Rico J. Puno

Enrico de Jesus Puno (February 13, 1953 – October 30, 2018), better known as Rico J. Puno, was a Filipino singer, television host, actor, comedian & politician. He was considered as a music icon in the Philippines. He started the trend of incorporating Tagalog lyrics in his rendition of the American song The Way We Were and other foreign songs. Puno was known as a singer who regularly infused his on-stage performance with tongue-in-cheek comedy and adult humor. He hosted the noontime variety show Pilipinas Win na Win alongside Rey Valera, Marco Sison, and Nonoy Zuñiga for two months in 2010 replacing Kris Aquino. He also hosted on Happy Yipee Yehey! together with John Estrada, Randy Santiago, Mariel Rodriguez, Pokwang and Toni Gonzaga as one of the main host replacing Pilipinas Win na Win.

"Rico Puno" redirects here. For the Filipino lawyer, see Ricardo C. Puno.

Rico J. Puno
Rico J. Puno on a 2019 stamp of the Philippines in the series "Pinoy Music Icons"
Background information
Birth nameEnrico de Jesus Puno
Born(1953-02-13)February 13, 1953
Manila, Philippines
DiedOctober 30, 2018(2018-10-30) (aged 65)
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
GenresManila sound
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1975–2018
Associated actsHajji Alejandro
Rey Valera
Marco Sison
Nonoy Zuñiga

Puno was also active in politics. In 1998, he was elected as the City Councilor of Makati City from its 1st district until his third and last term ended in 2007. He ran for a comeback in 2010 as the vice mayoralty candidate of Makati City, but was unsuccessful. In 2016, Puno was elected as a councilor in Makati, under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), until his death.[1]

Biography

Puno was born in Manila to parents, Felipe Puno Sr. and Corazon J. Puno. Although he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Philippine School of Business Administration, Puno dreamed of becoming a singer.[2]

Music career

Puno introduced himself and his talent to the entertainment business by performing at folk houses and small clubs in Metro Manila. In 1975, while singing at the Palazzi, Puno met and performed with the American Motown group, The Temptations. Puno's talent was later noticed by the executive producers from Vicor Records (now Vicor Music). His first record was Love Won't Let Me Wait, while his first big hit was the Tagalog-infused The Way We Were.[2]

In 1976, Puno won the Aliw Award for Most Promising Entertainer. Two years later, he became Aliw's Entertainer of the Year. His Rico in Concert show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines launched him as one of the foremost Philippine pop stars.

In 1977, Puno covered the Carpenters song Merry Christmas Darling from his first Christmas album, The Spirit of Christmas which was originally sung by Karen Carpenter.

In 1978, Puno's popularity and his regular concerts at the Araneta Coliseum (now SMART Araneta Coliseum) in Quezon City and his performance tours in the United States broke records in terms of audience attendance. His fame also made him into a sought-after product endorser including advertisements for San Miguel Beer in the 1970s.[2]

In 1979, Puno represented the Philippines at the Tokyo Music Festival, with Lupa (Ground), a song that imparted messages on how an individual could strive to change for the better, on how to gain humility and other human values, on how not to judge others, and on how to struggle against one's own weaknesses.[3]

From 2001, the Greatest Hits series in Manila, produced by Viva Concerts helped maintain Puno's popularity. These Greatest Hits concerts brought him together with other Greatest Hitmakers in the Philippine music scene during the 1980s, namely Philippine pop icons: Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, Nonoy Zuñiga and Marco Sison.[2][3]

He also covered the song Ang Huling El Bimbo in 1994 which was originally a major hit for The Eraserheads

He also covered the song Mabuti Pa Sila in 2010 and originally composed and recorded by Gary Granada.

During Puno's recent performances, he is often joined on stage by his oldest daughter, Tosca Camille.[2] Rico's son, Rox is also a singer and a band member.

Rico was honored and awarded recently in ASAP Pinoy on ASAP show on ABS-CBN contributing his best in singing performing as a total entertainer who celebrating his 40th anniversary in music and entertainment movie and TV career in 2017.

Hit songs

Puno's hit songs included "Kapalaran" (Fate), "Buhat" (Ever Since), "Macho Gwapito" (Gorgeous Young Man), "Lupa" (Soil or Ground), "Damdamin" (Feelings), "May Bukas Pa" (There's Still Tomorrow), "Ang Tao'y Marupok" (People Are Weak), "Magkasuyo Buong Gabi" (Together Through the Night) – a duet with Elsa Chan – and his Filipino rendition of "You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be in My Show)".[2]

One of Puno's recent albums, is Aliw by Sony BMG Records. His carrier single was "Kay Hirap Mong Limutin" (It Is Hard To Forget You) by Lito Camo.[3]

Popularity

The duration of Puno's career spanned more than four decades. He was a favorite of the Philippine Amusement and Games Corporation (PAGCOR) and other casinos around Metro Manila and the provinces. His performances included tours in the United States, Canada, Dubai, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and European countries.[3]

Politics and other ventures
Hon. Enrico D. Puno
Member of the Makati City Council from the 1st District
In office
June 30, 2016 – October 30, 2018
In office
June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2007
Personal details
NationalityFilipino
Political partyUna Ang Makati (2018)
UNA (2015–2018)
PDP–Laban (before 2015)
ChildrenTosca Camille, Rio
OccupationPolitician, businessman, entrepreneur
ProfessionSinger

Owing to his rising popularity, various TV networks and movie producers soon came knocking on his door for more acting/hosting opportunities. GMA Network hired Puno to host a noontime variety show, Lunch Date which first aired on March 1986 and served as a replacement for Student Canteen. However, in 1987 he left the show after it reformatted. In 1994–1995 he headlined another noontime show, Chibugan Na (It's Eating Time), aired on weekdays at 12 noon on RPN 9, with Hajji Alejandro.[4]

Puno returned as TV host for Macho Guwapito on the now-defunct Makisig Network. He was one of the judges in the inaugural week of the reality talent show Showtime on ABS-CBN. In 2010, he also hosted "Pilipinas Win na Win" and "Happy Yipee Yehey!" in 2011–2012.

Puno is also the owner of the karaoke bar, Coriks, at Vito Cruz Extension, Makati. He also manages a trucking business.

He won a seat in the Makati City Council for the first district in 1998.[4] Among Puno's notable ordinances filed during his first term was the installation of a surveillance camera in every convenience store in Makati that operates 24 hours a day, as protection against robbers who prey on convenience stores.[5] He left the city council after his third and final consecutive term ended in 2007. His seat in the city council was kept by his eldest daughter, Tosca Camille. Three years later, he teamed up with Junjun Binay to run for city vice mayor in Makati City. Although Binay won the mayoralty race, Puno lost to Barangay Valenzuela captain and ABC President Romulo "Kid" Peña Jr., who was the running mate of then-outgoing vice mayor Ernesto Mercado.

As his daughter Tosca was term-limited, he successfully regained a seat in the Makati City Council in 2016.[1] He planned to seek reelection in 2019 and had supported the candidacy of former Mayor Junjun Binay but he died after he filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC).[6][7][8] He was substituted by his daughter and former councilor, Tosca Camille, who would then go on to win a seat in the city council.

Death

Puno died of heart failure on October 30, 2018, in St. Luke's Medical Center – Global City. He was 65.[6][9] He was laid to rest at The Heritage Park in Taguig.[10]

Awards
  • Special Lifetime Achievement Award, ASAP Pinoy 2017, ASAP Show, ABS-CBN 2

Filmography

Television

Films
  • Instant Mommy (2013)
  • Who's That Girl? (2011) – Rico
  • Asboobs: Asal Bobo (2003) – Capt. Palma
  • Pakners (2003) – Richard de Guzman
  • A.B. Normal College (2003)
  • Alas-Dose (2001) – Congressman
  • Juan & Ted: Wanted (2000) – Mr. Mariano
  • Matalino Man ang Matsing na-iisahan din! (2000)
  • Alyas Boy Tigas: Ang Probinsyanong Wais (1998)
  • Sailor's Disaster (1994) – Bruno
  • Tom & Jerry: Hindi Kaming Hayop (1993) – Alfie
  • Dr. Potpot Travels to the Moon (1991) – Enzio
  • Isang Platitong mani (1986)
  • Annabelle Huggins Story (1982)
  • Bullet for your Music (1978)
  • Silang mga mukhang Pera (1977)
  • Wow! Sikat Pare, Bigat! (1977)
  • Bawal na pag-ibig (1977)

Discography

Albums
  • The Way We Were (CD, cassette, download) 1973
  • With Love In Our Hearts (CD, cassette, download)
  • Once Again... (CD, cassette, download)
  • Kapalaran (CD, cassette, download)
  • RICO J. PUNO (RICO J. PUNO) (LP, cassette, download) 1976
  • Spirit of Christmas (LP, cassette, download) 1976
  • Rico Baby (CD, cassette, download) 1977
  • The Total Entertainer (CD, cassette, download) 1977
  • Tatak (CD, cassette, download) 1978
  • Macho Gwapito (CD, cassette, download) 1979
  • Diyos Ang Pag-Ibig (CD, LP, cassette, download) 1980
  • Sana Pag-Ibig (LP, cassette, download)
  • Sorry Na, Pwede Ba? (Single, download)
  • Time After Time (Single, download) 1987
  • Rico J. Puno (Self-Titled), (CD, cassette, download) 1991
  • Aliw, (CD, cassette, download) 2001
  • May Bukas Pa (single, download)

Compilation albums
  • Walang Kupas... All Hits
  • 40th Anniv Collection
  • The Ultimate Collection
  • Rico Silver Series (Viva Records)
  • Hits of R.Puno, B.Dominic & R.Manrique Jr.

Live albums
  • The Way We Were: Live (CD, cassette)
  • Rico J. Puno: Live in Hawaii (Album) Produced by Willy Martin

Christmas Albums
  • Spirit Of Christmas (CD, LP, download)

Collaborations
  • The 2nd Metro Manila Pop Music Festival (Vicor Music Corp., 1978)
  • Handog Sa Pasko (Viva Records, 1991)
  • Metropop Song Festival 1996 (GMA Records "Formerly Infinity Music, Inc.", 1996)
  • 25 Great Songs 25 Great Artists (PolyEast Records, 1998)
  • Ultraelectromagneticjam (Sony BMG Music Philippines, 2005)
  • No. 1 Signature Hits OPM's Best (Vicor Music Corp. & Viva Records, Corp., 2008)
  • Pinoy Sound Trip Vol. 1 (Vicor Music Corp., 2008)
  • Pinoy Sound Trip Vol. 2 (Vicor Music Corp., 2008)
  • 18 Inspirational Love Songs (Viva Records Corp., 2009)
  • Live Na Live: Unforgettable Live Performance (Viva Records Corp., 2009)
  • C.H.I.N. Picnic Celebration, Toronto Canada Produce by Joel Recla ( 2012 )

Singles

Original Songs
  • All I Ever Want (a song finalist of Metropop Song Festival 1996) (CD single, 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl, download)
  • Cartada Dies (CD single, 7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl, download)
  • Kapalaran (covered by Radioactive Sago Project & Martin Nievera) (CD single, 7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl, download)
  • Kay Hirap Mong Limutin (Original composed by: Lito Camo) (CD single, 7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl, download)
  • Lupa (covered by Gary Valenciano; previously covered by ASIN) (CD single, 7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl, download)
  • Macho Guwapito (covered by Protein Shake) (CD single, 7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl, download)
  • May Bukas Pa (covered by Kyle Balili, Ogie Alcasid and Erik Santos) (CD single, 7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl, download)
  • Sorry, Puwede Ba? (covered by: Brownman Revival) (CD single, 7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl, download)

Cover Versions
  • Ang Huling El Bimbo (Original by: Eraserheads) (CD single, 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl, download)
  • Give Love On Christmas Day (Original by: Jacksons 5, also covered by Jaya Ramsey) (7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl)
  • Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko (Original by: Rey Valera, also covered by Sharon Cuneta, now covered by Moira Dela Torre) (CD single, 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl, download)
  • Mabuti Pa Sila (Original by: Gary Granada) (CD single, 7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl, download)
  • Merry Christmas Darling (Original by: The Carpenters) (7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl, download)
  • Miss Kita Kung Christmas (Original by: Susan Fuentes) (7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl, download)
  • Sana Dalawa Ang Puso (Original by: Bodjies & The Law Of Gravity) (7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm vinyl, download)
  • The Way We Were (Original by: Barbra Streisand) (CD single, 7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm single, download)
  • Weekend In Manila (Original by: Barry Manilow as Weekend In New England) (CD single, 7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm single, download)
  • Yakap Sa Dilim (Original by: APO Hiking Society, also covered by Orange & Lemons) (CD single, 7" 45 rpm vinyl, 12" 33 ⅓ rpm single, download)

Soundtracks
  • Happy Yipee Yehey Soundtrack (Star Records, 2011)

See also

References
  1. "Jhong Hilario, Rico J. Puno elected in Makati". Philstar. May 10, 2016. Archived from the original on October 29, 2016. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
  2. Rico J. Puno, The Total Entertainer, PhilippineFiesta.com, 2002–2003. Retrieved July 17, 2007 Archived March 13, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  3. Rico J. Puno, Discography, Song Lyrics and Trivia, Geocities.com (undated). Retrieved July 17, 2007
  4. Councilor Rico J. Puno's Profile Archived September 13, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  5. "OPM icon Rico J. Puno passes away". ABS-CBN News. October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  6. Cabalza, Dexter (October 11, 2018). "'Binay vs Binay' looms; Abby hits Junjun backers". Inquirer.net.
  7. Custodio, Arlo (October 31, 2018). "Rico J. Puno, ' the Total Entertainer,' takes a final bow at 65". Manila Times.
  8. "Rico J. Puno died of heart failure, says manager". Philippine Daily Inquirer. October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  9. Aguilar, K. (November 8, 2018). "OPM icon Rico J. Puno laid to rest". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.