NAGLULUKSA ngayon ang industriya ng showbiz sa paglisan kahapon ng madaling araw, Oktubre 30, ng nag-iisang Total Entertainer, ang OPM legend na si Enrico de Jesus Puno, o mas kilala bilang si Rico J. Puno, sa edad na 65.
Kasunod nito, bumaha ang social media posts ng mga celebrities na nakikiramay sa pagpanaw ni Rico J, silang mga nakatrabaho niya sa ilang dekada na niyang career.
Post ni Sharon Cuneta: “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.”
Martin Nievera: “We will miss you! Now that you are in heaven, behave! We love you.”
Gary Valenciano: “Rest in His peace Kapitan, I’m in total shock at this news.”
Regine Velasquez-Alcasid: “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.”
Ogie Alcasid: “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.”
Zsa Zsa Padilla: “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.”
Jessa Zaragoza-Avanzado: “Very, very sad news. I’m still in shock… RIP Rico J. Puno #OPMKing #RicoJPuno #Corics #OPMMusic.”
Jenine Desiderio: “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…”
Lea Salonga: “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.”
Paco Arespacochaga: “Just found out that OPM Legend Rico J Puno passed away today. However, there isn’t that much chatter on the web about it. I just hope it’s not true. I hope he’s still alive and well.”
Senator JV Ejercito: “RIP Rico J. Puno, definitely a Filipino music legend. Your distinctive voice and music I grew up with will bever be forgotten. Your humor and fun persona will be missed.”
-REGGEE BONOAN