Rita Daniela looks back on how Rico J. Puno mentored, influenced her

Actress and singer Rita Daniela paid tribute to the late OPM icon Rico J. Puno, remembering him not only as a music legend but also as one of the biggest influences on her career.

During a recent episode of “Luis Listens” with Luis Manzano, Rita shared how Rico became her mentor and helped shape her approach to performing.

The 30-year-old recalled that her love for music started at an early age, with her father playing an important role in introducing her to Rico.

“My dad, inimpersonate niya si Tito Rico Puno. Hanggang sa nakita siya ni Tito Rico, then they became best friends. And then, Tito Rico Puno became my mentor as well.”

Despite Rico's playful and charismatic public image, Rita said he never encouraged her to imitate that side of his personality. Instead, he focused on helping her become a better performer.

“Gusto niya na nanoonood ako lagi kapag nagpi-perform siya, tapos right after niya kumanta, tinatawag niya ako sa stage, dun sa bar niya, sa Corix,” Rita recalled.

According to Rita, one of Rico's lessons has stayed with her throughout her career.

“Sinasabihan niya ako na, ‘you should sing for people.’ Sa kanya ko nakuha iyong, ‘you don't just sing a song. When you sing a song, you tell a story.’”

She said that advice completely changed the way she approaches every performance. For Rita, singing only for yourself limits the experience, but when you truly connect with a song and express its emotions, the audience can genuinely feel that energy.

“That's something na maiiwanan mo sa kanila. And it's great that they would remember you just sa isang song lang.”

A pillar of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), Rico J. Puno helped shape the Manila Sound and was among the first Filipino artists to blend Tagalog lyrics into English songs, including his rendition of Barbra Streisand's “The Way We Were.” 

Known as ‘The Total Entertainer’ and ‘Macho Gwapito,’ a nickname inspired by his signature hit, he is remembered for timeless songs such as “May Bukas Pa,” “Sorry Na, Puwede Ba," “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi,” "Lupa" and “Ibigay Mo Na.”

In an obituary in 2018, the New York Times described Rico as a soul music pioneer in the Philippines.