Rico Blanco

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Granados and the surname or paternal family name is Blanco.

Rico Blanco
Blanco during a live performance.
Background information
Birth name	Rico Rene Granados Blanco
Also known as	"Korics" "The (Music) Genius" "The Brains of Rivermaya"
Born	(1973-03-17) March 17, 1973 Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Origin	San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines
Genres	Alternative rock pop rock post punk hard rock folk rock folktronica symphonic rock synthpop
Occupations	Singer-songwriter musician actor entrepreneur record producer endorser
Instrument(s)	Vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, drums, synthesizers, percussions
Years active	1993–2017; 2019–present
Labels	Independent Viva Records Warner Music Philippines Universal Records

Rico Rene Granados Blanco (born March 17, 1973) is a Filipino singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actor, endorser and entrepreneur. He began his career as one of the founding members, and served as the chief songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist of the Filipino rock band Rivermaya from 1994 until 2007, and has been a solo artist since 2008.

Blanco's songs and performances gained success and critical acclaim, earning himself a reputation of being one of the well received local music icons in the Philippines.

Early and personal life

Rico Blanco was born at Manila Doctors Hospital in Ermita, Manila on March 17, 1973, to Rene Aldeguer Blanco of Iloilo City and Purita Crisostomo Granados of Leyte, Leyte. Blanco grew up in San Pedro, Laguna. Blanco graduated in the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree of AB in Management Economics. He is currently in a relationship with Mikah Yabut.

Early career

Rico was one of the founding members of the Filipino rock band Rivermaya, in varying roles as vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist, and main songwriter from 1994 to 2007.

Rico Blanco is also a stage, film, and television actor. He starred in ABS-CBN's Imortal alongside John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin, and May Isang Pangarap alongside Carmina Villaroel and Vina Morales. He also starred alongside Noel Cabangon and Joey Ayala in the Music Museum and 1970s Bistro production of Jesus Christ Superstar and also starred alongside Epy Quizon and Christopher de Leon in the independent film Nasaan si Francis?. He also directed several music videos, won an award for his work as advertising musical arranger. Blanco also dabbles in painting and photography.

Among the albums Blanco produced are Slapshock's Project 11–41, Sugarfree's Sa Wakas, The Dawn's Salamat (Millennium edition single), Teeth's I Was a Teenage Tree and Rivermaya's Free album which won him an NU Rock award for Producer of the year. Blanco also used to host MYX Live. He also composed and arranged scores for many commercials & other various corporate functions around the Philippines.

In May 2007, Blanco announced his departure from Rivermaya. His last performance with Rivermaya was on May 4, 2007, at the Metro Bar (wherein two other high-profile Filipino bands opened the show, Pupil and Sandwich; two spin-off bands of the legendary pop-rock group Eraserheads). It was coincidental that Rico's first gig as singer for Rivermaya was also held at the Metro Bar (formerly known as "Kampo"). Furthermore, first ever Rivermaya gig (where Blanco was keyboardist) was in Las Piñas in 1993 where the band was the opening act for Eraserheads.

In 2007, he launched a clothing line for a clothing brand in the Philippines, Human. Blanco also wrote and produced an electronic dance music song titled "Control" for the album of Nancy Castiglione. In the same year, Rico Blanco was also cast as the voice actor of Ryusuke Minami, lead guitarist of the fictional band, Beck, in the Filipino dubbed edition of the anime series BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad.

Solo artist

On June 12, 2008, Warner Music Philippines, launched Rico Blanco's first single "Yugto" which marked his entry in the Filipino music industry as a solo artist. Critics and music fans immediately hail it as a "neo-epic". The song won a host of awards, among them 4 major Awit awards including Song of the Year. His first album titled Your Universe was released on August 8, 2008. The 10-track CD is a unique fusion of diverse sounds, among them the ethno-rock "Yugto", the heart-tugging title track "Your Universe", the rockabilly/punk feel of "Ayuz", the sweet, Pinoy-folk "Para Hindi Ka Mawala", and the sing-along anthem "Antukin". Also notable is his return to his roots as a keyboard player as evidenced by the infusion of synthesizer and electronic elements throughout the album. Incidentally, Warner Music Philippines are known for disbanding bands and turning their respective lead vocalists into solo artists.

Rico's live band was usually composed of Robert de la Cruz (of Queso and Skychurch) on drums and Ricci Gurango (formerly of Hungry Young Poets and Mojofly) on bass, while Rico plays guitars and keyboards. Many other session musicians join him on stage from time to time.

In November 2008, Blanco won the "Vocalist of the Year" award in the NU Rock Awards. In December 2008, he was heralded RX93.1 "OPM Solo Artist of the Year. He also opened for Myx Mo 2008 and performed "Yugto". Aside from his band, The Mandaluyong Children's Choir, Manila Symphony Orchestra, Kulintangan musicians (headed by Malou Matute), and various Percussionists (headed by Iggy de Dios), all performed with him. The opening set was touted to be the biggest in the event's history.

In February 2009, he won as "Best New Artist" in the MYX Music Awards 2009. Then, Blanco was picked by Unilever Philippines to re-write and sing a version of the regional campaign song of Close Up toothpaste, released a single entitled "Come Closer".

In December 2009, Blanco launched his new music video for the single "Ayuz", it features his dance tribute to Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, with Cristine Reyes as special guest.

In May 2010, Blanco was announced to be on the cast of ABS-CBN's supernatural-political thriller TV series Imortal which stars John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin, Blanco also sang the song "Kahit Walang Sabihin" for the said TV series. This was followed by the launch of Rico Blanco's very own company, Balcony Entertainment, in cooperation with Warner Music Philippines.

The same year, Rico Blanco launched his first album "Your Universe" in other Asian countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong. The Asian release featured a new single "Neon Lights", the song quickly gained the number 1 spot in Hong Kong charts beating other artists such as Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Wonder Girls and Mika.

In the same year, Blanco co-wrote the song "Chemistry" with Solenn Heussaff for the latter's self-titled debut album.

in 2012, Blanco released a new single, Amats, available for digital download via iTunes. The single was taken from his second studio album Galactik Fiestamatik released on July 10, 2012.

On November 27, 2015, Blanco released his third album Dating Gawi.

On January 9, 2016, he re-united with his former Rivermaya co-members, Perf de Castro, Nathan Azarcon and Mark Escueta for a "secret mini semi-reunion", following de Castro's gig at 19 East, Taguig City.

His single "Wag Mong Aminin" was the number 1 song for 2016 in Magic 89.9's OPM chart.

Charity and social activism

Blanco was a founding Sangguniang Kabataan chairman in his hometown of San Pedro, Laguna long before he started his music career.

Aside from his songwriter credits in his solo album and in Rivermaya, Blanco also arranged and wrote music for various cause oriented projects such as the United Nations Millennium Development Goals theme "Tayo Tayo Rin", The Philippine Department of Tourism theme "Biyahe Tayo", both of which were performed by veteran Filipino musicians, such as Freddie Aguilar, the APO Hiking Society, Lea Salonga, and Sharon Cuneta. He also co-wrote "Posible", which has been used as a theme song for the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.

During his hiatus from music in 2007, Blanco spent his time with philanthropic work. In late 2007 he came out of retirement to sing for the Sumilao farmers who walked 1,700 km from Bukidnon to reach Department of Agrarian Reform in Metro Manila.

Rico sang together with Imago vocalist Aia de Leon, and Sandwich frontman Raimund Marasigan, on "Ako ang Simula", the theme song for a campaign which calls on Filipinos, especially the youth, to actively participate in the 2010 elections.

When super typhoons ravaged the Philippines in September 2009, Rico responded quickly by writing and recording and releasing "Bangon", to raise awareness and ultimately, funds to help the victims of the typhoons. Rico gave away the song as a free download to give hope to the victims, salute the heroes and inspire people to continue helping. Blanco also said that he is waiving all royalties due to him for the mobile downloads of the song, which he will instead give to affected families.

In March 2011, Sesame Street Philippines went into partnership with Blanco to launch the new education campaign called Sesame Street "Kid Ako". The campaign will launch in schools which will use Sesame Street books and videos to help encourage learning among kids at an early age. Blanco is also set to make two songs for the campaign.

When typhoon Haiyan devastated his mother's home province, Blanco decided to spend the New Year holidays in a still-reeling and electricity-less Leyte and perform in as many evacuation centers as possible to comfort the survivors and help educate them about the importance of hygiene in preventing the spread of post-calamity diseases. A few weeks prior, just after the typhoon struck, Blanco nearly cancelled his appearance at the Sundown Music Festival in Singapore, but decided to forge on and dedicated his performance and talent fees to the people of Leyte.

He currently serves as the president of the Filipino Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP). A non-profit, non-government, collective management organization that champions intellectual property rights.

Musical influences

At a young age, Rico listened heavily to his uncle's records which included The Beatles, jazz and 1970s rock. He moved on to appreciate late 1970s to 1980s punk rock, post punk, synth pop and new wave artists (mostly from the U.K.) such as XTC, The Cure, The Smiths, U2, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, OMD, Tears for Fears, Ultravox, New Order, Madness, Terry Hall, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Midnight Oil (Aus), among others. He also listened to Filipino artists such as Deans December, Violent Playground, Identity Crisis, Urban Bandits, Joey Ayala, among others. The music he listened to while growing up is largely credited for his musical style.

Endorsements and business interests

Throughout his career, Rico Blanco has partnered with some of the biggest brands in the Philippines for their advertising campaigns.

Blanco was a partner in Capone's Makati, and Alphonse Bistro/Vault in Pasig. He is currently a partner in Time in Manila in Makati and The Brewery at the Palace in Taguig.

In 2010, Rico Blanco established Loudbox, an audio production/post studio mainly catering to the Advertising industry. His business partners are Manuel Legarda of Wolfgang, Sach Castillo, Allan Feliciano, and Edsel Tolentino.

Also on the same year, following his endorsement in Human clothing brand, Rico launched his own brand named Koboi, located at San Juan City, Metro Manila.

In 2014, Rico Blanco was introduced as the newest brand ambassador of Giordano Philippines.

Filmography

Television

Year	Title	Role	Network
2004	Myx Live	Host	ABS-CBN
2007	Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad	Voice of Ryusuke Minami	Hero TV
2010–2011	Imortal	Lucas Teodoro	ABS-CBN
2013	Kanta Pilipinas	Host/Judge	TV5
2013	May Isang Pangarap	Joseph 'Otep' Santos	ABS-CBN
2016	Born To Be A Star	Host/Judge	TV5
2016	ASAP Natin To	Himself / Performer	ABS-CBN

Movies

Year	Title	Role	Production
1994	Pare Ko: The Movie	Himself/Rivermaya	Star Cinema Productions
1996	Istokwa	Himself/Rivermaya	MAQ Productions
2006	Nasaan si Francis?	Sonny	Unico Entertainment, Crazy Angle Productions
2011	Segunda Mano	Owen	Star Cinema, Agosto Dos Pictures, MJM Productions
2015	Liwanag sa Dilim		APT Entertainment
2016	Camp Sawi	Aaron	Viva Films Productions

Music Video Director

Year	Title	Artist/Band
2004	Liwanag Sa Dilim	Rivermaya
2013	Lipat Bahay	Rico Blanco
2015	Sabay	Never the Strangers

Discography (as solo artist)

Albums

Year	Album Title	Certifications	Label
2008	Your Universe	5x Platinum	Warner Music Philippines
2012	Galactik Fiestamatik	–
2015	Dating Gawi	–	Universal Records

Singles

Year	Single	Album
2008	Yugto	Your Universe
	Your Universe
2009	Antukin
	Ayuz
2010	Bangon	Your Universe:Deluxe + Kahit Walang Sabihin (2-disc set)
	Neon Lights	Your Universe:Deluxe + Kahit Walang Sabihin (2-disc set) / Your Universe Southeast Asian Version
2011	Kahit Walang Sabihin	Your Universe:Deluxe + Kahit Walang Sabihin (2-disc set)
2012	Amats	Galactik Fiestamatik
	Burado
2013	Lipat Bahay
	Ang Tangi Kong Pangarap	Single
2014	Panahon Na Naman Ng Harana	Single
	Ito Ang Ating Sandali	Single
	World Without Strangers	Single
	Time For You	Single
2015	All The Seconds in Our Hours	Single
	Videoke Queen	Dating Gawi
2016	Wag Mong Aminin	Dating Gawi
	Sorry Naman	Dating Gawi
2019	Nagbabalik	Single
2020	Happy Feelin'	Single
	This Too Shall Pass	Single

Awards (as individual / solo artist)

Year	Award Giving Body	Category	Nominated Work	Results
2008	NU Rock Awards	Vocalist of the Year	—	Won
		Guitarist of the Year	—	Nominated
		Artist of the Year	—	Nominated
		Producer of the Year	"Your Universe"	Nominated
	RX93.1 FM	OPM Solo Artist of the Year	—	Won
2009	Awit Awards	Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist	"Yugto"	Won
		Song of the Year		Won
		Best Musical Arrangement		Won
		Best Engineered Recording	Angee Rozul for "Yugto"	Won
	MYX Music Awards	Favorite New Artist	—	Won
	NU Rock Awards	Song of the Year	"Antukin"	Won
	Philippine Radio Music Awards	Album of the Year	"Your Universe"	Won
		Best Solo Artist	—	Won
		Best New Artist	—	Won
2010	MYX Music Awards	Favorite Myx Live Performance	—	Won
2014	MYX Music Awards	Favorite Collaboration	with Gloc 9 for "Magda"	Won
2017	MYX Music Awards	Favorite Rock Video	"Videoke Queen"	Won