Ric Manrique Jr.

Ric Manrique Jr. (born 1941 – died September 22, 2017) was a celebrated Filipino singer renowned for his contributions to the traditional Filipino music genre of Kundiman. Widely regarded as one of the "Hari ng Kundiman" (Kings of Kundiman), he shared this esteemed title with fellow artist Ruben Tagalog.

He began his music career in the 1950s as a member of the Mabuhay Singers, one of the Philippines' most iconic vocal groups specializing in folk and traditional Filipino music. With the group, Manrique helped popularize regional and classic songs across the country and among overseas Filipino communities.

By the early 1960s, Ric Manrique Jr. launched a successful solo career, recording his first album and becoming a prominent figure in the golden era of OPM (Original Pilipino Music). He was closely associated with Villar Records, one of the Philippines' pioneering record labels, where he recorded the majority of his songs.

His distinctive voice and emotional delivery brought to life classic kundiman songs such as "Ang Daigdig Ko'y Ikaw," "Sa Lungkot at Ginhawa," and "Nasaan Ka Irog," many of which became staples in Filipino radio, television, and cinema. Several of his recordings were used as theme songs in Filipino films during the 1960s and 1970s, further solidifying his legacy.

He passed away on September 22, 2017, at the age of 76, due to complications from diabetes. His legacy lives on through his timeless recordings and his vital role in sustaining and popularizing Filipino traditional music.