Prayers, sympathies pour after passing of OPM legend Rico J. Puno

MANILA, Philippines — Several celebrities and personalities on Tuesday extended their deepest condolences and prayers after veteran singer Rico J. Puno passed away. He was 65.

Puno, also an incumbent councilor of Makati City, died of cardiac arrest. This was confirmed by his daughter Tosca Camille Puno-Ramos.

Prior to his death, the veteran singer experienced heart problems. He underwent open heart surgery and angioplasty in 2015 and December 2017, respectively.

He also recently got a pacemaker.

Rico’s sister-in-law, Anna Puno said the former was brought to the intensive care unit but failed to make it.

Just recently, Anna also said it was “serendipitous” that Star Media recently held a solo 40th anniversary concert for him as well as a United States tour.

 

 

 

 

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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). 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. 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 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.

A post shared by Anna Puno (@annapuno) on Oct 29, 2018 at 1:13pm PDT

“Little did I know that this is his final bow in the live entertainment world,” Anna said on her Instagram post.

“We will forever miss the total entertainer but his songs will forever cherish in our hearts,” she added.

Anna called on Rico’s fans and colleagues to say a prayer for the OMP legend.

The news on Rico’s passing saddened and shocked celebrities from the entertainment industry as well as other personalities. They paid tribute to the hitmaker by posting their memories with Rico and extending sympathies online.

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 (@MsLeaSalonga) October 29, 2018

R.I.P. Rico Puno. ????Shocked to hear about your sudden passing. We will always remember your beautiful songs and your unique way of interpreting them.

— zsa zsa padilla (@zsazsapadilla) October 29, 2018

R.I.P Rico J Puno.
A kind and humble man. You will always be rememberd for the great music you blessed us with. If it wasn’t for your song “May Bukas Pa” I would not be where I am today.
Love and Prayers to family and friends ?????????? pic.twitter.com/KJBbCm11qp

— BAILEY MAY (@BaileyMayNU) October 29, 2018

R.I.P. to one of OPM’s legends, the one & only Rico J. Puno ???? Thank you for the laughter, the music, all the advice when i was just starting in this industry, for making me a part of your… https://t.co/1UD9zMYu0b

— Jenine Desiderio (@jeninedesiderio) October 29, 2018

Very very Sad news????????I’m still in shock,,,RIP Rico J.Puno ????#OPMKing #RicoJPuno #corics #OPMmusic

— Jessa Zaragoza (@iamjessaz13) October 29, 2018

RIP Rico J Puno ???????? you made us laugh so much and you really did inspire us young ones whenever you’d get on that stage and sing your heart out #respect

— MICA JAVIER (@DaRealMICA) October 29, 2018

Rico popularized OPM hits such as “Macho Gwapito,” “May Bukas Pa,” “Sorry Na Pwede Ba,” “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi,” among others.