Rico Blanco Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Songs, Height, Rivermaya, Albums, Instagram

Rico Blanco is a Filipino singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actor, endorser, and entrepreneur.

He is best known as a founding member and chief songwriter of the iconic Filipino rock band Rivermaya, where he served as vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist from 1994 to 2007.

Profile

• Full Name: Rico Rene Granados Blanco
• Stage Name: Rico Blanco
• Born: March 17, 1973
• Age: 52 years old
• Birthplace: Ermita, Manila, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist, Record Producer, Actor, Endorser, Entrepreneur
• Height: 173 cm (5’8″)
• Parent: Rene Aldeguer Blanco, Purita Crisostomo Granados
• Siblings: Rey Blanco, Patrice Blanco, Heart Blanco-Elizon
• Spouse: Maris Racal
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million USD to $10 million USD

Early Life and Education

Rico Blanco is a Filipino singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actor, endorser, and entrepreneur. He was born on March 17, 1973, at Manila Doctors Hospital in Ermita, Manila, Philippines, to Rene Aldeguer Blanco of Iloilo City and Purita Crisostomo Granados of Leyte, Leyte.

He is of Filipino ethnicity, with roots in Iloilo and Leyte. He has three siblings: Rey, Patrice, and Heart Blanco-Elizon. Rico attended O.B. Montessori Center for grade school and the Benedictine Abbey (now San Beda College Alabang) for high school.

He pursued higher education at Ateneo de Manila University, where he earned a degree in AB Management Economics, studying alongside notable figures like Kris Aquino. No specific information is available regarding his religion. His height is 173 cm (5’8″).

Career

Rico Blanco‘s career began in 1993 when he co-founded the Filipino rock band Rivermaya with Jesse Gonzalez, Kenneth Ilagan, Nathan Azarcon, and Rome Velayo. As the band’s primary songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist, he led Rivermaya to prominence with hits like “214,” “Himala,” “Ulan,” and “Awit ng Kabataan,” shaping the Filipino alternative rock scene in the 1990s.

His first performance with Rivermaya was in 1994 at the Metro Bar, and he remained with the band until his departure on May 4, 2007, at the same venue. During his tenure, he produced albums like Rivermaya‘s Free, which earned him an NU Rock Award for Producer of the Year, and worked on projects for artists like Slapshock, Sugarfree, and The Dawn.

After leaving Rivermaya, Rico launched his solo career with the single “Yugto” on June 12, 2008, under Warner Music Philippines, followed by his debut album Your Universe on August 8, 2008. The album, featuring tracks like “Antukin” and “Your Universe,” was a critical and commercial success, with “Neon Lights” topping Hong Kong charts in 2010.

His solo work blends diverse genres, including ethno-rock, rockabilly, and synthpop. He has also written music for cause-oriented projects, such as the United Nations Millennium Development Goals theme “Tayo Tayo Rin” and the Philippine Department of Tourism’s “Biyahe Tayo,” performed by artists like Freddie Aguilar and Lea Salonga.

Rico co-wrote “Posible” for the 2005 Southeast Asian Games and collaborated with Gloc-9 on “Magda” (2013), which won Song of the Year and Best Collaboration at the 27th Awit Awards.

Rico‘s acting career includes roles in ABS-CBN’s Imortal (2010), May Isang Pangarap (2013), and the stage production Jesus Christ Superstar alongside Noel Cabangon and Joey Ayala. From 2016 to 2018, he served as president of the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP), advocating for intellectual property rights.

Awards and Nominations

• NU Rock Awards: Producer of the Year for Rivermaya‘s Free album.
• Awit Awards: Song of the Year and Best Collaboration for “Magda” with Gloc-9 (27th Awit Awards, 2014).
• Four major awards for “Yugto,” including Song of the Year (2008).
• MYX Music Awards: Best New Artist (2009).
• NU Rock Awards: Vocalist of the Year (2008).

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @ricoblanco
• TikTok handle: @ricoblanco100
• Twitter handle: @ricoblanco100

Personal Life

Rico Blanco is a Filipino singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actor, endorser, and entrepreneur. He’s single, with no spouse or children. He was in a high-profile relationship with actress and singer Maris Racal from 2019 to 2024, confirmed in May 2021, despite a 25-year age gap. The couple shared glimpses of their relationship on social media but separated in June 2024.

Previously, he dated actress KC Concepcion from 2003 to 2005, with rumors of a child together debunked by Concepcion. Rico prefers to keep his personal life private, focusing on his music and advocacy.

His hobbies include painting, photography, and music production. Rico is known for his philanthropic efforts, such as performing for Typhoon Haiyan survivors in Leyte in 2013, dedicating his Sundown Music Festival performance fees to relief efforts, and supporting the Sumilao farmers in 2007.

Discography

As a Member of Rivermaya (1994–2007):

• Notable albums: Rivermaya (1994), Trip (1996), Atomic Bomb (1997), Free (2000)
• Notable singles: “214,” “Himala,” “Ulan,” “Awit ng Kabataan,” “Elesi”

As a Solo Artist (2008–present):

Albums:

• Your Universe (2008)
• Galactik Fiestamatik (2012)
• Dating Gawi (2015)
• Kaya Mo (2017)
• My Kind of Christmas (2017)

Notable Singles:

• “Yugto” (2008)
• “Antukin” (2008)
• “Your Universe” (2008)
• “Wag Mong Aminin” (2015)
• “This Too Shall Pass” (2020)
• “Ito ang Ating Sandali” (2014)

Collaborations:

• “Magda” with Gloc-9 (2013)
• “Tayo Tayo Rin” for United Nations MDG
• “Biyahe Tayo” for Philippine Department of Tourism
• “Posible” for 2005 Southeast Asian Games

Net Worth

Rico Blanco is a Filipino singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actor, endorser, and entrepreneur. His net worth ranges from $1 million USD to $10 million USD. His wealth is derived from his extensive career as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with Rivermaya and as a solo artist, producing chart-topping albums and singles.

Additional income sources include acting roles in television, film, and stage productions, music production for other artists, composing for commercials and cause-oriented projects, and endorsements.