A River Runs Through Him

June 2, 2007

  

Photo respectfully STOLEN from: NIÑA SANDEJAS

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RICO BLANCO has earned a great reputation of being one of the best songwriters in today’s music industry. Still, the unassuming leader of Rivermaya always gave credit to the group’s collaborative efforts which became the secret behind the band’s success. Rico stood behind Rivermaya right from its inception up until its major line-up changes, showing his sturdiness on an otherwise fickle business.

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In The Beginning…

Marketing genius, Lizza Nakpil and ace director, Chito Roño dreamt of forming a band back in 1993. After holding months of auditions the band, which was originally called Frankenstein, was formed. The members of the Nakpil-Roño band were Rico Blanco on keyboards, Nathan Azarcon on bass, Rome on drums, Kenneth on guitar, and Jessie serving as the group’s jazz singer. The band would later change its name to Rivermaya.

Before recording their debut album, only Nathan and Rico remained in the ensemble. Nathan took the responsibility of quickly finding replacements. He commissioned his former bandmate Mark Escueta to play the drums, and his regular jam-mate Perf De Castro to serve as Rivermaya’s guitarist. Finally, Nathan asked the services of his friend and former classmate Bamboo Mañalac to be the band’s lead vocals. Thus, Rivermaya was born.

In 1994 their self-titled debut album came out and immediately became a success, thanks to songs such as Ulan, 214, and Awit Ng Kabataan. Rico’s creative skill in writing songs, meshed well with Bamboo’s energetic vocals. The vibrant songs of the band and Bamboo’s electrifying performances earned them the respect of fans and critcs alike. Soon they were holding major concerts and filling up big venues such as Folk Arts Theater and Araneta Coliseum.

However, shortly after the release of Rivermaya’s successful debut album, Perf (considered as one of the best stringers of that time) left the band because of “creative differences”, he would later form the group Triaxis. Faced with the problem of not having a guitarist, Rico decided on taking over the stringer’s role. Fortunately, Rico learned that role quickly, making Perf De Castro a faded memory to Rivermaya’s loyal fans.

Also, the succeeding albums showed Rico’s maturity as a songwriter by composing songs that displayed his love for Brit-pop (Princess Of Disguise and Monopoly from the album Trip) and eccentricity by writing about unusual subjects like violence against a walrus (I Shot The Walrus from the album Atomic Bomb). The album also featured hits like Elesi, Panahon Na Naman, Kung Ayaw Mo Huwag Mo, and Hinahanap-hanap Kita.

 

Bamboo Says Adieu!

After a US tour in 1998, Rivermaya shocked everyone when they returned to the country without their lead vocals. According to them Bamboo opted to stay in America because he was tired of living a “rock star life”.

Soon after, Die Hard Bamboo fans begin to drop Rivermaya from their roster of Bands to follow. Citing observations that Bamboo’s departure will be the Death of Rivermaya because it was Bamboo’s vocal prowess that propelled Rivermaya to its current state of popularity.

Untouched by the unfounded speculations of the band’s imminent death, Rico collaborated with Toti Dalmacion and Boom of Kulay to unleash a pioneering move where an Alternative Rock band colloborates with Techno music Disc Jocks. Master Dj’s Toti and Boom along with Rico remixed some of Rivermaya’s songs, thus Rivermaya Remixed album was released. Mixed reactions came from fans and critics, but people respected Rico’s experimentation with techno music. Later on, this genre of music will be the trend in the local music scene.

With Bamboo out of the scene, the group had to re-record their tracks on their then upcoming fifth album It’s Not Easy Being Green. This time around, Rico took over the responsibility of becoming Rivermaya’s new voice.

Because of this surprising event, everyone eagerly-anticipated the album mainly because they wanted to know whether Rico can hack it as a vocalist. The answers were immediately answered when Rico belted out the song Nerbyoso, It’s Getting Late and Shattered Like during the band’s album launch in 1998.

The loyal Rivermaya fans stayed on to witness the rebirth of the band, but unfortunately the purely Bamboo fans kept their hands off from the album. While the singles released made a decent finish in the music charts, the album never reached the success of the previous albums.

This led to the break up between Rivermaya and their recording label. With no recording label to market their sixth album, they decided to release their album FREE for free! Hits such as Faithless and Ambulansya (which ruled the NU midnight countdown for months) were released. During the 2000 NU Rock awards, the Free album captured the album of the year award, with Rico Blanco receiving the producer of the year award for the album Free and Teeth’s album I Was A Teenage Tree. 

Many record labels then underestimated Rivermaya’s abilities, many, except Viva Records.

 

New Record Label 

Viva Records became the band’s newest and current recording label as they signed Rivermaya to a contract. Viva took the opportunity to ask Rico Blanco to write a song for the use of the Buhay Kamao soundtrack, thus Alab ng Puso was released.

 

To Disband Or Not To Disband?

Nathan, one of the founders of the group, would also leave the band soon after. A three-piece band was a difficult task but feasible, although a duo was impossible. As a result, Rico and Mark were already contemplating on formally disbanding and going their own ways. However, their love for Rivermaya’s loyal fans and their music made the remaining members to decide to forego with another album.

They immediatley found replacements and formed the new Rivermaya, now composed of Mike Elgar (guitar/vocals), Japs Sergio (bass/guitar), Kakoi Legaspi (guitar), Rico Blanco and Mark Escueta. Thier first album as a group was fittingly called Tuloy Ang Ligaya and was released in 2001. Thier carrier single Umaaraw, Umuulan was an instant hit.

The Music video of Umaaraw, Umuulan and Rivermaya then won and swept off the awards that they were nominated during the 2002 MTV Philippines music awards show. Rivermaya has never succeeded this way even during the Bamboo era. This proved to the entire music industry that Bamboo after all was not Rivermaya.

Continuing Viva’s impressive support of the band, Viva released Rivermaya’s DOUBLE TROUBLE LIVE & ACOUSTIC album, an event that featured Slapshock as Rivermaya’s production partner. Fans and friends of Rivermaya got what they wished for, plus an added bonus. The double CD album contained the audio CD of the live event as well as a video CD of the live event. Rivermaya’s own rendition of Slapshock’s Evil Clown became the album’s carrier single. The album also included Rivermaya’s live performance of Basketbol taken from the PULP freakshow event, and the award winning music video Umaaraw umuulan .

 

Rebirth 

Not soon after, Rivermaya made their return engagement to the United States of America as they went on a US tour. The successful U.S. tour reintroduced the new Rivermaya to the pinoys abroad much to their delight. The band then went on to prepare their newest album as they returned to the country.

In December 2003, they went on to release Between The Stars And Waves. Perhaps their most experimental album ever. The fresh blood infused in the band dominated the songwriting chores as they showcased the new generation of Rivermaya.

The album had its share of mixed reviews, because it is no longer the typical Rivermaya that we know. But nevertheless this is considered to be their most intelligent album ever. Rico’s intelligent poetic lyrics shown brightly in this album. The hits released in this album included A Love To Share, Atat, and Balisong.

 

Rivermaya Wows International Audience

In 2005, Rivermaya wowed crowds of music-lovers from all across Asia at the Pattaya International Music Festival, held at the gorgeous resort-city on the shores of Thailand.

“We were honored to have Rivermaya, the MTV Asia Awards 2005, Favorite Artist for the Philippines, Rivermaya participate in the Pattaya Music Festival“,said Madame Jutamas Siriwan, Governor for the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

“Rivermaya thrives and flourishes in a live setting. Great songs, excellent musicianship, boundless energy, and unparalleled charisma all add up to one of best live acts I’ve seen from anywhere. International fame must beckon if there is any justice left in this world!” said Daniel Sassoon of Singapore’s no. 1 alternative rock band Electrico.

The band performed both English and Filipino songs from its vast repertoire of mega-hits, including Liwanag Sa Dilim. A song that talks about bringing good inspiration to the people around us no matter how dark our days have become.

In late summer of 2006, a historic moment for OPM and Pinoy rock happened, Rivermaya took centerstage at the MTV Asia Awards 2006 ceremonies, at the 5,000-capacity Siam Paragon in Bangkok, Thailand.

It was the first time for a Filipino band to be invited to perform, and the first time any Filipino artist was privileged to perform a solo-spot number in the five-year history of the MTV Asia Awards.

The glittering roster of international performers included rock icons Korn, Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child, Daniel Powter, top US band Hoobastank, as well as pop superstars from across Asia, including Teriyaki Boyz of Japan, Seven of Korea, Vicky Zhao of China, and Tata Young of Thailand.

Performing its massive hit, You’ll Be Safe Here, Rivermaya was accompanied by the Royal Thai Army Orchestra’s string section, amidst a magical mix of state-of-the-art Lcd and Graphic effects. The band that has been hailed as Ang Banda Ng Bayan by fans across the Philippines was introduced by Kelly Rowland as the artist set to cross continents.

Before taking the stage, Rico Blanco, lead vocalist for Rivermaya, exclaimed in an MTV interview, ‘’This one is for the Philippines!'’

The intensely moving performance visibly captivated the audience, composed of music industry movers and shakers - record labels, media (tv, radio, print), as well as musicians from every genre, who had flown in from all over the region to attend what is rated as one of the biggest annual music events in Asia.

The awards show is beamed across Asia and reaches 400 million households, or an estimated 1 Billion viewers.

Accolades were unanimous for Rivermaya’s stunning performance at the event.

Charmayne Yap, Director for Talents & Artists Relations for MTV Asia said, ‘’Rivermaya did an awesome performance and this not only comes from MTV, but everyone else that watched them at the show. Kudos to Rivermaya! After Asia sees them on our show, they might just be the next big thing!'’

The Bangkok Post raved that ‘’the most outstanding showcases were by (Japanese superstars) Teriyaki Boyz and by Rivermaya. Rivermaya did the Philippines and Southeast Asia proud with a strong stage presence and a beautiful tune enhanced by a string section.'’

Attending the ceremonies was Philippine Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Narciso Rodriguez who said, ‘’Words cannot describe how I felt witnessing Rivermaya take the stage in such a world-class setting, with the creme de la creme of Asia in the audience - it was overwhelming!'’

Mark Cailles, manager for UK rock band Placebo who was in Bangkok for the launch of the band’s new album, Meds, also sent his congratulations to the band saying that Rivermaya’s performance ‘’made his night.'’

Peter Bullard, managing director for MTV Japan noted that ‘’Rivermaya’s performance was at par with the best of any international act in the US or Europe - you could put the band anywhere in the world and they would be outstanding.'’

Chris Hermosisima of NU 107, the country’s leading rock station, said, ‘’Rivermaya just elevated the local band scene to a higher level - we are so proud of them!'’

As a double triumph, Rivermaya was also named Philippines Favorite Artist 2006, making it the second year in a row that the band has taken home the gold. Only one artist per country receives the honor each year. Votes are tallied from across Asia, and this year’s votes amounted to 14 Million. Rivermaya has also won the Favorite Group award a record-breaking three times at the MTV Pilipinas Awards, in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

This year, Asian hits You’ll Be Safe Here provides the background music for Star News Asia new promotional video. Both You’ll Be Safe Here and Balisong are both on rotation on Star World. A first for any musical artist on this regional channel.

 

Rivermaya Unleashes New Album

Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo, which quotes a line from massive hit single Isang Bandila, arrives exactly three years since the release of Rivermaya’s last studio album, Between The Stars And Waves in 2003. Since then, the group that’s been dubbed Ang Banda Ng Bayan by its countless fans across the country has kept listeners anxiously expectant, since the band has been releasing only one or two independent singles a year.

Indeed, those singles have captured the nation’s airwaves, not to mention the public’s imaginations as well as hearts, from the rousing rock-out anthem Liwanag Sa Dilim, the intoxicatingly lyrical You’ll Be Safe Here, to the downright inspirational, Posible, the athlete’s theme at the recent SEA Games 2005.

As anticipation runs high for the year’s most-awaited album, fans can have their fill of Rivermaya, in a full-scale collection of work, entitiled Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo, featuring 13 tracks that will take listeners on an extraordinary musical journey. Hits like, Isang Bandila, My Sanctuary, and Inosente Lang Ang Nagtataka.

 

Rico Blanco Leaves Rivermaya

JB Leonor, drummer of The Dawn, broke this disbanding news last May 7, 2007, in their eGroup, stating that Rivermaya just had their last gig. According to his email, The Dawn bandmate Francis Reyes, guitarist of The Dawn, sent JB an SMS message confirming the breakup:

“We had a gig in Metrowalk last Friday and Rivermaya was there - they played before us. It started out as a rumor. Someone text Kiko something crazy that I didn’t know if I’d believe it or not. We played in Big Sky Mind after Metrowalk. Kiko didn’t ride with me home. He told me he was going to Metrobar to check out Rivermaya. Kiko text me when he got there. Saying, Confirmed! It’s Rivermaya’s last gig! They’re breaking up!”

The reactions of Rivermaya fans did not favor the news. The band’s stylist, Niña Sandejas, replied to the email and offered some clarifications, stating:

“Correction lang… There is still a Rivermaya, but without Rico. He’s pursuing a solo career.. The three guys are pushing through, no confirmed plans yet, but if anything comes out, I’m really going to support them kung ano man i-decide nilang gawin, whatever they decide to do. The music industry is very small here so we should help each other.”

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In my own opinion, common sense tells us that Rivermaya cannot go on without Rico Blanco. Sad news talaga! Bye bye na lang sa Rivermaya…