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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.

View this post on Instagram

You are my inspiration since Day1 until now. The coolest mentor ever and a father to many. Yes, you have been such a great provider. You taught me what a performer should be like. How talent, passion and heart becomes one. When GMA asked me what should I be called, I really don't know what to say because I'm just a newbie then. Who am I to be called for something important for I know it'll be my responsibility forever as an artist. I was just 10 years old then. My parents and I asked for suggestions and he said, “The Total Performer”. I asked him why he gave me that. I mean that's him, no one can surpass that. He looked straight into my eyes and said, “Hindi, kaya mo yan. Kayang kaya mo yan. Magaling ka.” . . From that moment on, he guided me to be always better and better. He always believed in me even I, didn't believe in myself. He knew my capability as an artist. He made me sing almost every night in his restobar (Corik's) and he's always proud to introduce me to his friends. I am more than blessed not just to perform with you in one stage, but to be a part of your life. . . You're together again with Papa. Up there. You are my inspiration and forever will be. Who I am now as an artist/performer, this is all YOU. I love you, Tito Rico. We will miss you.♡

A post shared by Rita Daniela (@missritadaniela) on Nov 10, 2018 at 9:47pm PST

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