Rico J’s most important achievement in his 40-year career

Rico J. Puno

(NOTE: This interview was originally posted on November 13, 2017. We are reposting this in memory of the late musician.)

While Rico J. Puno considers “May Bukas Pa” and “Kapalaran” as the defining hits of his music career, it’s the ballad “The Impossible Dream” that best describes his current state of mind.

After surviving a triple bypass surgery in 2015, he said he couldn’t be more grateful that he’s still healthy enough to perform and celebrate his 40th year in the business.

“I really want to sing ‘The Impossible Dream.’ Just to say that hiniwa, nilagari na ako’t lahat, andito pa rin ako!” he told the Inquirer in an interview for the concert, “Tatak Rico J: A Tribute of 40 Years of the Total Entertainer,” on Dec. 2 at The Theatre at Solaire (call 8919999 or 4702222).

Joining the 64-year-old OPM icon onstage are Willie Revillame, Ogie Alcasid, Randy Santiago, Imelda Papin, Claire dela Fuente, Gloc-9 and Ai-Ai delas Alas. “I feel loved, having all these people with me to celebrate,” he said.

What’s the significance of “The Impossible Dream”? We all aspire for something. When you achieve that, you might as well be the proudest man in the world. Ang yabang mo n’yan! That’s how I feel right now—I feel alive because I have realized my dreams, with the help of God, family and friends.

What was the past 40 years like? Forty years of successes, experiences, challenges and difficulties—lahat na ’yan. I’m so thankful that I’ve reached this point in my career because not everyone is blessed with longevity. Medyo nakakatanda, pero wala na talaga tayong magagawa diyan!”

Did you expect to last this long? Not really, because then I felt I wasn’t equipped—I’m no Piolo Pascual.
Fortunately, I had the talent. That’s the most important thing.

And as you age, you learn more, you get educated, especially when it comes to dealing with different people.

How do you feel when other music artists cite you as one of their influences? I always share with my colleagues whatever it is I have learned and experienced, and hope they get something out of it. I believe that when you plant good seeds, you get good fruit.

How’s your current lifestyle? I do everything in moderation because anything excessive is bad for you. I tweaked my routine. Back then, I could go on for days without much sleep. Now, I live one day at a time and try to make the most out of it.

What would you say is your most important achievement? Maintaining and sustaining a career and the fact that I’m still living at this moment! I’m proud that I don’t have any enemies in this small industry. And the feeling that you’re important, that you have become “someone.”

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