Rivermaya was not meant to last long. Snubbed by some of its contemporaries during the height of the band music explosion in the ‘90s, the band was dubbed as a "manufactured" outfit formed to cash-in on the thriving local rock scene.
Despite the criticisms, the band then made up of Bamboo Mañalac, Nathan Azarcon, Perf de Castro, Mark Escueta and Rico Blanco rose to become one of the most competent bands during the era. In popularity and chart ranking, Rivermaya was placed by observers as second only to the phenomenal act, the Eraserheads.
Bamboo however left the band in 1998 as the band's U.S. tour came to a close. Prior to Bamboo's exit, guitarist Perf also left the band due to creative differences. Deserted by its charismatic frontman, the band courageously carried on and released a string of successful hit albums and singles with Rico Blanco assuming the vocal chores.
The band would continuously be plagued with line-up problems as they struggled to keep Rivermaya's career afloat.
CREATIVE FORCE. Many attributed Rivermaya's accomplishment to chief songwriter Rico Blanco's uncanny ability to write good songs that turned out to be big hits.
In the clichéd world of rock n' roll, it always easy to single out good looks, coupled with rock star bravado, as the main ingredients for success. But genuine critics would be the first to say that an artist, regardless of anything, should be measured solely based on his or her art.
A true artist at heart, Blanco authored most of Rivermaya's memorable songs like "Bring Me Down," "Ulan," "214," "Awit ng Kabataan," "Himala," "Kisapmata," "Elesi," "Hinahanap-hanap Kita," "Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo," "Rodeo," "Shattered Like," "Umaaraw, Umuulan," "'Wag Na Init Ulo Baby," "A Love to Share," "241 (My Favorite Song)," "Balisong," and "You'll Be Safe Here."
Blessed with pop sensibilities sharpened even more by his love for pop tunes, Blanco continuously churned out radio-friendly hits, which allowed Rivermaya to weather personnel problems.
"Rivermaya survived the departure of Perf de Castro, Bamboo Manalac, and Nathan Azarcon simply because they're not the chief songwriter," commented a music journalist to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in a casual conversation last year.
The implication of that statement was dead clear: Rico Blanco, being the chief songwriter, was the heart and soul of Rivermaya.
NO LONG GOODBYES. As 2007 unfolded there was little to suggest that Blanco should relinquish his title as the band's main man.
In fact, he didn't have to. 2006 was a good year for Rivermaya and the momentum was expected to carry over as everyone welcomed the New Year. After a few hits and misses, Rivermaya was finally at the cusp of achieving international recognition. Bolstered by previous singles written in English, the band's popularity in Southeast Asia swelled considerably via the haunting ballad "You'll Be Safe Here." Rivermaya even performed the song live at the 2006 MTV Asia Awards held in Bangkok, Thailand. The quartet was also scheduled to embark on an Asian tour.
But while everything was turning up rosy for the band, Rico, unknown to his band mates and the management team, wanted out of the entire Rivermaya business. It wasn't a hasty retreat as Rico made known his heart's desire to everyone inside their camp.
During the early morning of May 4, 2007, The Dawn guitarist Francis Reyes reportedly received a text message saying that Rivermaya's scheduled gig that evening at the Metro Bar in Quezon City would be Rico's last with the group.
Intrigued and raring to find out the validity of the message, Francis went to the venue that evening. A few hours later, Francis texted The Dawn's drummer J.B. Leonor with the words: "Confirmed! It's Rivermaya's last gig!!! They're breaking up!"
GOING SOLO. Weeks after the reported final gig, the management of Rivermaya refused to either deny or confirm the rumor.
On June 19, co-manager Lizza Nakpil finally issued an official statement confirming Rico's departure from the band after 14 years of playing music.
The letter was scathing and optimistic at the same time. "We confirm that Mr. Blanco has written us a letter of resignation from Rivermaya. We are unable to give an explanation for this action since Mr. Blanco's statements are inconsistent with the facts. For the record, Mr. Blanco did not make any announcement of his leaving Rivermaya as early 2005, or in 2004 or 2006, for that matter," wrote Nakpil.
She further stated that Rico willingly participated in all of the plans mapped out by management, making his decision to split abrupt. Management admitted that they tried to persuade Rico to reconsider his decision so as not to impede their success in the international scene.
But the enigmatic frontman apparently had enough of his role and was raring to live outside the shadow of the band he tirelessly led for more than a decade.
Rico immediately delved into his other hobbies like designing and photography. Perhaps hoping to recharge his batteries, Rico reportedly went to the States while contemplating his next move. Rivermaya meanwhile soldiered on and found a new vocalist in the person of Jayson Fernandez.
After months of keeping a low profile, reports of Blanco sightings became abundant. He was spotted by PEP watching Duran Duran when the iconic ‘80s band staged a concert here last April 10 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Given the guy's talent, many were certain that Rico would re-emerge doing what he does best: making music. Known for his nationalistic sentiments mirrored through his art, the former Rivermaya leader sang for the embattled Sumilao farmers—the group who walked 1,700 km from Bukidnon to the Department of Agrarian Reform office in Quezon City.
But what truly marked Rico's comeback as a performer was the release of his first single titled "Yugto" recently, after a year of seclusion. Rico is reportedly busy recording his debut album as a solo artist. Intriguingly, Rico's upcoming record will be released under Warner Music Philippines—the same label that houses the present Rivermaya.
Documenting his studio exploits, Rico wrote in his multiply account the pains and excitement of being inside the studio once again.
"I'm getting somewhat impatient though, as I've been itching to finish the damn thing and start playing live. So far I've laid down basic tracks and roughly mixed the bulk of the album so we should take just a couple more weeks, barring any more studio schedule glitches. Thank you for your patience."
A new album. A new chapter. Whether Rico's solo journey as a musician would be as successful and fulfilling as his stint with Rivermaya, however, is yet to be seen.