Rico Blanco

Rico Rene Blanco is the current vocalist of Filipino rock band Rivermaya. He started in the band as the chief songwriter and keyboardist. Upon the resignation of guitarist, Perf de Castro, Blanco with other session guitarists took over the guitar part of the band's next albums. He also sang some of his compositions and a couple of times, has done duets with Bamboo Mañalac, the band's vocalist and original frontman. After Bamboo left for the USA for personal and family reasons, Blanco took over the leadership of the band and has become the vocalist since and even after member changes.

Member Information

Blanco lives majority of his starting years at San Pedro in the province of Laguna, Philippines. He graduated high school at the Benedictine Abbey (St. Benedict College) and finished his Management Economics degree in 1992 at the early age of 19 at the Ateneo de Manila University.

During his teenage years, he has become a Sangguniang Kabataan member and officer.

When he was younger, Rico was one of the main soloists in his parish's choir in San Pedro, Laguna, often singing the most challenging soprano and bass parts because of his wide vocal range. He is a totally self taught musician and used to practice playing the piano five hours a day.

He currently manages a petshop business in Laguna. He is also the voice behind Ryusuke (Ray) Minami in the Philippine-edition of BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad aired in Hero TV. [1]

Discography (Composer/Lyricist)

• RIVERMAYA

• • Revolution
  • Bring Me Down
  • Ground
  • 20 Million
  • Ulan
  • Halik Sa Araw
  • Gravity
  • 214
  • Hate
  • Awit Ng Kabataan

• TRIP

• • Princess Of Disguise
  • Hilo
  • Monopoly
  • Himala
  • Flowers
  • Sunog
  • Is It Sunny Where You Are?
  • Kundiman
  • Kisapmata
  • Lost
  • Out Of Reach
  • Panahon Na Naman

• ATOMIC BOMB

• • Mabuhay
  • Elesi
  • Sunny Days
  • I Shot The Walrus
  • Wild Angel Candy
  • Hinahanap-Hanap Kita
  • Tea For Two
  • Ballroom Dancing
  • Kung Ayaw Mo, H’wag Mo

• REMIXED

• • 214 Tripnotic Mix

• IT”S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

• • Grounded Ang Girlfriend Ko
  • Rodeo
  • Shattered Like
  • Bagong Taon
  • It’s Getting Late
  • Nerbyoso
  • Homecoming

• TULOY ANG LIGAYA

• • Gising Na
  • Imposible
  • Basketbol
  • Kagat Ng Lamok
  • Bagong Liwanag
  • Umaaraw, Umuulan
  • Karayom
  • Bochog
  • Anymore
  • Desperado
  • Ipo-Ipo
  • Wag Na Init Ulo, Baby

• BETWEEN THE STARS AND THE WAVES

• • Sunday Driving
  • A Love To Share
  • 241 (My Favorite Song)
  • Balisong

• SINGLES

• • You’ll Be Safe Here
  • Liwanag Sa Dilim
  • Alab Ng Puso
  • Makaaasa Ka
  • Posible

• ISANG UGAT, ISANG DUGO

• • Isang Bandila

• WOW Philippines

• • Byahe Tayo (with Mike Villegas of Rizal Underground)

Trivia

• Blanco was romantically involved before to KC Concepcion, daughter of actress Sharon Cuneta.

• Blanco is said to be in personal rivalry with former bandmate, Bamboo Mañalac. The reason is said to be Blanco's unapproval of Bamboo to be on lead vocals again after his return from the USA. This triggered the band's original bassist, Nathan Azarcon, to leave Rivermaya and join Bamboo to form a new band, Bamboo.

• Blanco has done a TV commercial, advertising the Ginebra San Miguel product line as the OPM / rock music icon together with sports icons Efren Reyes (Billiards) and James Yap (Basketball).

• Blanco is a certified Pepsi Cola Model together with Jericho Rosales, Nicole Hernandez, Bamboo Mañalac, and Bamboo (band).

• Blanco used to be a host for MYX Live.

• Blanco stated his likings for girls with great legs.

• Blanco starred in the digital independent movie, "Nasaan Si Francis?" with Paolo Contis and Epy Quizon.