September 11, 2022 – OPM icon Rico Blanco rocked a vibrant and electrifying concert at the Araneta Coliseum. Presented by KDR Music House, the three-hour show featured his best hits which had the crowd dancing, singing and waving their phone lights like there’s no tomorrow.

Blasting off with “Antukin”and “Elesi”, the crowd’s energy was immediately over the roof, singing out loud, karaoke style. Rico Blanco, also visibly in high spirits jested, “Tumatanggap kami ng mga requests. Wag kayong magpaloko sa Araneta, ako pa rin ‘to. May pakpak lang ako ngayong gabi.” He raised his arms as if to form wings, his dark suit sparkling with bright red sequins, dark fringes hanging from its sleeves. It was his night and he made it worth everyone’s time.

In his near three-decade career as an award-winning singer, songwriter and producer, Rico Blanco has amassed an extensive musical range. He became an OPM rock icon in his days as the vocalist and frontman of Rivermaya in the ‘90s then continued to reinvent himself as a more experimental (insert: synth, folk and electro) solo musician in 2007. He has released three critically acclaimed albums since, namely Your Universe in 2008, Galactik Fiestamatik in 2012 and Dating Gawi in 2015. 

Rico Blanco’s extensive discography made for an interestingly fun setlist. One minute, you’d be waving your arms to somber pop-rock ballads like “Balisong”, “You’ll Be Safe Here” and “Panahon Na Naman”; the next, you’d be bobbing your head to the bubbly “Happy Feelin’” and “Pinoy Tayo”. 

The show was meticulously planned as seen in the top-notch production and sound quality. The stage was set up with huge LED screens that accentuated the vibe of each song. There were bonuses and surprises here and there: the moving violin solo leading up to “Wag Mong Aminin”, the dance troupe in “Happy Feelin’” plus the drumline and fire bursts in “Yugto”.

Guest appearances filled the breaks in between. Ebe Dancel performed “Bawat Daan”, “Huling Unang Sayaw” and “Burnout”, a song Rico produced. Indie singer/songwriter Peniel serenaded the crowd with “Moon’s Offer” and covers of “Same Ground” (originally by Kitchie Nadal) and “Sundo” (originally by Imago). Zild also made his entrance from the back of the crowd. He performed “Sinungaling, “Kyusi” and “Isang Anghel”. Maris Racal, Rico’s girlfriend, took the stage to perform a duet of “Abot Langit”.

If that wasn’t enough, here’s another bonus: The crowd that evening was also the first to hear his new song “Palibot-libot” which was due to be released at midnight. 

“I’ve been performing since I was months old. Before I could talk, I was singing. It’s been something I’ve been doing all my life, but this –  I didn’t dream of this. I wanted my songs to be played on the radio. That was it.” At the end of the concert, Rico thanked the crowd and dedicated “Your Universe” to them. 

In the two-year absence of live concerts, it felt like a breath of fresh air (even with masks on).. The whole show was highly entertaining. The live band, backed by a highly capable sound crew, made the music all more visceral.. Rico Blanco and his team obviously prepared a lot to make the concert as great as it was.  At the end of it, one can’t help but wonder why it didn’t happen earlier. If you missed out, you might be in luck. According to Director Arnold Sanchez, there are more projects set to happen soon. They might just bring the shows to other places.

By Sandra Mae Laureano

Rico Blanco Setlist – Araneta Coliseum – September 11, 2022

Antukin
Elesi
Umaaraw, Umuulan
214
Balisong
You’ll Be Safe Here

Happy Feelin’
Pinoy Tayo
Posible
Panahon na Naman
Nagbabalik (with Zild Benitez)

Yugto
Abot Langit (with Maris Racal)
Palibot libot
Bye Bye Na / Himala 

Kisapmata / Awit ng Kabataan

Liwanag sa Dilim / Hinahanap-hanap Kita
Your Universe