UPDATE: OPM icon Rico J. Puno succumbs to cardiac arrest
PIONEER-promoter of original Filipino music Enrico de Jesus Puno—popularly known as Rico J. Puno—died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday morning. He was 65.
Anna Puno, the singer’s s sister-in-law and a concert organizer posted the news on her Instagram account.
“I am seized with deep emotional shock when I found out that our OPM King – Kuya Rico J. Puno, has passed away this morning (Manila time),” the post read.
“Numbed with grief, I would like to call on all entertainers in the OPM industry as well as his worldwide fans to stop for a moment and say a prayer to one of the most respected singers in the country,” she said.
“I cannot help but say it was serendipitous that Starmedia prepared a solo 40th Anniversary concert for him and a US tour with the OPM stalwarts and colleagues just recently. Little did I know this is his Final Bow in the live entertainment world. We will forever miss the TOTAL ENTERTAINER…but his songs will forever cherish our hearts,” Anna said.
The “Macho Gwapito,” “May Bukas Pa,” and “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi” hit performer underwent an angioplasty last December 2017 and got a new pacemaker, according to previous reports.
His last public appearance was on October 18 during a press conference for his concert with comediennes Marissa Sanches and Giselle Sanchez dubbed as “Sana Tatlo Ang Puso” which is scheduled on November 23 at The Theater at Solaire.
As the news broke, condolences from fellow celebrities poured in.
“Rest In Peace, Rico J. Puno. Your distinctive voice that lent itself to so much of the music of my childhood will not be forgotten. To Tito Rico’s family, my deepest condolences,” Lea Salonga said on Twitter.
Zsa Zsa Padilla wrote, “RIP Rico Puno. Shocked to hear about your sudden passing. We will always remember your beautiful songs and your unique way of interpreting them.”
“#RicoJPuno we will miss you! Now that you are in heaven, behave! We love you!“ Martin Nievera posted.
“This man was the reason I wanted to be a singer. His voice, his charm, wit, and entertainment style has wowed millions of opm fans all over the globe. I am deeply saddened to hear that he has now joined our creator. More than being my idol, he was a dear friend. Everybody loved and adored the great man Rico J. Puno. Rest now Rico. The whole country applauds you for your contributions as a singer, and entertainer and as a public servant,” Ogie Alcasid shared.
The post UPDATE: OPM icon Rico J. Puno succumbs to cardiac arrest appeared first on The Manila Times Online.