Final Bow: Rico J. Puno passes away at 65

FILE: OPM Legend Rico J. Puno. (Photo: ricojpuno/Instagram)

Lights went off and music instruments stopped as the country’s Original Pinoy Music (OPM) legend, Enrico de Jesus Puno, joined the Lord Creator on Tuesday, October 30.

Enrico, better known as Rico J. Puno, passed away at the age of 65 due to heart failure, his sister-in-law, Anna Puno, confirmed in an Instagram post.

“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),” Anna wrote.

Rico, who was known for his songs such as Macho Gwapito, Kapalaran, and May Bukas Pa, recently staged his 40th anniversary in the local music scene as well as a United States (US) tour along with other OPM icons in the Philippines.

“I cannot help but say it was serendipitous,” Anna said.

“Little did I know that this is his Final Bow in the live entertainment world. We will forever miss the TOTAL ENTERTAINER…but his songs will forever cherish in our hearts,” she added.

It was in 2015 when Rico underwent an open heart surgery. Two years later, he had an angioplasty and then got a pacemaker in 2018 to help his heart.

Rico was also recently hospitalized for diabetes complications.

Upon hearing the news, several local artists took to social media to pay tribute to the OPM legend.

One of the first stars who sent their condolences to Rico’s family was Lea Salonga, who said that she will never forget the veteran singer.

“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,” the Broadway star tweeted.

“Mr. Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano and singer Jessa Zaragoza, who were still in shock at Rico’s sudden passing, also paid their tribute.

Ogie Alcasid, in his Instagram post, also shared that Rico was the man who inspired him to be part of the music industry.

“His voice, his charm, wit and entertainment style has wowed millions of OPM fans all over the globe,” Ogie wrote.

“More than being my idol, he was a dear friend. 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,” he added.

“Divine Diva” Zsazsa Padilla, meanwhile, tweeted, “We will always remember your beautiful songs and your unique way of interpreting them.”

Jenine Desiderio, Miss Saigon alumna, for her part, expressed her gratitude to Rico for the “laughter, the music, all the advice when I was just starting in this industry, for making me a part of your countless shows, the friendship, simply everything.”

Apart from these celebrities, some netizens were also saddened by the news, saying that the OPM industry has lost a great icon.

Rico was recently seen in national television, joining other judges in It’s Showtime’s Tawag ng Tanghalan.

Not only Rico thrilled his audience with his outstanding performances, but he also stepped his foot into the world of politics, having been elected as the First District City Councilor of Makati City.