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Rico Yan

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Rico Yan
Born
Ricardo Carlos Castro Yan

(1975-03-14)March 14, 1975
Mandaluyong, Rizal, Philippines
DiedMarch 29, 2002(2002-03-29) (aged 27)
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Resting placeManila Memorial Park – Sucat[1]
Alma materDe La Salle University
Occupations
  • Actor
  • model
  • host
  • businessman
  • spokesperson
Years active1995–2002[1]
AgentStar Magic (1995-2002)
RelativesManuel Yan (grandfather)

Ricardo Carlos "Rico" Castro Yan (Tagalog: [jan]; March 14, 1975 – March 29, 2002) was a Filipino actor renowned for his roles in popular romance and comedy films, as well as television shows during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Yan started as a commercial model in 1995 and was launched as a pioneer of Talent Center's Star Circle Batch 1, now known as ABS-CBN's Star Magic, in November of the same year. He became a household name with his roles as Ricky Salveron in Gimik (1996) and Gabriel Maglayon in Mula Sa Puso (1997).[2] Yan starred in commercially successful television shows and films, often paired with Judy Ann Santos and Claudine Barretto.[3] He solidified his matinee idol status through films such as Paano Ang Puso Ko? (1997), Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita (1998), Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (1998), Mula sa Puso: The Movie (1999), Gimik: The Reunion (1999), and Got 2 Believe (2002). In 2014, twelve years after his death, Star Cinema ranked him No. 5 in their list of "The Kings of Star Cinema."[4]

In addition to his film career, Yan appeared in several television shows, including Mara Clara (1996), 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila (1996), Saan Ka Man Naroroon (1999), Magandang Tanghali Bayan (2001), and Whattamen (2001).

Yan died from acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis on March 29, 2002 at aged 27.

Family and early life

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Ricardo Carlos Castro Yan was born at The Medical City, then located in Mandaluyong, Philippines. He grew up in a family of soldiers and businessmen. He was the son of Roberto Yan, Sr. (1947–2017), an ethnic Filipino Chinese from Metro Manila, and his Ilocana wife, Teresita Castro-Yan, who hailed from Laoag, Ilocos Norte.[5] He was the grandson of Manuel T. Yan, Sr. (1920–2008),[6] former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Ambassador to Thailand, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom, as well as Colonel Isabelo Ruiz Castro.

He had three siblings: Geraldine, Tina, and Bobby, who is a television host. His parents were business owners and ran a security agency, drawing from the family's military background.[citation needed] Yan attended Xavier School for his primary education, graduating in 1988, and completed high school at De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in 1993.[7] He earned his bachelor's degree in Marketing Management from De La Salle University in 1997.

Career

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Early work: 1995

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Yan was discovered at age 20 while he was a senior student at De La Salle University, waiting in line at a fast food restaurant. A talent scout approached him and asked if he was interested in becoming a commercial model. He soon joined Cosmopolitan Modeling Agency and was selected as the lead in his first television commercial for Master Facial Cleanser.[8] Talent manager Johnny Manahan later asked Yan if he wanted to pursue acting, and he was soon managed by Biboy Arboleda.

In 1995, Yan joined Star Circle Batch 1, a group of eight new talents. During this time, he balanced his modeling and acting pursuits with completing his marketing thesis and college coursework.

Breakthrough: 1996–2000

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In June 1996, Yan portrayed the boy-next-door character Ricky Salveron in the youth-oriented show Gimik,[9] directed by Laurenti Dyogi and aired on The Filipino Channel (TFC). The show, which focused on the lives of a close-knit group of young people living in an imaginary village, explored the experiences and joys of youth. Yan starred alongside Judy Ann Santos, Jolina Magdangal, Giselle Toengi, Mylene Dizon, Patrick Garcia, Diether Ocampo, and Marvin Agustin. Gimik ran for three years and was later adapted into the film GIMIK: The Reunion in 1999. Due to the strong on-screen chemistry between Yan and Santos in Gimik, their collaboration continued in the television drama Mara Clara, where Yan played a young medical intern named Derrick Gonzales. That same year, Yan also became a co-host on the noontime variety show 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila, where he had a segment called "Ricollection."

In 1997, Yan played the protagonist Gabriel Maglayon in the successful primetime television drama Mula sa Puso,[10] portraying a dedicated cab driver willing to give up everything for his family and loved ones, alongside Claudine Barretto. The series ran for two years and was adapted into a film, Mula sa Puso: The Movie, in 1999. Playing Gabriel proved to be one of Yan's most notable roles on television.

Yan also appeared on Star Drama Presents, where he showcased his versatility as an actor by playing various characters. He was one of the few Talent Center artists to make numerous appearances on the series, featuring in twelve episodes as a guest artist in March 1997 and April 1998.[11]

In 1999, Yan starred in the television drama Saan Ka Man Naroroon opposite Claudine Barretto. He played Daniel Pineda, an uncomplicated young agriculturist who, when faced with love, became uncertain about the hardships of life. He married a wealthy older woman to improve his living situation; however, their union was plagued by lies and deceit.

In 2000, Yan worked with director Chito S. Roño on a mini-series titled Detour, marking his third starring role in Star Drama Presents. He portrayed Carl, an eccentric young man from a wealthy background who was dying and on a journey through life.

In films, Yan transitioned to leading roles. In 1996 and 1997, he starred in Paano ang Puso Ko?, portraying Jason Delgado, a free-spirited, mischievous, and playful repatriate who, despite being indisposed, wanted to live a normal life and enjoy it to the fullest. He also played Joel Bernabe, a diligent merchandiser, in the two-part film Flames: the Movie.

In the romantic drama Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, directed by Rory Quintos,[12] Yan played Alex Medina, an aspiring businessman whose only dream is to open his own restaurant. Paired opposite Judy Ann Santos, whose character must choose between her family and Alex, the film was shot in one of the most romantic places, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, in September 1998.

In June 1998, Yan starred alongside Barretto in the film Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita. This movie marked Yan's first full-length role as a leading man and was directed by Wenn V. Deramas. It received positive critical and commercial responses.[13][14]

Critical success: 2001–2002

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In 2001, Yan transitioned from leading man roles to comedy with the Whattamen comic trio, which was initially introduced on Gimik. In September 2001, he showcased his comedic talent by portraying the charming and witty Castro in the all-male comedy sitcom Whattamen[15][16][17] alongside, Dominic Ochoa,[18] Marvin Agustin, and Ai-Ai delas Alas.[19] He played a restaurant owner who was the charming and level-headed member of the group. Later, the trio transitioned from the sitcom to the daily afternoon show Magandang Tanghali Bayan, where Yan was launched as one of the new hosts.[20]

In February 2002, Yan filmed his final movie, Got 2 Believe, a romantic comedy directed by Olivia Lamasan. The film was a major box office success, and its official soundtrack received a gold record award prior to his death. Yan recorded a duet with Claudine Barretto for one of the theme songs, "Got to Believe in Magic." In the film, Yan portrayed Lorenz Montinola, a commitment-phobic photographer whose sole ambition is to achieve international success.[21]

At the time of his death, Yan was set to work on three additional movies with Star Cinema following the success of Got 2 Believe. He had been chosen by screenwriter Ricky Lee and director Marilou Diaz-Abaya to play a lead role in the sequel to Moral. He was also cast in a major role for the play Sinta with Dulaang Sibol of Ateneo Theater, directed by Johnny Manahan, and was involved in the sequel to Fernando Poe Jr. and Judy Ann Santos' film Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko....[citation needed]

He had two shows, Magandang Tanghali Bayan[22] and Whattamen,[23] airing at the time of his death.[24]

Death and memorial

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On March 29, 2002, while on vacation during Holy Week, Yan was found dead inside his hotel room by his friend, actor Dominic Ochoa, at the Dos Palmas Resort in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.[25] He died of cardiac arrest due to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis.[26][27] His public wake was held at La Salle Green Hills, and an estimated 10,000 people attended his final funeral rites in Metro Manila.[28] His funeral was also televised live on ABS-CBN, with numerous television tributes honoring him. Gary Valenciano moved people to tears with his rendition of "The Warrior is a Child," a song Yan had requested. He was interred at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque on April 4.[29] Yan's burial was ranked No. 6 on the "List of Most Attended Funerals in Philippine History" by SPOT.[30]

A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales of his last movie, Got 2 Believe,[31] his documentary Forever Young: Remembering Rico,[32] and his other film Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita[33] contributed to the Rico Yan Youth Foundation,[34][35][36][37] which was established on May 8, 2002, at the PhilSports Complex.[24]

Personal life

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Fr. Tito Caluag, who was Yan's spiritual adviser before his death, disclosed that Yan wanted to become president. "Rico wanted to be a leader but never mentioned leadership because he only wanted to serve. He wanted to be like JFK, who gave America a sense of pride and class and inspired his people," said Caluag.[38]

Yan first dated Tricia Sandejas.[39] From 1994 to 1997, he later dated actress Claudine Barretto, who became his on-screen partner beginning in 1996 when they co-starred in Radio Romance. They broke up in November 2001, but their separation was not announced until after his sudden death.[40][41]

Other endeavors

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Yan was also a successful entrepreneur and owned several businesses, including Orbitz Pearl Shakes, Java Hut, Buddy Burger, Timbuktu Cafe, and Tequila Joe Grill and Restaurants. He also had a column in the Manila Bulletin titled "C'est la Vie."[42][43][44][45][46][47]

In 1998, Yan became the first official youth spokesman for the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports, touring the Philippines for free to promote education among young people. In addition to establishing the Pinoy Yan Movement, a non-profit organization aimed at encouraging youth to stay in school and value education, he assisted the Are You a Forest King? Foundation, visiting many schools to promote the importance of tree growth. He was also involved in various foundations and initiatives that furthered the interests of youth and leadership formation.[48] Additionally, Yan was the first spokesperson for the Philippine National Red Cross Pledge 25 in 1999.[citation needed]

Filmography

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Films

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Year Title Role Producer Director
1996 Radio Romance Gary Balmaceda Star Cinema Jose Javier Reyes
Ama, Ina, Anak Dennis
Madrasta Dodie Olivia Lamasan
1997 Paano Ang Puso Ko? Jason Delgado Rory Quintos
Home Along da Riles da Movie 2 Gabriel Efren Jarlego
Flames: The Movie (Part 2: Pangako) Joel Bernabe Khryss Adalia
1998 Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita Miguel Quirino Wenn Deramas
Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay Alex Medina Rory Quintos
1999 Mula sa Puso: The Movie Gabriel Maglayon Wenn Deramas
Gimik: The Reunion Ricky Salveron Laurenti Dyogi
2002 Got 2 Believe Lorenz Montinola Olivia Lamasan

Television

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Year TV show Role Notes / Episodes Director(s)
1995–2002 ASAP Himself Performer Johnny Manahan
1996–1999 Gimik Ricardo "Ricky" Salveron Main Role Laurenti Dyogi
1996–1997 Mara Clara Derrick Gonzales Book 2 Emil Cruz Jr., Jerry Lopez Sineneng
1996 Maalaala Mo Kaya Nico Main Role; Agua Bendita Jerry Lopez Sineneng
Dante Main Role; Valentines Card Manny Castañeda
Jun Main Role; Dinuguan
Telesine Specials Carlo Roses for Tracy Mark Reyes
Star Drama Presents Joshua Guest; He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not Edwin O'Hara
1996–1998 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila Host Danni Caparas, Victor de Guzman
1997–1999 Mula sa Puso Gabriel Maglayon Main Role Wenn Deramas
1998 Esperanza Guest Don Cuaresma
Wansapanataym Rico Pilot Episode; Ang Mahiwagang Palasyo Johnny Manahan
Star Drama Presents Carlo Featured Artist; Matinee Idol Wenn Deramas
JJ Featured Artist; Rebelde Michael de Mesa
Marco Featured Artist; Internet Nick Lizaso
Jake Featured Artist; Take Two Eric Quizon
1998 Francis De Leon Featured Artist; Walang Personalan Johnny Manahan
Miguel Featured Artist; Recuerdo Wenn Deramas
Randy Macaraeg Featured Artist; Gubat sa Likod ng Rehas
Wilfredo Featured Artist; Jose, Reynaldo, Wilfredo Don Cuaresma
1998 Maalaala Mo Kaya Gerald Robles Main Role; Shades Ruel Bayani
1999 Kulturang Handog Para Sa Bayan Host Johnny Manahan
FLAMES Sam Main Role; Amerika o Wala Gilbert Perez
Usapang Business Himself Guest
The Correspondents Himself Guest Correspondent; Martial Law
1999–2001 Saan Ka Man Naroroon Daniel Pineda Main Role Wenn Deramas
1999 Maalaala Mo Kaya Stephen Main Role; Medalya Ricky Davao
2000 Pipol Himself Guest
Star Drama Presents Carl Mini Series; Main Role; Detour Chito Rono
2001 StarStudio Richard Main Role; Crossroads Leo Rialp
Laki sa Laya Host Johnny Manahan
2002 Coverstory Himself Guest
CinemaTalk
2001–2002 Whattamen Richard "Richie" Castro Main role John-D Lazatin
Magandang Tanghali Bayan Host Last TV appearance Edgar Mortiz, Bobbet Vidanes

Awards and recognitions

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Year Award Organization
2001 Youth Ambassador Philippine Youth
1999 FAMAS Youth Achievement Award FAMAS
1999 Philippine National Red Cross Pledge 25 Spokesperson Philippine National Red Cross
1998 Official DECS-CSCA Spokesperson and Role Model for Students and Youth Department of Education Culture and Sports – CSCA
1998 Gawad KKK Outstanding Youth in The Field of Entertainment National Centennial Commission
1998 Medal of Honor KASAMA Foundation
1998 Outstanding Youth Role Model National Youth Commission
1998 Parangal ng Bayan/People's Choice Awardee People's Choice Philippines

Film and television awards

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Year Film / Television Organization Award Result
1997 Paano Ang Puso Ko? PMPC Star Awards for Movies Best New Actor Nominated
1998 Maalaala Mo Kaya Shades 12th Star Awards for TV Single Performance by an Actor Nominated
Kay Tagal kang Hinintay FAMAS Best Actor Nominated
2003 Got 2 Believe Nominated
21st FAP Awards Nominated

Others

1997 Best Male Star – Kislap Magazine
1997 Best Male Star – Movie Star Magazine
1997 Most Popular Young Male Star – Movie Star Magazine
1998 Most Popular Love Team – Rico Yan and Judy Ann Santos (Pabonggahan sa Moviestar'98),

References

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  1. ^ a b Siazon, Rachelle (March 29, 2018). "A lookback on the life of matinee idol Rico Yan". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  2. ^ "Friday Five: Rico Yan's Unforgettable Performances". ABS-CBN. April 2, 2015. Archived from the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  3. ^ Contreras, Retty (September 10, 2014). "5 Pinoy Love Teams That We Wish Still Existed". Cosmopolitan Philippines. Retrieved September 11, 2014.}
  4. ^ "Rico Yan #5 All Time Leading Man of Star Cinema". Star Cinema. February 24, 2014. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  5. ^ Yan, Sita (May 20, 2002). "My enigmatic Rico". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 11, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  6. ^ Montano, Efran. "A Grandfather Remembers". Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014.
  7. ^ Tan Pajarillo, Maria Katrina (May 8, 2002). "Ricky, Whatta La Sallian by Maria Katrina Tan Pajarillo". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 16, 2016.
  8. ^ "From Selling to Starring: 15 Ads that Made Celebs". Spot.Ph. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  9. ^ "Friends Forever Memorable Barkadas". Star Cinema. March 17, 2014. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  10. ^ Deramas, Wenn (May 9, 2014). "Goodbye Corics". Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum (in Filipino). Archived from the original on October 9, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  11. ^ Diaz, Ogie (March 14, 2014). "Bday Ngayon ni Rico Yan". OgieDiaz.net (in Filipino). Archived from the original on May 30, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  12. ^ Pumaloy, Rey (October 17, 2012). "Direk Rory Quintos on Rico Yan's striking resemblance to Thai actor Mario Maurer: ″Talagang kamukhang-kamukha nga niya si Mario.″". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  13. ^ Valle, Jet (April 6, 2001). "An Indepth Look At The Depth of Rico Yan". Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum. Archived from the original on April 19, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  14. ^ "Rico and his field of dreams". The Philippine Star. February 10, 2002. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  15. ^ Zubiri, Stephanie (August 23, 2001). "A Riot Act with Whattamen". The Philippine Star (Interview). Archived from the original on January 6, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  16. ^ Abunda, Roy (April 16, 2001). "What is Whattamen up to?". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  17. ^ "Getting Personal with Whattamen". Geocities (Interview). Archived from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  18. ^ Sancon, Allan (March 30, 2012). "Dominic Ochoa says it took him about 3 years before getting over the demise of best friend Rico Yan". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). Archived from the original on January 27, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  19. ^ Reyes, Jose Javier (March 30, 2002). "I Remember Rico Yan..." Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum. Archived from the original on January 12, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  20. ^ "Handsome trio of Whattamen dashing poses". ABS-CBN. June 29, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  21. ^ "10 of the Mushiest, Cheesiest Quotes from Local Leading Men". Spot.Ph. February 6, 2014. Archived from the original on March 3, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  22. ^ "Magandang Tanggahali Bayan's Tribute to Rico Yan". Geocities (Interview) (in Filipino). Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  23. ^ Torre, Leia (April 23, 2002). "Who Should Replace Rico Yan in Whattamen?". Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  24. ^ a b Almo, Nerisa (March 29, 2007). "Remembering Rico Yan". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  25. ^ Cruz, Edgar (April 4, 2014). "Rico Yan: The last interview". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  26. ^ "Let's remember Rico Yan on his 15th death anniversary". ABS-CBN Corporation. March 29, 2017. Archived from the original on January 26, 2020.
  27. ^ "No foul play in actor Yan's death - police". Gulf News. March 31, 2002. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  28. ^ Salterio, Lea. "Rico Yan A Funeral Fit for A President for Actor Who Want to be One". Archived from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  29. ^ Dizon, Nikko; Felipe, Cecile Suerte (April 5, 2002). "Metro stands still as Rico is buried". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  30. ^ "10 Most Attended Funerals in Philippine History". SPOT.ph. August 6, 2009.
  31. ^ Pilapil, Louie-An M. (April 3, 2002). "Rico Yan Death And Its Blessings". Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  32. ^ Babao-Guballa, Cathy (April 6, 2002). "Rico Yan There are Lessons Even As We Mourn". Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  33. ^ "Rico Yan Youth Foundation Launch". Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  34. ^ "Rico Yan: A 'The Correspondents' Special". Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum (in Filipino). April 1, 2002. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  35. ^ Francisco, Butch (April 4, 2002). "The Rico I knew". Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  36. ^ Ople, Blas F. "The Mystique of Rico Yan A Wholesome Kid as A Icon". Oocities. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  37. ^ Buensolido, Monique (April 6, 2002). "What a man, that Rico Yan!". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  38. ^ Caluag, Father Tito (March 29, 2002). "My Friend Rico". Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  39. ^ Santiago, Erwin (December 6, 2011). "Madalas ngayong makita si Mayor Jun-jun Binay kasama ang isang simple, maganda, at diumanolsquo;y ma". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  40. ^ Lo, Ricky (March 23, 2002). "Why Claudine and Rico broke up". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
  41. ^ Orsal, Noel (July 7, 2023). "Sabrina M. reveals secret relationship with Rico Yan: "After Claudine, naging kami, umabot din ng taon."". PEP.ph.
  42. ^ "Rico Yan Unveiled". Rico-Claudine Cyberfriends Forum. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  43. ^ "Rico Yan Answers 5 Facts". reocities (Interview). Archived from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  44. ^ Dylim, Rikka. "This Yan Could Also Cook". Geocities (Interview). Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  45. ^ "Rico Yanism, Anyone?". Geocities (Interview). Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  46. ^ Yan, Ricardo Carlos Castro. "Rico Yan Power of Hug". Geocities. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  47. ^ Vanzi, Sol Jose (March 31, 2002). "'Bangungot' Kills Rico Yan; Claudine Still in Shock". Newsflash. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved June 25, 2016.
  48. ^ Vanzi, Sol Jose (April 1, 2002). "Rico Yan's Journey Toward Spiritual Enrichment". Newsflash. Archived from the original on January 31, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2016.
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