Rita Daniela pays tribute to her 'Tito' Rico J. Puno

In a lengthy post on Instagram, actress/singer Rita Daniela shared a heartfelt message to Rico J. Puno, after the demise of The Total Performer last October 30.

Rita said that his 'Tito' Rico trained her to become a total performer herself.

“When GMA asked me what should I [sic] be called, I really don't know what to say because I'm just a newbie then. I was just 10 years old then. My parents and I asked for suggestions and [Tito Rico] said, 'the Total Performer',” she quipped.

“I asked him why he gave me that. He looked straight into my eyes and said, 'Kayang kaya mo yan. Magaling ka,'” she added.

READ: OPM icon Rico J. Puno dies at 65

Rita said that Rico would ask her to perform in the latter's restobar, Corik's, and that she is proud to be a part of his life.

“He made me sing almost every night in his restobar. I am more than blessed not just to perform with you in one stage but to be a part of your life,” she wrote.

Rita's mother was a longtime secretary of Rico who died in St. Luke's Global City due to heart failure. He was 65.

READ: Celebrities, fans mourn the death of OPM icon Rico J. Puno