Rico Blanco

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Rico Blanco


Img_capt = Rico Blanco
Img_size = 300
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Alias = Blanco
Born = March 17, 1973
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Instrument =
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Occupation =
Years_active = 1993-2007, May 2008-present
Label = Warner Music Philippines
Associated_acts = Rivermaya (former member)
URL =
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Notable_instruments = Keyboards
Fender Stratocaster
Gibson SG Robot
CF Martin Electric Acoustic
Synthesizers
Drums
Bass

Rico Blanco (born March 17, 1973) is a Filipino musician. He is one of the founders of Filipino rock band Rivermaya, where he served as vocalist, pianist, guitarist, and chief songwriter from 1993 to 2007. Blanco has so far recorded, written and produced more local and regional number one hits than any other musician since 1994, and has sold over a million albums in the Philippines and Southeast Asia during that period.

Career

Aside from being the chief songwriter of Rivermaya, Blanco has also arranged and co-written the United Nations MDG theme "Tayo Tayo Rin" as well as the Philippine Department of Tourism theme "Biyahe Tayo" both of which were performed by veteran Filipino musicians, such as Freddie Aguilar, Lea Salonga, and Sharon Cuneta. He has also co-written the theme song for the South East Asian Games, "Posible".

Rico Blanco is also a stage and film actor. He starred alongside Noel Cabangon and Joey Ayala in the Music Museum and 70s Bistro production of Jesus Christ Superstar and also starred alongside Epy Quizon and Christopher de Leon in the independent film Nasaan si Francis. He is also the voice behind Ryusuke (Ray) Minami in the Philippine edition of . [http://philmusic.com/main/content/view/109/1/]

Blanco also directed several music videos, won an award for his work as musical scorer/arranger for HIT Productions. Blanco also dabbles in oil painting and photography.

Among the albums Blanco produced are Slapshock's "Project 11-41", Sugarfree's "Sa Wakas", The Dawn's "Salamat" millennium edition, and Teeth's "I Was a Teenage Tree" and Rivermaya's "Free" album which won him NU Rock award for Producer of the year. Blanco also used to host "MYX Live".

In May 2007, Blanco announced his departure from Rivermaya to pursue his other interests. His last gig with Rivermaya was on May 4, 2007 at the Metro Bar with Pupil and Sandwich opening the show. Pupil is fronted by Ely Buendia (formerly of Eraserheads) and Sandwich fronted by Raimund Marasigan (also formerly of Eraserheads) Incidentally, Rico’s first gig as singer for Rivermaya was also held there. The first ever Rivermaya gig (Blanco was keyboardist) was in Las Pinas in 1993 where the band was the opening act for Eraserheads. Blanco said Metro Bar (known as Kampo during the 90's) was the place when Rivermaya started to learn the ropes on the concert stage. [ [http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=68621 Future of Rivermaya uncertain after Rico’s reported exit - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos ] ]

He is currently busy as a fashion designer for Human and as a painter and photographer. [ [http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/2bu/view_article.php?article_id=68515 Rockin’ Rico - INQUIRER.net ] ] He also spends his time with philantropic work, one of his recent involvement is coming out of retirement to sing for the Sumilao farmers who walked 1,700km from Bukidnon to reach Department of Agrarian Reform in Metro Manila. Blanco also wrote and produced songs for Nancy Castiglione.

Rico Blanco launched at Q Bistro, Malayan Plaza, Ortigas, Warner Music Philippines, his first single “Yugto” which marked his personal comeback and entry in the Filipino music industry as a solo artist. His first album titled "Your Universe" was released on August 8, 2008. Currently, Rico's live band is composed of Robert Dela Cruz (of Queso and Skychurch) on drums and Ricci Gurango (formerly of Mojofly and Hungry Young Poets) on bass, while Rico plays guitars and sometimes keyboards.

Personal life

Hailing from Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines, Rico Blanco was an active youth leader and became the founding Sangguniang Kabataan chairman in his hometown.

He graduated grade school at O. B. Montessori Center, high school at the Benedictine Abbey (San Beda - Alabang) and finished his Management Economics degree at the Ateneo de Manila University at the early age of 19.

When he was younger, Rico was one of the main soloists in his parish's choir in Pacita Complex, 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 more than five hours a day. [http://www.celebritiesph.com/celebrities/musicians/filipino-singers/rico-blanco.html]

Endorsements

A trendsetter, Rico Blanco and his wide influence has always made him one of the most sought after endorsers. He has already endorsed brands in telecom, fastfood, home entertainment, software, and mobile phones.

In 2003, Blanco was the first solo musician tapped to be a Pepsi ambassador when the brand decided to enlist local endorsers. The success of this bold and unprecedented move started a trend in musicians becoming endorsers for major brands.

Blanco currently endorses HUMAN, a clothing label, debuting his own t-shirt designs just recently. He has advertised for Ginebra San Miguel gin as the music icon, together with billiard champion Efren Reyes and basketball superstar James Yap.

Discography

*"Rivermaya"
*"Trip"
*"Atomic Bomb"
*"It's Not Easy Being Green"
*"Free"
*"Tuloy ang Ligaya"
*"Between the Stars and Waves"
*"Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo"
*"Your Universe"

References

External links

* Blanco's Multiply Page [http://amillionflames.multiply.com]
* Blanco's Myspace Page [http://www.myspace.com/therealrico]
* Blanco's Yahoo Groups Mailing List [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blancofied/]