Ronnie Ricketts
Born
Ronald Naldo Ricketts

Philippines
Occupation(s)Actor, film director, screenwriter, government official
Years active1982–present
SpouseMariz Ricketts
Children2
Chairman of the Optical Media Board
In office
October 21, 2009 – January 29, 2016
PresidentGloria Macapagal Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III
Preceded byEdu Manzano
Succeeded byAnselmo Adriano

Ronald Naldo Ricketts, popularly known as Ronnie Ricketts, is a Filipino actor, scriptwriter, film director, line producer, and martial artist who is the former President of the Philippine Film Actors Guild, and former Chairman of Optical Media Board (OMB), a government agency that regulates recording optical media in the Philippines.

Film career

Ronnie Ricketts is a martial artist and was a ramp model before he entered the movie industry in the early 1980s. He was first noticed by RVQ's (Dolphy) film production as a potential action star.

He was introduced in the Dolphy-Nida Blanca film, My Heart Belongs to Daddy (1982), where he was paired with Maricel Soriano. He was being billed as the other love interest of Soriano in the film I Love You, I Hate You (1983), together with William Martinez, and The Graduates (1986) under Regal Films starring Snooky Serna and Gabby Concepcion.

He was cast in several Dolphy-Alma Moreno movies such as Good Morning, Professor (1982) and Crazy Professor (1985) with Aga Muhlach and Janice de Belen.

His movies were a blend of drama, comedy and action. He worked with other action stars that were also at the peak of their careers, Lito Lapid, Dante Varona and Bong Revilla. His unforgettable portrayal was with Revilla in the Imus Production's Sparrow Unit, where he won an award as Best Supporting Actor. He was nominated as Best Supporting Actor FAMAS Award in the film Target: Sparrow Unit (1987), and FAMAS Best Actor in the movies Tatak ng Isang Api (1989), and Isa-Isahin Ko Kayo (1990).

He landed lead roles in movies such as Uzi Brothers 9mm (1989) with Sonny Parsons, Target: Maganto (1989), Gapos Gang (1989), Baril Ko ang Uusig (1990), and Matira ang Matibay (1995) to name a few, some of which he did with his own movie outfit, Rocketts Productions. He had the chance to play opposite many leading ladies such as Beverly Vergel, Vina Morales, and his real life partner, Mariz.

Ricketts also co-starred in international action movies with Taiwanese actress Cynthia Khan in Ultimate Revenge (1995) and Angel on Fire (1995) and with American Actor Burton Richardson in One Percent Full (2007).

In 1994, Ricketts started producing films through Rocketts Productions. He was one of the youngest producers in tinsel town, who was able to produce films at reasonable budgets. The company produced films which he himself wrote, directed and acted in along with members of his family.

In one of his projects, Mano Mano (1995), he wrote the script, played the lead role, directed and produced. He was credited as Ronn-Rick as the director of the film. There were two sequels to the film - Mano Mano 2 (2001) and Mano Mano 3 (2004).

He has received the Fernando Poe, Jr. Memorial Award and a star in the Walk of Fame in Eastwood.

In 2013, he starred on the film The Fighting Chefs in which he was also its director. It served as his film comeback.[1][2]

As Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman

On October 21, 2009, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, appointed Ricketts as the Chairman of the Optical Media Board (OMB) following the resignation of television host Edu Manzano.[3]

He received many awards and recognitions with his staff for his excellent performance as chairman of OMB, like Face of the Global Anti-Piracy of TFC-ABS-CBN, Certificate of Recognition on Anti-Piracy from the FAMAS, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines-IPR Enforcement Champion, MMDA Achievement Award, SM Cinema Certificate of Recognition Association of Video Distributors in the Philippines (AVIDPHIL), Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, Certificate of Recognition Upholding Anti-Piracy, and Plaque of Recognition Against Piracy from PARI and AWIT Awards.

Ricketts agreed to direct and appear in an action movie with Viva Films on condition that he would only shoot on weekends so as not to hamper his job as chairman of Optical Media Board. He has so far turned down offers to appear in shows on the three major networks - ABS-CBN 2, GMA 7 and TV5 - because his work with the OMB "has now become a passion."

2010 Sky High raid, suspension, conviction and acquittal

On May 27, 2010, the OMB initiated a raid on the Sky High Marketing Corporation offices in Quiapo, Manila (the district where flea market stalls selling pirated copies of films, television shows and songs in CD [includes VCD] and DVD optical disc formats are common, designated by the Office of the United States Trade Representative [USTR] as "notorious piracy hotspot"[4]), arresting three Chinese nationals.[5] Pirated DVDs and VCDs contained in 127 boxes and two sacks were seized, and were brought to the OMB office as evidence.[5] However, later that evening, Ricketts instructed the evidence's pull-out using the raided corporation's own truck, without an approved gate pass.[5][6] No charges were filed against Sky High Marketing.[7]

In August 2014, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the suspension of Ricketts, Executive Director Cyrus Paul Valenzuela, and three other OMB officials for their "neglect of duty".[5] In June 2015, Prosecutor Janet Cabigas-Vejerano formally filed charges of graft against the five officials for their illicit returning of pirated works.[7][8] Valenzuela later denied being part of the pullout, stating that he was included in the case only because of the presumption that he, as executive director, would know about every OMB operation.[6] Despite the indictment, Ricketts continued to serve as chairman of OMB until January 2016, when the Sandiganbayan suspended him and three others (not including Valenzuela) from their positions while their trial is on hold and replaced by lawyer Anselmo B. Adriano.[9][10]

On March 15, 2019, Ricketts, along with an OMB computer operator, was convicted of graft (Republic Act No. 3019) by the Sandiganbayan (Special Fourth Division), both were sentenced to prison for 6–8 years and perpetually disqualified from holding public office.[11] He though immediately posted a bail bond after the decision.[12] Three OMB's executive directors were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.[13]

The Supreme Court's Second Division, in a decision promulgated on March 16, 2022 but only publicized on July 28, reversed the conviction of Ricketts which led to his acquittal; however, affirmed that of another.[14][15] The court also lifted the hold departure order issued against Ricketts, with his cash bond released.[13]

Martial arts career

Ricketts started training martial arts at the age of 5 under the guidance and tutelage of his eldest brother the late Grand Master Christopher "Topher" Ricketts. He studied different forms of martial arts ranging from Okinawan karate, Budokan karate, Kūdō, Ngo Cho Kung-fu, boxing and then later transitioned to Filipino martial arts (FMA) where he was immersed to intensive trainings of Kali, Arnis and Sagasa Kickboxing.

He adapted the Sagasa method of Kali and Arnis that was developed by GM Christopher "Topher" Ricketts, a style that focused on powerful and direct strikes combined with boxing, kickboxing, striking, throwing and grappling. He was also personally trained by Lameco Eskrima founder GM Edgar Sulite.

As a lifelong martial artist Ricketts is an advocate of continuous learning where he shared during his Facebook live feed that he is also training modern day martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA).

Ricketts is a senior and one of the first generation member of Bakbakan International, a martial arts organization founded by his brother GM Topher Ricketts.

Currently Ricketts is continuing the legacy and preserving the style of the Sagasa martial arts system where he teaches it with an incorporation of modern-day martial arts to new generation of martial artists, MMA fighters, military and law enforcement agencies. He is also sharing self-defense and martial arts techniques in social media and internet streaming platforms through his YouTube channel Ricketts TV.

In 2004, Ricketts, Grand Master Topher Ricketts and Punong Guro Bruce Ricketts were given recognition by the US and Philippine Special Forces - Joint Task Force after sharing combative lessons to Philippine and American soldiers.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Production/distribution compan(ies)
1982 My Heart Belongs to Daddy[16] RVQ Productions
Good Morning, Professor
1983 I Love You, I Hate You Julian Regal Films
Love Birds
1984 Sa Hirap at Ginhawa Joey Viva Films
1985 Heated Vengeance soldier
The Crazy Professor Marlo RVQ Productions
1986 John & Marsha '86: TNT sa Amerika
The Graduates Regal Films
I Love You Mama, I Love You Papa Gordon
Bodyguard: Masyong Bagwisa Jr. Roy Imus Productions
Agaw Armas
Nakagapos Na Puso Leo Lozano Viva Films
Payaso Sialina Enterprises
1987 Kamandag ng Kris (Kris Commando) Lt. Raoul Basco
Cabarlo
Target: Sparrow Unit Jose Imus Productions
Mga Agila ng Arkong Bato
The Rookies and the Mighty Kids
1988 Dongalo Massacre Imus Productions
Target... Maganto Lt. Col. Romeo Maganto GVM Productions
Urban Terrorist South Cotabato Films
Tumayo Ka't... Lumaban Crisanto Serres Films
Ambush Ka Mario Regent Films
Sgt. Victor Magno: Kumakasa, Kahit Nag-iisa Col. Victo Magno Viva Films
1989 Alex Boncayao Brigade: The Liquidation Arm of the NPA Olympia Pictures
Tatak ng Isang Api Geron Viva Films
Gapos Gang (Robinhood ng Quiapo) Regal Films
Uzi Brothers 9mm
Black Sheep Baby Triple R Films
My Darling Domestic (Greyt Eskeyp) RVQ Productions
1990 Kakampi Ko ang Diyos Waldo Viva Films
Iisa-Isahin Ko Kayo! Harvest International Films
Baril Ko ang Uusig Armando Ronquillo Lea Productions
1991 Junior Elvis: Nakaukit Na ang Lapida Mo RMO's Film International
Anak ng Dagat Guiller Ricketts Productions
Kumukulong Dugo Hector
Ganti ng Api Elias
1992 Zhi Fa Wei Long Billy
True Confessions (Evelyn, Myrna, & Margie) Lester Regal Entertainment/Good Harvest Unlimited
Aguila at Guerrero: Droga Terminators Lt. Guerrero Ricketts Productions
Dalawa Man ang Buhay Mo, Pagsasabayin Ko Robert / Sonny Boy First Films
Basagulero Moviestars Production
Boy Recto Restituto "Boy Recto"
1993 Alejandro "Diablo" Malubay Alejandro "Diablo" Malubay Ricketts Productions
Ikaw Lang Dalton Regal Films
Pambato Ricketts Productions
Jesus Calderon, Maton Jesus Calderon
1994 Maglulupa Man Ako! Omni Films International
Batang Lansangan Moviestars Production
1995 Matira ang Matibay Boyet Omni Films International
My Way Films International
Matinik Na Kalaban Ricketts Productions
Gen. Tapia, sa Nagbabagang Lupa Gen. Tapia
Ultimate Revenge
Angel on Fire Boyet
Mano Mano*
Huwag Mong Isuko ang Laban
1996 Madaling Mamatay, Mahirap Mabuhay* Neo Films
Rockets Production
Kahit sa Bala Kakapit Ako Efren Ricketts Productions
1997 Hawak Ko Buhay Mo* Alex Neo Films/Ricketts Productions
Wala Ka ng Puwang sa Mundo* Ricketts Productions
Ilaban Mo Bayan Ko: The Obet Pagdanganan Story FLT Films International
Boy Buluran* Boy Buluran Neo Films
Kamandag Ko ang Papatay Sa'yo Rodel OctoArts Films
Cinemax Studios
1998 Anting-Anting OctoArts Films
My Guardian Debil GMA Pictures
May Sayad* Verano Ricketts Productions
1999 Desperado, Bahala Na ang Itaas
Ang Boyfriend Kong Pari* Father Ed de Vera EDL Productions
Crystal Films
2001 Mano Mano 2: Ubusan ng Lakas* Aldo Ricketts Productions
2003 Dayo*
Utang ng Ama Director (Uncredited)
2004 Mano Mano 3: Arnis the Lost Art* Ricketts Productions
2005 Uno Niko
2006 Lagot Ka sa Kuya Ko*
2007 One Percent Full
2013 The Fighting Chefs* Master Chef Viva Films/Ricketts Productions
2019 Exit Point* Capt. Wilfredo "Waldo" Ocampo
2020 I, Will: The Doc Willie Ong Story* Ricketts Productions

*Written and directed by Ricketts under the name Ronn Rick.

Television

References

  1. ↑ "Ricketts balik-pelikula". Tempo. 21 July 2012. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  2. ↑ Espinosa, Aries B. (28 February 2013). "Ricketts: PH off piracy watch list". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  3. ↑ ABS-CBN News (October 21, 2009). "Ronnie Ricketts is new OMB chief". ABS-CBN News. Manila: ABS-CBN Corporation. Retrieved November 1, 2020. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced Wednesday the appointment of actor Ronald "Ronnie" Ricketts as the new chairman...
  4. ↑ "Quiapo on US list of 'most notorious' markets". Philippine Daily Inquirer. April 6, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Fernandez, Amanda (September 4, 2014). "Ronnie Ricketts, 4 others suspended for release of seized DVDs". GMA News Online. GMA Network. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  6. 1 2 Cayabyab, Marc Jason (July 16, 2015). "Rickett's coaccused denies part in alleged pullout of seized items". Inquirer.net. INQUIRER.net. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  7. 1 2 Cayabyab, Marc Jason (June 25, 2015). "Ronnie Ricketts charged with graft over seized pirated discs". Inquirer.net. INQUIRER.net. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  8. ↑ Rappler.com (June 25, 2015). "Graft charges filed vs OMB chief Ronnie Ricketts, 4 others". Rappler. Manila, Philippines: Rappler Inc. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  9. ↑ Cargullo, Dona Dominguez (January 29, 2016). "OMB Chair Ronnie Ricketts, 3 iba pa, sinuspinde ng Sandiganbayan". Radyo Inquirer 990AM (in Filipino). Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  10. ↑ Iglesias, Iza (March 14, 2016). "Adriano is new OMB chairman". The Manila Times. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  11. ↑ "Ronnie Ricketts guilty of graft for release of seized pirated DVDs". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. March 15, 2019. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Ronnie Ricketts found guilty of graft". ABS-CBN News. Manila: ABS-CBN Corporation. March 15, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2020. Ricketts has posted bail but has refused to comment on the decision. Perez, on the other hand, said he would post bail on Monday.
  13. 1 2 Requejo, Rey (July 29, 2022). "SC overturns Sandigan, clears Ricketts of graft". Manila Standard.
  14. ↑ Pazzibugan, Dona (July 30, 2022). "Ronnie Ricketts acquitted of graft over seized DVDs". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  15. ↑ Panaligan, Rey (July 29, 2022). "SC reverses Sandigan, acquits ex-OMB chairman Ronnie Ricketts of graft charge". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  16. ↑
  17. ↑ "Ronnie Ricketts Joins 'Squad 13'". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. January 9, 1988. p. 11. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
  18. ↑ "Suspendidong OMB Chair na si Ronnie Ricketts balik acting sa ABS-CBN". Pilipino Star Ngayon. The Philippine Star. November 11, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
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