Rico Blanco is a Filipino composer/singer. 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. Rico 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 time.

Rico Blanco’s album “Your Universe” is definitely worthy. It’s a defining mark in the 36-year-old musician’s career, and a reminder that he has the freedom to experiment and work together with others without compromising sound. Through the ten tracks of “Your Universe,” we can confirm that Rico’s personal passions are gracefully translated into songs distinctly and undeniably his, even as he collaborates with some of the industry’s best musicians for this album.

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, fast-food, 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 also previously endorsed HUMAN, a clothing label where he has his own line of shirts.

He knows how to tickle the fancy of Filipinos by delivering the right amount of romantic prose minus the extra sugary shot of sap. Perhaps it can be said that he knows the formula of the Filipino’s heart which makes his music work Definition and identity. This is what sets Rico Blanco apart from most of the local acts. He knows his forte in the industry and makes his mark the way a true blooded artist should original and a strong definition of one’s identity.

History

Rico Blanco was born March 17, 1973. Hailing from Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines, Rico Blanco was an active youth leader and became the founding Sangguniang Kabataan chairman in his hometown. His mother is Purita Granados-Blanco and his father is Rene Aldeguer Blanco. He has 3 siblings Heart Blanco-Elizon, Rey “King” Blanco and Patrice Blanco.

At a young age, Rico listened heavily to his uncle’s records which included the Beatles, jazz and 1970s rock. He was motivated on to appreciate late 1970s to 1980s punk rock, post punk, synth pop and new wave artists. 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 growing up is largely credited for his musical style.

He graduated grade school at O. B. Montessori Center, high school at the Benedictine Abbey (San Beda College 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.

Profile

Name: Rico Blanco
Birtdate: 03-17-73
Age: 36
Course/School graduated from: Management Economics degree at Ateneo de Manila University
Mothers’ Name: Purita Granados-Blanco
Fathers’ Name: Rene Aldeguer Blanco
Hometown: Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines