RICO BLANCO Announces Concert at the ARANETA COLISEUM

If you"re a fan of Rico Blanco and his brand of music, you're in for a treat as he's slated to have a concert this September 11th at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

It's been a while since he"s done this, but he's so excited to perform some of his greatest hits like "Umaaraw, Umuulan", "Your Universe", "Yugto" and those he did while he was still with Rivernaya. His iconic songs have been adored by generations of music lovers and he is still advocating love for Original Filipino Music (OPM) and Filipino musicians til now.

During this press conference, we asked him about what changes he's undergone since having a relationship with Star Magic artist Mariz Racal, and he says "Nothing really, it's not change that happened to us, it's like our personalities really complemented each other. We're just good together, romantically and artistry wise."

Asked if she's going to be at his concert, Rico says "She's probably going to try but I know she has work during those days and will be under locked in taping. She supports me 100%".

Rico is also busy managing artists via his own entertainment label called Balcony. It's his way of paying forward to the industry after a highly successful career in music. Among the artists he's managing is Ebe Dancel and Zild which a lot of people liken to his brand of music. He also laments how the generation now is discovering that he's got his own band, as most of the young kids probably have seen him in different shows on ABSCBN.

Here's a part of the press conference yesterday.

The concert again will be slated on September 11th, 2022. Tickets will be sold on July 1st at Ticketnet so go get them soon. This is produced by KDR Music and they also announced that there will be other artists lined up which they will also be putting up concerts soon. I'm excited about that!

RICO BLANCO Reimagines PBB's "Pinoy Tayo!"

Looks like Pinoy Big Brother is going to be extra entertaining as music will be good with Rico Blanco's "Pinoy Tayo!". Some of PBB's very own alumnus performed it with him during the KUMU Season 10 launch a few days ago. Maymay Entrata, Kim Chiu, Edward Barber, Robi Domingo, Maris Racal, and a whole lot more enjoyed the song on stage and its new flavor. Slower, more melodic, a new version, pretty good to see it that way. It's going to be part of Jonathan Manalo's new album compilation for his 20th year.

Rico Blanco says "I was really excited when I was asked to be with Jonathan's anniversary project. He's very prolific, I supported him right there, I studied it because it was a very revered composition. I had to make it sound like me when I'm performing it. Being a part of that story, I'm excited about the happiness it gives, I wanted that part to be the same and how people react to it. I remember hearing it during a football match and everyone danced to it. It made memories, and we as artists would like to make it that effective. I was already game when we started, I paused when he told me the song, what it stands for, it's well loved and I had to check what I could give to it, it's an honor for me. It just fell into place."

Jonathan Manalo adds "It's nice to see this song uplift spirits. When we made this song and we were planning to promote this song, it was meant to inspire us. Our morale was down, our energies too, and we needed a newer version. It's our way to lightening up the mood, to give hope, to celebrate even if we are under the pandemic. We hoped it could give good vibes, more reasons to celebrate being a Filipino. I took my chances when I talked to Rico, when we were talking I was already thinking about this anniversary project. I always had him in the lineup and was really timing when I would ask him. He was part of that dream. We were moving in different paces, his music was different than mine. I was pop and he was rock, so in a phonecall I asked him about it. We always were together in other activities but never worked together. It was the perfect time to ask him."

Here's part of the presscon on video

 

The album will be part of several singles that will come out digitally. They will be doing it in 25 tracks, 25 different artists and will be completed by next year. Congrats PBB and Sir Jonathan Manalo!

Globe Does Drive-in Concert on Valentines Day

No plans yet for Valentines day? Well if figures, it's not that easy to do so because of the pandemic. Understandable, but hey, don't you worry because Globe plans to make your Valentines day even sweeter. Fancy a concert? If so, they're inviting you and all your friends or family to come to the 30th Street Open Parking in Bonifacio Global City. They are going to hold Globe’s Love Street Drive-in Concert. This will be on February 13, 2021 and is brought to you by Globe and BGC.

Who's playing? The lineup includes your OPM artists KZ Tandingan and Rico Blanco. KZ has been a phenomenal performer who wowed tons of other artists in China and Asia whilst Rico Blanco, also equally talented, is rock icon and a great musician/artist. If you're up to it, they're going to sing tons of songs of love, romance, to get you in that valentines mood. If you can't be there, don't worry, because it will also be livestreamed via Globe's Facebook page and 105.1 Q Radio. As Globe's Deputy Chief Commercial Officer Issa Guevarra says "We will help all our susbscribers reinvent their way of celebrating Valentines day. This is a safe and we're going to make sure to show new and exciting possibilities for 2021."

If you want tickets, just use your Globe Rewards points and head on over to the Globe Iconic Store at Bonifacio High Street this February 12 or 13. You can only get them from 11 am to 5 pm. Getting a vehicle pass would allow 4 passengers to watch. Aside from that, they are showcasing BLACKPINK art installations in the venue. You may proceed to the Reinvent Hubs so you can also have the chance to win #GlobeBLACKPINK Reinvent kits. Go visit glbe.co/Lovestreet for more details, if you have time tomorrow that would be good.

 Party safe!

 

Yael Yuzon for Pioneer and FILSCAP's Campus Caravan Music WritingWorkshop

I could feel Yael Yuzon was a little nervous when he went up the elevator and even said it was like his first day of school when we did Pioneer and FILSCAP's Campus Caravan and Music Writing Workshop today at University of Santo Tomas. They just did the one in University of the Philippines with Rico Blanco and this time, Thomasians are up for a great afternoon of learning (the writing part) and of course playing music.

Some Tigers went out and played a couple songs before the workshop proper started, which was quite amusing because it looked like they already have music learned to begin with. 

Rico Blanco was there too to explain what FILSCAP was doing and their thrust is to try and go all over the country and teach or inspire soon to be writers. He also introduced Yael Yuzon for this leg's speaker. 

Yael had a knack of rambling so he tried to put up some bullet points to talk about while he was doing the workshop. He also told the story of how he wrote some of his hits like "Makapiling Ka" which stemmed from longing for his Mom who was a Flight Attendant and had to work and not come back for several days. He also connects music appreciation to comparing songs like Gangnam Style and Hotel California, to relationships and how to take care of it, then goes on and proves his point about production of easy songs with just a few chords, break them into different ways to do it so it won't be branded as the same as an existing one. He says it's not a problem because you can do it in a million different tempos and it would already different. He encourages to read books, watch films, in different languages, watch plays, as what you see would only be the thing that you could give back to the art. He adds "The power resides where the people believe. There's no bad idea if you do things with your process. There are a lot of variables when you are making a song."

"Songs don't actually have to be finished at all, because that's an opportunity to team up with another artist. If you can't finish it, set it aside and work on new ones. Either that or just finish it even when it's ugly. It's important to have closure, in any craft or skill it's hard on the first try and move on. Don't be so pressured because the good news is you can make a new one. Not all songwriters make good songs. It should be real and natural, like if you see it too polished people in Youtube would find it not good. But you can write a lot of songs, that's the good news. Orignality touches on the survival of mankind, we learn that by experiencing it. We understand, we share the information and communicate it. A lot of people are doing it but you can do it your way with your own songs, we are all unique. What will be original is the perspective. Filipino music can be anything. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Just challenge yourself and maintain your excitement because you were knowing the relationship of it, you go from guitar to piano even if you don't know it, just play and pick up stuff from other people." Rico Blanco adds.

It'a nice to see students were REALLY enthusiastic about this whole thing. If you see how their faces would light up after getting their questions answered by these artists, you'll get a sense that the future is bright for the Philippine music industry. I'm a songwriter too, it kinda made sense on some instances for me even if I'm not a music major, and for these guys who are into it, I think they just need more inspiration because there are no rules in music, measurements perhaps but it won't have to be something that would be forced on your throat . I'm sure they've given enough mojo to these students and might give them more reasons to join the songwriting competition at www.moveonlang.ph (visit the website to know the fine print). You too can do that. You can win as much as Php 100,000 in cash for the grand prize. 

KUMAGCOW

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Richard Gutierrez Hosts KISPinoy on TV5!

Richard Gutierrez, host of KISPinoy

We saw a very enthusiastic Richard Gutierrez yesterday during the KISPinoy blogcon at JET 7 Bistro in Timog Avenue Quezon City. KISPinoy is the newest reality search that's going to make KPOP hopefuls in the country's dream come true. KISPinoy stands for KPOP Idol Search Pinoy edition and it's going to start this Saturday at 9PM on the happiest network in the country, TV5.

We sat down for an interview with Richard and he says "It's the first and the biggest KPOP search in the country and we're airing this Saturday already. It's the first of it's kind, it's the first time also that I'm hosting one and this is very specific for KPOP. The winner of this competition will be managed, will have a contract, plus be trained in Korea aside from receiving 1 Million pesos. It's a different kind of show and we also have Korean producers and artists as judges of the show. I'm a fan of talent search shows and since it's the first time that I'm going to do this, it's an addition to my resume. It caters to a younger audience, you know, the KPOP fans and they're planning to show this in Korea hence a very global appeal to it which is one of the reasons I accepted it. Before I did accept it, I'm aware that it's a big industry and I know how they do things in Korea is similar to Hollywood. I'm not much a big fan but I know a few people like Rain since I did his character in Full House, 2NE1, UKISS, Big Bang, I've done my research I guess. The initial stage of auditions was done in SM Malls and they chose the top 150, then after they performed they cut it down to 20. Out of these 20 hopefuls, they'll trim it down to the top 5 and have them sent to Korea for training. They'll have the chance to be there and be trained, create their own music video and the opportunity to be signed there. It'll be very big especially for the grand winner. It's different, there's no real qualification as long as you can perform and connect with the audience and I think the judges choose performers that are talented but can connect, mostly people with personalities. I'm the person they talk to before and after they perform. People from all walks of life, all of whom are very talented, some sad stories, some are funny and very confident, I've seen them all. I'm on their side actually."

"Jinri Park has always been very bubbly and happy. She knows how big KPOP is in Korea and I even ask her about it, about food too. Hosting wise, she's like the paparazzi and she's there with the auditionees before they even meet me. She's part of the whole show but I'm not sure she's going to Korea with us, hopefully. I've consulted different people, even KPOP stars and they said I don't have to change my style. I'm going to host the way I do. It's going to be the ones doing the auditions who are probably going to have to make that look count. As for being freelance, I'm very happy where I am right now both in my work life and my personal life. I may not have been as busy as before but I'm happy that I am able to work with different stations  and it gives me more freedom... it makes me able to choose the right projects, I also get to choose the time so I'm very happy right now.

This show is lighter, it's not too intense, it's about entertaining your audience and I love to watch how these contestants would grow. The ability to also connect with them is great. I've seen some great talents, and out of the 150 people, there are really good ones. These are individuals but we're going to put them in challenges on how to adapt in a group and how they interact and perform. That's how they do it in Korea too so you get to see the dynamics of the talent. With the ones that I've seen, they know how to perform and dance in Korean. It's not just about one or the other, it's an overall thing plus their personality. This show will cater to KPOP fanatics but it will also show those who don't that they're going to be amazed at how much work is put in just to perform this way. They'll see a different perspective because they'll see the training that's involved in this show. The class of entertainment too is another thing, they'll see all that in KISPinoy."

"Confirmed judges are Kevin Woo from UKISS, plus a lot of very notable KPOP Producers. They all flew in just to judge for the show. Those are just initial judging but there's going to be more especially when it's going to be for the top 5. We haven't reached that point yet but there's surely going to be big KPOP stars on the show. They already confirmed. I met them, also UKISS, they're really nice people but we couldn't connect to all of them because only a few could speak in English but I could tell they're very professional and they know what they are doing. It's like you know how their personalities connect with the audience. The way they present themselves as artists, they're very professional. 

Ahmm.. actually there was one instance where they forced me to dance LOL, I just had to do it for fun. It's not an actual performance and I leave that to the talented ones who auditioned. If ever we also do have Filipino artists or guests, that may happen pretty soon in the finals, we don't know yet. We'll see because that might the big surprise.

It's a weekly show. They're going to cut people through the voting of the judges, the audience and of course the producers who will also have a say on who's going to win. There's going to be a system on how to vote. I really hope people would get to watch the show this weekend, I'm excited as you guys are for the first KPOP Idol Search Pinoy, KISPinoy!"

Again, please do watch KISPinoy which will premier this Saturday at 9PM. This is also part of the new programming lineup of TV5 and we can't wait to see who's going to win this competition. Rico Blanco, Gelli De Belen and KPOP artists, Producers will be judging too. Richard, good luck on the show!

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Valda Pastilles featuring Rico Blanco

Valda Pastilles has been taking care of us since 1902. From it's early years, they have been having rounds of soothing and cooling cures for sore and itchy throat. They have been here since the galleon trade I hear and the perfect thing to have this time is a collaboration with him and Valda Pastilles in the Philippines. He represents a refreshing brand with a new look, a new feel and he's also going to come out with new commercials this month. 

"It's really the product, we all have experiences taking this. From the time I tried it up until now, it's a no brainer for me. It's a well loved brand, a heritge product and I use it" says Rico Blanco.

"The track they used for the advertisement is actually a real song. The core of the song is getting soothed, if you're having a tough time, and if you hear this... everything will be alright. That's how I want people to think of it. He wants this to be his most chill song, not perfect but that's his goal..." he adds.

As for his music, he's going to release more in the digital front other than making an album. He's not going to wait and just release it right away because he doesn't want people and his music to get stagnant. He thrives to have it now, and that's what we got after the interview. Check this out!

He's glad he's part of Valda Pastilles now. They're even planning to have huge events real soon. You better watch out for that!

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The Smart - Deezer Launch With Rico Blanco, Ely Buendia and More!

Listen. It's the only thing that you have to do to enjoy one of the biggest and strongest tie up ever brought to Philippine shores. Smart Communications, the country's biggest network and Deezer, one of the world's biggest web streaming services just recently launched their partnership at the posh club Raven in BGC.

The event was hosted by rockstar royal daughter cum VJ/DJ Sanya Smith. Deezer had so many things to offer Smart subscribers and that only spells 30.6 Million tracks as of this minute, the ability to create and customize playlists of your own, share that to millions of people and have it in almost all your gadgets. 

To start off, we were treated with music from indie band "The Ransom Collective". They played a few originals and covers. Pretty sick. What puzzles me is that they're still in high school... would you believe that? Their album is also available in Deezer so check them out there.

Deezer's Business Development Manager for Asia Steven Frank says there's no opportune time to actually do this but now - because people are hungry for more music. Deezer's 30 Million songs would be the perfect thing to have for the millions of Smart subscribers in the Philippines.

Ms. Kathryn Carag, Smart's Postpaid Marketing Head also announced the packages meant for subscribers. Smart will also be giving Unlisurf Premium Plan early birds a P175 bill rebate for six months. Aside from that, existing Postpaid subscribers can take advantage of Deezer Music Packs that includes Deezer Premium. Subscribe to Deezer Daily for PHP 25 which you can do 1 day Deezer access plus 25 SMS and 10MB of mobile data for Deezer streaming. Or you can opt for Deezer Weekly for PHP 125 for 7-day Deezer access plus 125 SMS and 50MB of mobile data which you can use for Deezer streaming. Or better yet try Deezer Monthly for PHP250 so you can get 30 day Deezer access plus 250 SMS and 100MB of mobile data for streaming. These and more offers for Smart Prepaid subscribers will be also available soon. 

Cheers! Here's to a strong partnership with Deezer and Smart Communications. On this shot, Deezer's Business Development Manager for Asia Mr. Steven Frank, Mr. Charles A. Lim Smart's EVP and Wireless Consumer Division Head, Ms. Mellissa Limcaoco from Smart's Innovation and Product Development Group, Ms. Kathryn Carag Smart's Postpaid Marketing Head, the gorgeous Ms. Gina Daryanani Deezer's PR Manager for Asia and Ms. Dona Inthaxoum Deezer's Label Relations Head for Asia & Oceania.

Giordano World Without Strangers Music Festival

Ira Cruz was also seen at Giordano's World Without Strangers event at Glorietta. Photo by Mikz Marcelo.

It's the 25th year anniversary of Giordano Philippines and what better way to celebrate that but by staging a huge festival right smack in the middle of Glorietta mall. They also deem this the best occasion to introduce their newest endorser Mr. Rico Blanco!

Rico Blanco sang World Without Strangers, the perfect homage to Giordano's brand (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

It was something for the history books as they turned the 4th of July to be our own celebration of Philippine music. It's something that they see to be part of who we are and that's why they never hesitated to get the best of the best bands in the country. They also got the ultra conservative guys to host the show... of course it's the BOYSNIGHTOUT crew!  Other than that, they have made history by inviting these 15 local bands namely Callalily, Sponge Cola, Urbandub, rockstars Franco, Up Dharma Down, Gracenote, Techy Romantics, Taken By Cars, Kala, Autotelic, Join The Club, Cygnet, Maude, Hidden Nikki, Yolanda Moon plus Rico Blanco who performed the World Without Strangers song during the festivities. They also have given recognition to 12 people from different walks of life who gave value to the "World Without Strangers" declaration that Giordano stands firm with all these years.

World Without Strangers is also composed by Rico Blanco. It was something that he had fun making because the concept was easy since it relates to Giordano's vision of a borderless world. It's something that a person like Rico Blanco would believe in. They also have announced the winners of the Giordano Statement Tee Design contest. The winners shirts will be released somewhere in the last week of July. The track will also be available on iTunes so everyone can download it there.

One of my favorite bands URBANDUB was there. Gabby was awesome! (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

Yael Yuzon brought down the house with his brand of music. (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

Armi Millare, of world class Up Dharma Down was just heavenly! (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

Pretty rock chic Eunice of Gracenote. The photographer had a crush on her haha! (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

He gets points for bringing the crowd up on their feet, here's Kean Cipriano of Callalily. This dude is tops, he even recognized me during the Deezer launch. (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

Aaron Ricafrente does what he's absolutely good at. (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

Forgot the name of this band, sorry but of course they were really good too! (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

Sick! Rock personified with Franco Reyes on vocals. This is FRANCO. (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

Tattoos + darn good vocalist = Freakin rockstar from Cebu. (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

Yael Yuzon going borderless and staying free during the World Without Strangers Festivities. See how crazy he is? He almost crowdsurfed! (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

The mission is clear and they have absolutely given the Philippines something that the world is in need of. A World Without Strangers. This event just put a stamp on that!

Fun moment when Kean Cipriano wiped Eunice's face while performing. Epic! (Photography by Mikz Marcelo)

I'd like to thank Giordano for inviting us and to Concert Photographer par excellance Mikz Marcelo for covering for me. Muchas gracias mi hombre! You are awesome!

For more information about their stores:

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