My recollection of Richard was that he was content working backstage and happy watching Inno shine. The times I would see him, he was always busy working and soon after the show he would quietly disappear. Richard and Inno revived the fashion industry through Fashion Watch, where most of our favorite designers now first made waves: Len Nepomuceno Guiao, Patrice Ramos Diaz, Jojie Lloren, Rajo Laurel, and Dennis Lustico to name a few. They owe a debt of gratitude to Richard for taking a chance on young designers.
My only regret is that I should have done an article on him when he was alive, so he could see how beloved he was. Here are some of Richard’s friends from way back, sharing with us their beautiful memories of a great man.
MICHAEL LIM, nephew of Richard Tann: My fondest memory of my Uncle Richard is when we were planning my wedding in 2003. He worked countless hours preparing and organizing various aspects of the event, from the flowers to the decorations at the reception to the fireworks during my first dance with my wife, he made the day exceed any expectations I could have ever imagined. Whenever I think about this, my only disappointment is that I was the only one among my siblings to have benefited from his enormous talents as I am the only one to have gotten married before he passed away. He truly poured all of his energy into making my wedding the most wonderful day of my life and for that I am truly grateful.
LOUIE OCAMPO, musical director and composer: Richard has always inspired me to give a hundred percent of myself regardless of how big or small a project may be. He always gave a hundred percent of love, attention and support to all of us especially to me. He never settled for anything less than what he thought was perfect. Aside from being a perfectionist he was full of emotion that’s why when I played for him it was easy to just close my eyes and feel the song.
For example, when we did the music for Inno’s "Numerals," he told me to just let go, forget about formulas, parameters and just feel the music. I am also grateful to him for giving me my first break as musical director right after I returned from school at Berklee Boston. His voice had so much class. He was the man with the golden voice. Whatever song he sung, regardless of how ugly it was, he made the song sound classy and exceptionally beautiful. As for his writing, his message was always about love. It was very personal, wholesome and pure.
MANDY DELA RAMA SANTOS, businesswoman: Aside from his sense of humor, his generosity (especially with cigarettes), his kindness, the one thing I appreciated most about Richard was his complete support of Inno. He truly believed in Inno’s talent, and when you are lucky enough to have a partner who’s confidence in you knows no bounds, it is then that you can truly shine. Of course the support was reciprocal, you definitely saw their rapport with each other. They were each other’s number 1 fan.
WYNGARD TRACY, artist/manager/businessman: His laughter! He was the one who taught me how to drive. Since then, I always remember him every time I’m behind the wheel.
JARLATH LYNCH, general manager, Makati Shangri-La Hotel: Richard Tann was a truly creative man with such talent and vision. My fondest memory was having dinner with Richard in his much beloved Nicotina. The passion he had for this restaurant, the drive, hands-on approach and energy were inspiring. Richard clearly made a difference in this world and I have a wonderful respect and gratitude for a great friendship.
JAQUI MAGNO, singer: I have lots of fond memories of Richard since we rekindled our friendship a few years back. I will miss his childlike nature and contagious laughter, his sweet and gentle smile with twinkling eyes. It’s hard to recall these now because I’m getting sentimental and teary-eyed. I miss him already. His sudden demise has affected me because we were finally getting to enjoy more each other’s company.
MARGARITA FORES, restaurateur: Richard holds a special place in my heart because he was always a quiet source of encouragement during the time when I was still struggling to get my act together professionally. When he was a guest at the dinners I catered, once the meal was over he would always sit me down and express his delight over what he ate, and in a very detailed way. His moral support all those years, including his always saving his best lobsters for me, I will always remember and cherish. His haunting rendition of the Our Father at Al and Carla Tengco’s wedding as the sun set on that tiny chapel in Calatagan many years ago is my best memory of him. That thought will help me image him now in heaven, warm in God’s embrace. Thank you Richard, for the gift of you – we love you and will miss you and your thunderous laughter! Do not worry — we will try our best to keep Inno company while you are apart!
PATRICK ROSAS, makeup artist: His love for food. Richard introduced me to Chinese cuisine. We were always in Chinatown discovering new restaurants. I would leave it up to him to order for us, because he knew which dishes were good. From him I learned to appreciate Chinese food more.
CARMINA SANCHEZ, PR and marketing consultant: In 2002, you asked me what my favorite TV ad was, and I remember saying that my all-time favorite was the Hallmark ad cause the song always touched my heart. Years later, Richard and I met. It was my dream to hear him someday sing that song to me. One night at Nicotina, I begged him to indulge my sentimental request and he did. Like every memory I hold of this dear friend, it was a truly heart-warming experience. Richard will always have a special place in my heart for being my mentor and true friend. I will never forget the last few times we would sit alone at Nicotina in his favorite spot under the canopy, talking about work, life, love and his dreams for the place. He taught me to have vision, strength and courage. And most importantly, he taught me by example – that sincerity and generosity are the true measures of friendship.
LALA FLORES, mode/makeup artist: My fondest memory of Richard happened during Inno Sotto’s gala in Paris. He always struck me as a father figure, leader, planner, mover, commanding presence and that made me always strive to give my best to their show. I fainted a few hours before the gala show and I was afraid of him because it was entirely my fault, and just when I thought I would get a scolding I saw his loving and tender side when Richard came backstage to check on me with a box of chocolates, saying, "I hope you feel all right." What a sweet gentle soul! I was so touched by his sweetness. He is forever treasured in my heart!
LEAH NAVARRO, singer: He taught me how to rap in Fookien. He had a fabulously raucous laugh and a comforting bear hug. I will miss Richard with all my heart. He passed too soon.
MICHAEL SALIENTES, creative director, 360 Inspired Projects: His voice and his child-like enthusiasm for all things he had yet to discover. I remember we were in Cebu once at a dinner for CNN’s Elsa Klensch and her crew. We had a table near the beach, and the stars, the waves and breezy night served as a backdrop for an intimate gathering Everyone was so mellow and happy and we all prodded Richard to sing The Nearness of You a cappella. His deep husky voice lit up not only our faces but our dreams and hearts as well. The evening was incredibly magical and I kept a picture of those moments in my head all these years. I shall never forget our talks, his probing questions, the long out-of-town drives we had with Inno, the time he lost his bag with all his money and passport on a bus in Paris (the driver returned it), the way he savored a cigarette, his love for food, and laughter, his gentleness and the way he said How wonderful!"