Rico J. Puno, OPM legend, 65

MANILA, Philippines — In the end, it was his big heart that did Rico J. Puno in.

The OPM (Original Pilipino Music) icon succumbed to cardiac arrest at 1:56 a.m. yesterday at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City, Taguig, where he was confined for an executive check-up last Sunday. He was 65.

“My dad had a big heart,” said singer Tosca Puno, one of Rico’s four children with his ex-wife Doris Tayag (Rico is survived by four other children by other women). “He was bloated so his doctor didn’t let him go home yet.”

Two weeks ago, Rico showed up at a press conference for his concert titled “Sana Tatlo Ang Puso Ko” set for Nov. 23 at Solaire, with Marissa Sanchez and Giselle Sanchez as co-stars. He disclosed that last month, he underwent a minor surgery for the implant of a pacemaker, which he gamely showed to the media.

“That was his third heart procedure,” added Tosca.

In 2013, Rico suffered a heart attack on the set of the ABS-CBN sitcom “Home Sweetie Home” and underwent triple bypass. Only a few weeks later, he resumed doing shows both here and abroad, saying he was as good as new, with a heart like that of a young man.

“Then he underwent angioplasty in December last year,” according to Tosca. “The pacemaker implant was done only last month but it didn’t stop him from working. My dad was unstoppable. He followed the showbiz rule that the show must go on, no matter what. He was a fighter. Actually, he hadn’t stopped working since he started working in the early ’70s.”

One of the proponents of OPM, Rico J (for de Jesus) is well-loved for his romantic songs including “Kapalaran,” “Macho Guapito,” “Cartada Diyes,” “You’re All I Want For Christmas,” “May Bukas Pa” (used as theme song of a hit ABS-CBN soap) and “The Way We Were” which is very popular among lovers because it’s about penniless sweethearts on a strolling date in Luneta (Rizal Park).

Noted for his green jokes, Rico is pictured by friends as kind and “tame” in private.

“He was naughty only during a show to entertain people,” said Giselle. “As a person, he was a kind man with a generous heart. He never cracked naughty jokes, which he reserved only for public consumption.”

Years ago when Rico was healthy, he would mention to Tosca where he wanted to be buried.

“His mom, my Lola, had her wake at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati,” said Tosca, “so that’s where my dad’s wake will be. He also wanted to be buried beside the grave of his mom at the Heritage Park. All his wishes will be granted. We don’t know yet when the burial will be.”

Meanwhile, the producers of “Sana Tatlo Ang Puso Ko” plan to push through with the concert and turn it into a tribute for Rico.

“He conceptualized the show,” confirmed Tosca, who is also among the performers. “He started it and we have to finish it for him.”

Condolences

Malacañang has sent condolences to Puno’s family and friends. 

“We express our condolences to the legend that is Rico J. Puno. He has contributed a lot in the music industry. Personally, I feel sad. We had a duet four years ago in my show. He’s a personal friend,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said yesterday.

The city government of Makati mourned the passing of Puno, who was councilor of the city.

“We deeply mourn the passing of city councilor Rico Puno. On behalf of the city government and the people of Makati, I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family,” Mayor Abby Binay said. 

More than a legendary OPM icon, Puno was a dedicated public servant, who looked after the welfare of Makati residents and promoted the city’s economic development.   

“Rico J. was the ultimate entertainment package. He not only soothed the soul with his timeless music, but also lifted the spirit with his effortless humor,” Binay said. 

“But for the people of Makati, Councilor Puno meant more than an accomplished artist and entertainer. He was a public servant who dedicated over a decade of his life looking out for the welfare of residents and promoting the city’s economic development,” she added. 

Puno first ran and won as councilor in the first district of Makati in 1998. He was re-elected twice and completed three terms until 2007. He was re-elected during the 2016 elections. – With Christina Mendez, Robertzon Ramirez