American actor of Filipino descent Conrad Ricamora had an emotional homecoming as he set foot in the Philippines for the very first time—an experience that left him both smiling and in tears.
In an Instagram video posted yesterday, Ricamora was seen gazing out of an airplane window at a bird’s-eye view of Manila, visibly overcome with emotion. Alongside the video, he paid tribute to his late father, Ron Ricamora, who left the Philippines as a child and never had the chance to return.
“60 years ago, my dad said goodbye to the Philippines as a 10-year-old, unsure if he’d ever return.
Now, I’m here for the first time, walking in his shoes, on the soil of my ancestors, carrying him in my heart.”
The post quickly resonated with Filipinos online—many of whom admitted they were only just discovering that the actor has Filipino roots.
Several notable Filipino artists welcomed Ricamora in the comments, including Broadway and West End legend Lea Salonga, who wrote: “Oh I love this homecoming for you! Welcome, and see you so soon!”
Singer-actor Mark Bautista also reacted warmly, commenting: “What a story! Can’t wait to watch u guys!”
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Ricamora’s father, Ron, was born in Manila and migrated to the United States at just 10 years old. He later served in the U.S. Air Force but, according to Ricamora, never returned to the Philippines. This made the actor’s visit deeply symbolic—not just a professional trip, but a personal pilgrimage.
Ricamora is best known for playing Oliver Hampton in the hit ABC legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (2014–2020), a role that earned him international recognition. He has also appeared in American series such as ‘The Resident’, ‘How to Die Alone’, and ‘Dying for Sex’.
On the big screen, his credits include ‘Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby’,’ The Light of the Moon’, and ‘Fire Island’. He is also set to appear in ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.
A respected stage actor, Ricamora previously portrayed Benigno Aquino Jr. in the Broadway musical Here Lies Love. He earned a Tony Award nomination for Oh, Mary! and received two Grammy nominations for Soft Power and The King and I.
Ricamora is currently in the country to star as Zach in the Manila staging of the Broadway musical ‘A Chorus Line’, which will run from March 12 to March 29, 2026, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.
For many Filipinos, Ricamora’s emotional arrival was more than just a celebrity moment—it was a powerful reminder of diaspora, identity, and the enduring pull of one’s roots.
As one fan commented online: “Hindi lang siya umuwi—bumalik siya para sa ama niya.”
