OPM artist Rico J. Puno. INQUIRER file photo
Notable OPM artists paid tribute to the late “Total Entertainer” Rico J. Puno, who died Tuesday morning because of heart failure at age 65.
Friends from the music industry mourned his death and penned messages for the “Macho Gwapito” singer on their social media accounts on Tuesday.
Ogie Alcasid said Rico J. was the reason he wanted to become a singer and “his voice, his charm, wit and entertainment style has wowed millions of opm fans all over the globe.”
“Everybody loved and adored the great Rico J. Puno. Rest now rico. The whole country applauds you for your contributions as a singer, and entertainer and as a public servant,” Alcasid added.
Martin Nievera also posted a message for Puno in an Instagram post: “#ricojpuno we will miss you! Now that you are in heaven, behave! We love you!”
Gary Valenciano, meanwhile, said he was surprised to hear the sudden passing of Rico J: “Rest in His peace kapitan. I’m in total shock at this news.”
“Nakakalungkot na balita, naalala ko pa Buhat ang unang awitin na inawit ko sa harap ng maraming tao. I was 6 years old. Maraming Salamat Rico J Puno,” Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez wrote in an Instagram post.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta recalled how she grew up and performed with the late music icon: “Actually singing in the same concerts that Vicor and Blackgold put together for all their artists, with you. I had no idea then that I was singing with one who would become a true LEGEND.”
Cuneta described Rico J as “The Total Entertainer, the funny, always down-to-earth guy” who was always humble and never changed despite the success he achieved.
The Megastar also joked, “Huwag masyadong bastos ang jokes sa taas ha Kuya baka ihagis ka ni Lord pababa hala!”
She ended her message with condolences to Puno’s family: “Rest in peace, the great RICO J. PUNO. Our most loving and deepest condolences to your family. May God give them strength during this painful time.”
Leah Navarro also paid tribute to Puno with a tweet saying, “Goodbye, #RicoJPuno. You were a great entertainer, a good pal, a caring person. I remember our gigs with fondness.”
Goodbye, #RicoJPuno. You were a great entertainer, a good pal, a caring person. I remember our gigs with fondness; you enjoyed seeing Lola Masay cringe at your dirty jokes. She loved you. Miss you, bro. To your family, prayers for strength, and heartfelt condolences.
— Leah Navarro (@leahnavarro) October 29, 2018
One of the members of APO Hiking Society Jim Paredes tweeted: “When I see old friends and colleagues these days, I must remind myself that this could possibly be the last time I will see them. Rico J., you were bigger than life. A real OPM legend.”
https://twitter.com/Jimparedes/status/1057071457568616449
In Rico J’s over 40 years in the music industry, his hit songs include “Kapalaran,” “Buhat,” “Macho Gwapito,” “Lupa,” “Damdamin,” and “May Bukas Pa.” /jpv
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