Fellow celebrities pay tribute to Rico J. Puno

Fans and celebrities alike are still in disbelief at the unexpected passing of Filipino music icon Rico J. Puno on Tuesday morning, October 30, at the age of 65.

His family has confirmed the news earlier today but they did not disclose the cause of the singer’s death.

After reports about Puno’s passing spread, several celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to the well-known singer who is known for promoting original Filipino music.

Some of the personalities in the entertainment industry who remembered Puno and expressed their condolences to the departed singer’s family include Lea Salonga, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Lani Misalucha, Mark Bautista, Jessa Zaragoza, Jenine Desiderio, Klarisse De Guzman, Bailey May, and Dolly Anne Carvajal.

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

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I grew up with you. Actually singing in the same concerts that Vicor and Blackgold put together for all their artists, with you. I had no idea then that I was singing with one who would become a true LEGEND. The Total Entertainer, the funny, always down-to-earth guy who was always humble and in the forty years I’ve known you, never, ever changed or let success go to your head. I hated when you would make green jokes but loved that they made people laugh. You were a true gem of a talent, and person, dearest Kuya Rico. We and the whole entertainment industry have just been turned upside down by your passing. Thank you for being so sweet and loving to me. Daddy loved you and I know you loved him too and made him laugh, so thank you also for that. Mahal kita, Kuya. Salamat sa sinabi mo not just once na I had “one of the prettiest faces.” Muntik na akong maniwala pero mukhang seryoso ka naman. Huwag masyadong bastos ang jokes sa taas ha Kuya baka ihagis ka ni Lord pababa hala! Seriously, we will never be the same…we miss you already. Rest in peace, the great RICO J. PUNO. Our most loving and deepest condolences to your family. May God give them strength during this painful time. I will miss you dearly. I love you.

A post shared by ActorSingerPresenter (@reallysharoncuneta) on Oct 29, 2018 at 5:31pm PDT

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#ricojpuno we will miss you! Now that you are in heaven, behave! We love you! @starmediaentertainment

A post shared by martinnievera (@martinnievera) on Oct 29, 2018 at 3:03pm PDT

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Rest in His peace kapitan. I’m in total shock at this news. ?????

A post shared by Gary Valenciano (@garyvalenciano) on Oct 29, 2018 at 3:58pm PDT

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Nakakalungkot na balita, naalala ko pa Buhat ang unang awitin na inawit ko sa harap ng maraming tao. I was 6 years old. Maraming Salamat Rico J Puno ??

A post shared by reginevalcasid (@reginevalcasid) on Oct 29, 2018 at 4:51pm PDT

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This man was the reason I wanted to be a singer. His voice, his charm, wit and entertainment style has wowed millions of opm fans all over the globe. I am deeply saddened to hear that he has now joined our creator. More than being my idol, he was a dear friend. Everybody loved and adored the great Rico J. Puno. Rest now rico. The whole country applauds you for your contributions as a singer, and entertainer and as a public servant. #ricojpuno

A post shared by Ogie Alcasid (@ogiealcasid) on Oct 29, 2018 at 2:53pm PDT

Maraming salamat Rico J. Puno sa mga awiting binigay mo sa amin na naging parte na aming buhay. RIP @Ricojpuno #ricojpuno

— Lani Misalucha (@LaniMisalucha) October 30, 2018

I remember lahat ng male songs sa videoke dati mga 90’s pa yun..Di pwedeng walang song from Rico J Puno-real manila sound.I remember joining GMA’s metropop contest and my entry (via tape recording) was Rico J’s May Bukas Pa.Thank you for the inspiration & music Sir! Rest in peace

— Mark Bautista (@iammarkbautista) October 30, 2018

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

— Jessa Zaragoza (@iamjessaz13) 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

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

Condolence to my friend, Rox @roxpuno?❤️ His dad/OPM icon, Rico J.Puno passed away. I fondly remember Rico J singing at our family parties because he was my… https://t.co/6i66ZmVuxI

— Dolly Anne Carvajal (@dollyannec) October 29, 2018

Puno started his career in the music industry in the mid-70s. He is known for being the voice behind some of the most iconic OPM songs such as “Macho Gwapito”, “Kapalaran,” “Buhat,” and “May Bukas Pa”.