Rico J. Puno has been described as a "soul music pioneer" in the Philippines, the New York Times posted on its obituary of the OPM legend.

Puno, whose star rose in the 1970s, was said to have endeared himself to young women after he "impishly" called himself the "ultimate Macho Gwapito," a term usually reserved for "rising movie teen stars."

Puno was also lauded by the US-based publication as one of the "biggest stars of the glory days of Filipino music," and was praised for how he helped "forged" Manila Sound, more known today as OPM.

There was also a part explaining his appeal, mainly about the way he "covered American hits in a mix of English and Tagalog," such as his takes on "The Way We Were" and "Baby I'm for Real."

The obituary also listed examples of why he was considered a "larger-than-life total entertainer," citing his stints as a spokesperson for a beer brand, a TV host, a sitcom star, and a politician.

The article on Puno, who died at the age of 65 this Tuesday, was written by Mike Ives for the New York Times.

• READ: Remembering Rico J. Puno: OPM legend sings his greatest hits on ABS-CBN