Music icon Rico J. Puno may have passed away, but he lives in the hearts of the Filipinos.
The 65-year-old pioneer of OPM died of heart failure on Tuesday at St. Lukes, Bonifacio Global City, but his contibution to the music and showbiz industry will never die.
From Malacanang Palace, Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo gave tribute to Puno. From Makati City, where Puno served as a three-term councilor from 1998 to 2007 and reelected in 2016, Mayor Abby Binay expressed her sadness. Even the New York Times published an obituary of the “soul music pioneer” in the Philippines, stating that he was “one of the biggest stars of the glory days of Filipino music… who helped ‘forge’ Manila Sound, more known today as OPM.”
The article, written by Mike Ives, also called him a “larger-than-life total entertainer” because he was not only a singer, but also an endorser, host, actor, and politician.
On the morning of his death, his family was with him. His son Rox, a professional photographer and also a singer, arrived in the hospital at 1:26am.
“He waited for me. Pag dating ko sa hospital, niyakap ko siya and then I heard his last breath. Hindi ko alam na yun pala yung pagpapaalam. I started crying. He died at 1:56am. I was lucky to have spent precious time with him. I’m happy to have had good talks with him at his house. I always kissed him whenever I go home but this time I kissed him goodbye kasi alam ko na kay Lord na siya,” shared Rox, who looks a lot like Rico J.
Two years ago, Rico experienced chest pains and shortness of breath on the set of “Home Sweetie Home.” He then underwent a triple bypass surgery, and also received a pacemaker. From then on, Rico J had grown closer to his family and friends, developed a deeper appreciation for his craft, and acknowledged that God allowed him to live because he still had a mission to entertain and bring joy to people through his music.
“Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens’,” shared Rico J’s brother, Pastor John Marcus Puno, as Rico’s children Toska and Rox give their last embrace to their father.
Malungai LifeOil President Andy Lugtu said he will see Puno on the other side.
Rico J is preparing for his return on stage in “Sana Tatlo Ang Puso Ko,” on November 23 at The Theatre in Solaire.
Recently, Puno released the album “Aliw” under Sony BMG, with the carrier single was Lito Camo’s “Kay Hirap Mong Limutin.”
Rico J. Puno’s hit songs include Kapalaran, Buhat, Macho Gwapito, Lupa, Damdamin, May Bukas Pa, Ang Tao’y Marupok, Magkasuyo Buong Gabi with Elsa Chan, and his version of You Don’t Have To Be A Star.
Rox expressed gratitude for his father’s fans and supporters.
“Papa, kasama mo na si lola at lolo at si Tito Dolphy. Sila naman ang pasayahin mo diyan, happy kami dito kasi hindi ka na mahihirapan,” ended Rox.
