Palace reacts to death of OPM icon Rico J. Puno

FILE: Mr. Macho Gwapito is back!!! (Photo: Rico J. Puno/Facebook)

After the announcement of the death of 65-year-old Rico J. Puno, one of the pioneers of soul music in the Philippines, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo expresses Malacañang’s grief towards the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon’s passing.

During a Palace briefing on Tuesday, October 30, Panelo responded to the news about the singer’s cardiac arrest, saying, “We express our condolences to the legend that is Rico J. Puno. He has contributed a lot in the music industry.” He further shares that Rico is a “personal friend” and that they “had a duet four years ago” on his show.

Senator Tito Sotto also shares his take on the news, telling the media, “We started calling him ‘the total entertainer’ even from his Spindle days. He not only sang well but was witty and all.” He concludes, “Seldom would you find a local pop singer’s album in their homes, the songs and albums of Rico we produced and released paved the way for the Filipino artist to be accepted in high society then. Rico will now be performing for a far Greater Audience. Goodbye, my Friend.”

Besides later becoming a Makati City councillor, Rico is most known for pioneering OPM hits through his tracks including “Kapalaran,” “Buhat,” “Macho Gwapito,” “Lupa,” “Damdamin,” and “May Bukas Pa.” He was supposed to have a concert this month, but news of Rico’s passing was announced this morning by his longtime manager Norma Japitana. His sister Anna Puno also took to Instagram to share her mourning, sending a message to “all entertainers in the OPM Industry as well as his worldwide fans,” saying, “Stop for a moment and say a prayer to one of the most respected singers in the country.”

Rico’s passing left his wife Doris and his four children, namely, Tosca, Rox, Erica, and Doki. His remains as of writing are currently in Santuario de San Antonio, Forbes Park, Makati City.