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.
“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.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) October 29, 2018
To Tito Rico’s family, my deepest condolences.
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.
— BAILEY MAY (@BaileyMayNU) October 29, 2018
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
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.