Page 25 - Vol3-8

BEAUTIFUL LIFE BY MONET LU

Rico J. Puno

Remembering the ‘Legend’

e was known throughout the Ted: Wanted (2000), Matalino Man ang
Philippines as the larger-than- Matsing na-iisahan din! (2000), Alyas
life “Total Entertainer.” His Boy Tigas: Ang Probinsyanong Wais
Hcharm, which seeps through (1998), Sailor’s Disaster (1994) – Bruno,
his hit songs earned him the moniker, Tom & Jerry: Hindi Kaming Hayop
“Macho Gwapito.” He was loved by (1993), Dr. Potpot Travels to the Moon
many, adored by his fans and respected (1991) – Enzio, Isang Platitong mani
by his constituents in Makati as their (1986), Annabelle Huggins Story (1982)
beloved councilor for 9 years. He is As I have mentioned earlier, Rico
Enrico De Jesus Puno – aka Rico J. – J also represented Makati City, in the
and he IS a Legend. Manila area, as a city councilor from 1998 to 2007, and was re-
Rico J was credited as a pioneer-promoter of elected in 2016 after losing a 2010 race for vice mayor.
original Filipino music. A singer, composer, comedian, actor According to a short biography posted on his website, Enrico
and television host who has been known to have started Puno was born on Feb. 13, 1953. After earning a bachelor’s degree
the trend of incorporating Tagalog lyrics in his rendition of in business administration, he tried to find work as a bellboy. But
the American song, The Way We Were and other foreign songs. when he failed to get the job, he ended up singing folk songs in
He became known as a singer who regularly infused his onstage Manila nightclubs.
performance with tongue-in-cheek comedy and adult humor. His biggest break was a deal with Vicor Records — was
Rico J became famous in the 1970s by covering American hits precipitated by an encounter in the 1970s with the Motown band the
— including Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were” and Marvin Temptations at the Palazzi, a club where Mr. Puno played regularly.
Gaye’s “Baby I’m for Real” — in a mix of English and Tagalog. It was during this period that he recorded his signature version of
Those recordings put him in the vanguard of the Manila Sound, “The Way We Were,” among other popular American songs.
Filipino popular music from roughly the mid-1970s through the end Rico J made American music his own by adding bawdy lyrics
of the Ferdinand Marcos era, in 1986. and banter in Tagalog. One of his best-known covers was “You
I’ve followed his musical career and I have always been a fan of Don’t Have to Be a Star,” by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. And
his wit and his talent. He was actually here in the US for a concert he embellished it with this line: “Even if you’re ugly, I still need
tour with fellow legends, Hajii Alejandro, Rey Valera and Marco you.”
Sison last April. Over the years, Mr. Puno performed solo and with the
Rico’s hit songs included “Kapalaran,” “Buhat,” “Macho Hitmakers, a group that included the Filipino musicians Rey Valera
Gwapito,” “Lupa,””Damdamin,” “May Bukas Pa,” “Ang Tao’y and Hajji Alejandro.
Marupok,” “Magkasuyo Buong Gabia duet with Elsa There is so much that can be said about Rico
Chan - and his Filipino rendition of “You Don’t Have as a musician, an artist, a politician, and most of
To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)” all, a friend. Yet one thing remains as the common
One of his recent album was Aliw by Sony denominator. He is and always will be an icon. He
BMG Records. His carrier single was “Kay Hirap may have left this world too early but he left us with
Mong Limutin” by Lito Camo. iconic memories and a legacy that can only come
Rico starred in films: Instant Mommy (2013), from a true Legend.
Who’s That Girl? (2011), Asboobs: Asal Bobo (2003) To the legendary Rico J, rest well and rest
- Capt. Palma, Pakners (2003), A.B. Normal College Beautiful Life assured that your legend continues on. n
(2003), Alas-Dose (2001) – Congressman, Juan & By Monet Lu

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