Producer considers continuing Rico J. Puno’s concert despite passing

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

The producer of the Original Pinoy Music (OPM) legend Rico J. Puno’s concert, along with host-actress Giselle Sanchez and singer-comedienne Marissa Sanchez, is considering not to cancel the show even after the icon’s passing.

In an interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal (Pep.ph) on All Saints’ Day, November 1, Rico’s daughter, Tosca Puno, said she was asked by the producer, whom she referred to as “Tita (Aunt) Baby,” if they will still push through with the concert, Music and Laughter (Sana, Tatlo Ang Puso Ko), which will be held on November 23 at The Theater at Solaire, Parañaque City.

In response to this, Tosca said, “‘Tita, kung buhay si Papa ngayon (Aunt, if father is still alive), knowing his character, the show must go on.’ Parang… kung ano ang sinimulan niya, dapat tapusin natin (Like… whatever he has started, we must finish it).”

Tosca shared that she and her father was supposed to have a surprise duet on the concert that Rico had conceptualized.

“Kakantahin po sana namin ‘yung (We were supposed to sing) ‘Climb Every Mountain.’ Pinapraktis na po namin (We were practicing it already),” she told Pep.ph

“Tapos, noong namatay na siya… ibinulong ko, ‘Papa, ‘di ba, may duet pa tayo (And when he died… I whispered to him, ‘Father, we still have a duet to do, right)?'” she added.

If the concert will push through on November 23, Rico’s daughter said her brother, Rox Puno, will be the one to represent their father on stage.

“Ang galing pong maggitara ni Rox (Rox is good at playing guitar),” she said.

It was on October 23, Tuesday, when the OPM legend joined the Lord Creator at the age of 65 due to heart failure, according to his sister-in-law, Anna Puno.

Rico 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, but little did everyone know, that that will be his last performance in the live entertainment world.

The veteran singer, known for his songs such as Macho Gwapito, Kapalaran, and May Bukas Pa, was also recently seen in national television, joining other judges in It’s Showtime’s Tawag ng Tanghalan.

On Friday, as the country commemorates All Souls’ Day, hosts of It’s Showtime remembered their unforgettable moments with Rico, who was hailed as “The Total Entertainer.”

Before the hosts, several local artists, such as Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Jessa Zaragoza, Ogie Alcasid, Zsazsa Padilla, Jenine Desiderio, among others, already took to social media to pay tribute to the OPM legend. Some netizens gave their goodbye messages to Rico.