One of the most anticipated performers last night, November 6, at the annual MYX Mo! event was former Rivermaya frontman, Rico Blanco. The big musical spectacle was held at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City.
Regarded as Rivermaya's main creative force, Rico is currently on a comeback trail after taking a self-imposed sabbatical from the music scene for 17 months. The prolific songwriter left the popular '90s act in May 2007 after 14 years of leading the group to take a much-needed vacation, at the same time, embarking on a journey to self-discovery.
Rico visited places here and abroad, allowing him to rejuvenate his creativity and write some new songs. He is now busy promoting his 10-track debut solo effort titled Your Universe under Warner Records, Philippines.
Reviews of the album have been good, so far, with critics hailing Rico's songwriting gift and boldness in infusing his music with elements not commonly heard today.
ROCKING COMEBACK. Rico opened MYX Mo!'s main event last night with the blistering "Yugto"—a scathing rock number written and arranged by Blanco, spliced with diverse genres that remarkably turned out to be cohesive. Rico then performed the new wave-inspired track, "Say Forever."
In the excitement generated by Rico's appearance, fellow musicians situated backstage moved to the front to watch his inspiring performance.
"Masaya!" Rico proudly told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) several minutes after the set.
He confessed feeling overwhelmed by the heartwarming reception he was receiving from fans, casual listeners, and other musicians. "It's a nice feeling to see the fans again. Matagal naming hindi nakasama ang isa't isa, so it's a nice feeling."
All that support fuels Rico as he once again attends to the backbreaking demands of promoting the album. Said Rico: "Expect more singles from the album, 'tapos siguro more music videos, 'tapos siyempre tutugtog na ulit tayo, makikita ninyo na 'ko ulit sa mga concerts."
One of the important life lessons learned by Rico during his vacation was to take things as they come without expecting too much. Even with an album out and once again under the public radar, the prolific songwriter confided that he will still observe the same values.
Asked if this now signifies his full return, Rico sheepishly replied, "One album at a time ‘yon lang muna. Hindi ko masabi kung gaano kahaba. Basta one album at a time."
CAUGHT OFF-GUARD. Rico was once romantically linked to model-actress KC Concepcion. Reporters asked him if he somehow influenced the daughter of Megastar Sharon Cuneta musically, particularly in her own album, a.k.a. Cassandra, released by Sony-BMG Music Entertainment this year.
Caught off-guard, Rico politely replied, "Actually, I'm in a different place. I have my own music [and] I have my own life."