged youth. He was a mentor to many through life’s passages and across generations: ninong at their weddings, ninong to their children, teacher to father – daughter students.
They were inseparable passions in the welcoming environment of the Ateneo de Manila University. The school motto, “women and men for others” became his guiding light as well as his lasting legacy.
In 2010, Ricky was asked about what he thought would be his legacy. He replied:
I would like to think that during my stay in the Ateneo, I have
moved or inspired people to do good. To be better persons,
to love the country. That’s my spirit in others.
His work and his life showed us how.