Rico J. Puno received a tribute fit for a legend as his closest family and friends gathered one last time for a night of musical celebration during his wake held at the main church of Santuario de San Antonio in Makati.
Some of the country's finest OPM artists performed during the necrological service for the late OPM icon including Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuniga, Ogie Alcasid, Pilita Corales, Claire Dela Fuente, Imelda Papin, Eva Eugenio, Dulce, Angeline Quinto, and Erik Santos among others.
READ: Push Tribute: What we all loved about Rico J Puno
Watch the videos taken by ABS-CBN News' MJ Felipe below:
Hadji Alejandro, Rey Valera, Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuniga sang “Kapalaran” during the necrological service for Rico J Puno here at the Santuario De San Antonio church. pic.twitter.com/W6trSVhDWy
— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) November 7, 2018
Ogie Alcasid sings “Buhat”. pic.twitter.com/7a1u3LqN6L
— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) November 7, 2018
OPM Hitmen Chad Borja, Renz Verano, Richard Reynoso and Rannie Raymundo offer a medley of OPM hits. pic.twitter.com/MrK9w2VmKL
— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) November 7, 2018
Pilita Corales sharing her fond memories of Rico J Puno and sang “A Million Thanks To You”. pic.twitter.com/c9bzEyvXnn
— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) November 7, 2018
Erik Santos closes the tribute night with one of Rico J Puno’s biggest hits “May Bukas Pa” pic.twitter.com/onTTxbAb67
— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) November 7, 2018
Rico’s closest girl friends in the music industry Claire Dela Fuente, Imelda Papin and Eva Eugenio offer their eulogy and song for their friend. pic.twitter.com/tLGhqqpS7Y
— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) November 7, 2018
As family members pay final respects, Angeline Quinto sings “Lupa”. pic.twitter.com/L6qaWNTP3c
— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) November 7, 2018
But one artist in particular - Martin Nievera - received a standing ovation for his rendition of Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were." See the clip below:
WATCH: A standing ovation and round of applause was offered to Rico J Puno as Martin Nievera sings “The Way We Were”. pic.twitter.com/BDU8qt8v6x
— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) November 7, 2018
His remains were brought to the Makati City Hall earlier today, November 8. The OPM icon's internment will happen today at around 1 PM at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.
Rico J. Puno passed away last October 30 due to heart failure.