Pepe Smith, Rico J. Puno, and Rene Garcia get special collectible stamps

Joey "Pepe" Smith, Rico J. Puno and Hotdog's Rene Garcia were honored with special collectible stamps from the Philippine Postal Corporation.

Photo: Danny Pata

The Pinoy music icons have each helped define OPM in their special way: Rene Garcia established the Manila Sound with his band, Hotdog. Rico J. jumpstarted the trend of incorporating Tagalog lyrics in foreign songs he'd cover. Pepe Smith meanwhile established Pinoy Rock.

Unfortunately, all three have all left us. Pepe Smith passed away just in January 2019, Rico J. in October 2018, and Rene Garcia in September 2018.

There are a number of ways to honor their contribution to our culture, and the stamps is one of them. They are available at the Philpost office in Lawton Manila for P45.00 each. — LA, GMA News