Rivermaya reunites sans Bamboo in Perf de Castro's 19east gig!

In perhaps the first time in more than two decades the original (or should I say the very first incarnation) Rivermaya has regrouped on stage (sans Bamboo) and I was not present. Being a so called Rivermaya aficionado, I'm pretty darn disappointed that I missed this once in a lifetime event. Had to healed up my stubborn Plantar Wart. So pretty much the next logical thing to do is just catch the whole reunion gig on YouTube. So this Rivermaya reunion gig was masterminded by Perf de Castro, who ironically is the last man to be expected to call up the others to make a reunion gig possible. Perf, if you know the story, left Rivermaya after they released their debut album. Perf is here in the country to do a series of shows as he recently released a new single thru CD Baby. According to Perf, when he called his ex-bandmates, all were game and ready to join him on stage. Rico Blanco (who originally played keyboards before being forced to play lead guitars to replace Perf) went back to his keyboardist role, Nathan Azarcon donned his ax as the original bassist of the band, and Mark Escueta (who continues to play with Rivermaya as a guitarist along with some new members) went back to his drumming chores. Unfortunately, the original "voice" of Rivermaya, Bamboo Manalac was absent. Bamboo is said to be out of the country, thus missing this one night engagement.

The band played five songs, namely 214, Awit ng Kabataan, Ulan, Himala, and Kisapmata. In 214, Rico Blanco took up the vocal chores as he valiantly stood his ground amidst comparisons to Bamboo's original work. Rico is no stranger to singing this song live (as he normally includes this in his setlist during his gigs) but this is the first time you'll hear him sing it with the original arrangements played by the very same musicians that recorded the song for their debut album. The song has been acknowledged as the national anthem of Rivermaya fans, and it always automatically drives the audience to sing along to its chorus. They were also (as expected) titillated to hear Perf do his guitar solo for the song. In Awit ng Kabataan, Nathan Azarcon seemed to have lost a chord or two as he stuttered in his opening bass riffs (as well as throughout the entire duration) of the song. It was said that Nathan seemed to be the most nervous among the four as he now rarely plays old Rivermaya stuffs since he split up with Bamboo. So he had to relearn some chords on the spot. This time, Perf de Castro did the vocal chores and the audience as well as the band themselves had a kick listening to Perf's scintillating guitar solos in the song. In Ulan, the band exhorted the crowd to do the singing as Perf announced that none of them could remember the lyrics of the song (though I doubt it), to which the crowd gamely sang with the band. Hearing Rico's keyboard solo together with Perf's rhythmic guitars is so sweet to the ears. I mean I've never heard both of that together in the various Rivermaya gigs i've attended since Perf left. Nathan even managed to lead the band to twist the song to some reggae araangement.

Curiously, the songs Himala and Kisapmata were singles from their second album which no longer featured Perf on lead guitars. In Himala, Rico again took over the vocal duties and would work the song on the keyboards (a specialty he has been doing for years) with Perf on guitars. Perf had to improvise some chord lines to complement Rico's keyboards. Not to mention that he had to announce to everyone that it was actually Mark's birthday on that day. Kisapmata meanwhile was a free for all jam as the band members kind of let free a sampling of their smorgasbord of talents. But through the entire set, Mark Escueta proved to be the one that held the band together, the glue guy who made sure that the band still sound as Rivermaya as they could be, despite years and years of not playing together.

I had a silly smile on my face while watching the videos on YouTube. I'm sure the crowd was electric in the event proper. I mean, no 90s kid who loves OPM music would not rejoice at the thought that these guys actually played together after more than 20 years. For sure we all have those silly smiles on our faces while listening/watching them strut their stuff. Like taking us into some time machine to relieve those wistful years of the past. The feeling is great (even if I'm reduced to watching videos on YouTube). Now I don't know if this night is a portent of the things to come, but if another night like this never happens again, consider yourself lucky for those who actually witnessed the reunion of Rivermaya (again sans Bamboo) live in person. And if ever there would be another magical night where we could see these guys together on stage again and this time with Bamboo in tow, I certainly will never dare to miss it again. Even if I'll have to deal with another stubborn Plantar Wart again!  

P.S. The video above is one of many that you could find in YouTube, try searching Rivermaya Reunion 19east and you'll see a number of videos uploaded. I also could not post photos of the Reunion gig in this entry as I have yet to ask permission to those who have photos of the event. But I will try to update this entry with Photos once I get a chance to ask permission. Really sucks to miss out an event like this.

Perfecto De Castro reunites Rivermaya sans Bamboo?

Oh my God! Is this really happening? According to Perfecto De Castro (original Rivermaya lead guitarist from their debut album), former Rivermaya members Rico Blanco, Nathan Azarcon, and Mark Escueta (still with Rivermaya) will be joining him for a one night engagement, setting the stage for a Mini-Rivermaya reunion. Too bad though that Bamboo Manalac (original lead vocalist) couldn't join them. See his Facebook post below:

Perf has just released a new single through CD Baby, and what a way to launch the single here in the Philippines by dragging along his ex-bandmates. To the uninitiated, check out the album notes below:

Album Notes

Perf De Castro is the quintessential guitarist’s guitarist. Well-versed in a multitude of musical styles, his affinity with the instrument is evident in everything he does; from unleashing an emotion-laden solo with an overdriven electric guitar, to navigating complex musical counterpoint on his 10-string classical guitar.

Perf, as he is known to Filipino music fans, is best recognized as the original guitarist for 90s Pinoy Rock supergroup Rivermaya. Since his departure from the band he has added numerous credits to his wide and varied list of accomplishments; producing platinum-selling albums by Wolfgang and Marc Velasco, lending his guitar wizardry to Philippine Music Icons Mike Hanopol and Francis M, and garnering awards such as NU 107’s Guitar of the Year as well as from Philippine Music organizations Awit and Katha.

"Guardant" heralds Perf's return to electric guitar shreddom. Its driving and relentless groove provides a burly vehicle for the anthemic meloy and continuously modulating solos. This song is anime-sounding, conjuring up images of hordes of Guardants riding into battle.

I will be downloading a copy of the song soon and will give my thoughts about the song. Do support Perf De Castro as this landmark release would definitely help reintroduce him to the Philippine music scene after a long absence (since he is now based in the U.S.).

Rico Blanco's Dating Gawi: Album Review

So I finally was able to purchase a copy of Rico Blanco's brand new album, Dating Gawi. I was pretty much surprised with Rico's direction for this new album to the point that I kind of got alienated with this new/old sound. It is actually ironic for me to feel such because I have always been drawn to Rivermaya because of Rico's penchant for creating easy sounding Pop-Rock melodies. Maybe I was far too removed from the sound of Rico Blanco's Rivermaya days (and has accepted the fate of it) that I would never expect Rico to go back to those types of song. Dating Gawi is Rico's back to the basics attempt at creating an album with a band. "With" being the operative word, because this is the first time in years (not heard since his Rivermaya days) that Rico wrote and completed a whole album with the same set of band members from start to finish. And what band members did he get for this album with no less than one half of the legendary Pinoy Rock Band Eraserheads joining him. Former Eraserheads band members Raymund Marasigan (drums) and Buddy Zabala (bass guitars) joins Hale guitarist Roll Martinez (guitars) to complete Rico's new crew. Each of them have already recorded and performed with Rico at different points in Rico's past two albums, so familiarity with them isn't new. And Rico with a band could sound fresh and also a case of deja vu for those of his fans who either have moved on or could not move on with the Rivermaya Blanco.

Rico Blanco and his "New" bandmates. (Photo from Philstar,com)

The chosen carrier single for Dating Gawi is the song called "Videoke Queen", a bombastic sounding ditty that probably is taken out of the pages of Marasigan's sound book. Rico has stated in interviews that before recording the songs, he brought along stick and bones versions of the songs for the whole band to pick on or pitch in their ideas. The guitars in this song prances all over from high to low, and crashes all over the place when the chorus comes. The song leaves you a slight case of last song syndrome if exposed too much to it. The opening track "Parang Wala Na" harkens back to Rivermaya sounds like "Elesi", "Umaaraw, Umuulan", and others like it. My personal favorite in the album, "Sorry Naman", meanwhile evokes the earlier sounding Sugarfree songs of Ebe Dancel when he was still hanging around with Rico Blanco more often. Another favorite here is the song "Wag Mong Aminin" which is a pseudo ballad sounding song that gives us another Rico Blanco masterpiece that aims to tug our heartstrings. The rest of the songs are your standard Rico Blanco songs that really does give you a sense of deja vu if you are familiar with his body of work while he was still with Rivermaya. I listened to the whole album in a loop for countless of hours and honestly at first it gave me a straight line experience. I guess I just missed (in a good way) the innovative, experimental, weird, and big on surprise sound that has been spoiling us since Rico left Rivermaya. Erasing that kind of Rico Blanco songs in my system is hard to flush out in the same way when I had a hard time flushing out those Rivermaya songs of Blanco when he started going solo.





To conclude, Dating Gawi is a beautiful album for all his fans to appreciate on. It won't matter at which part of Rico's musical journey you have come into, this album will appeal to all of you nevertheless. My only gripe is that Rico has left me hanging with only eight tracks in this album.  

Rico Blanco is back with his Dating Gawi

Rico Blanco is back with a new album, and what an opportune time to go back to his roots. The album,  aptly titled "Dating Gawi" brings back Rico to the type of songs that made his works with his old band from Rivermaya very popular. After going solo and did most of his works experimenting on his musicality (to the extent of coming up with an alter ego Fiesto Bandido in his last album), it came as a surprise to me that Rico has decided to take us back in time. I guess the experimentation could only take you as long as you could take it. Preview the new album below to check it out yourself.

 I'll be waiting for this to hit the stores and get it along with Bamboo's album. Rico and Bamboo with a new album! What a great time to be a fan of these ex-Rivermaya heavyweights!

Some New Songs from Rico Blanco

So I've been checking out the net lately for some new Rico Blanco tunes and I was surprised that I missed out a couple of songs released by Rico thru Spotify, Deezer, and iTunes. And with rumors of a new album coming out soon, I've decided to compile some recent singles that Rico wrote for the year. The latest which is a collaboration with Chito Miranda and Parokya ni Edgar. If one could remember, Rico and Chito recorded a mash up song of Rivermaya's Panahon na Naman and Parokya ni Edgar's Harana last year much to every OPM fans' delight. The duo is back this time to breath life into a new song called "Sing". Check out the video below:

Sing - Parokya ni Edgar Feat. Rico Blanco

I also stumbled upon a Kundiman type of song written by Rico Blanco way back in 2013 that sounds so classic Pinoy love song. Kundiman by the way is a Filipino Love Song Genre that permeated the radio waves back in 50s to 70s if I'm not mistaken. The song sent a chill to my spine as it transports me to the past during the time when Filipinos still wore their Barong Tagalog (for men) and Baro't Saya (for women). Hear it yourself here:

Ang Tangi Kong Pangarap - Rico Blanco

  
There are also other songs one can find in Rico Blanco's iTunes store or hear them for free at Spotify. A notable track that you won't be hearing (or seeing) in YouTube but can only be heard in full thru Spotify is the song All the Seconds in our Hours. A very danceable Rico Blanco tune unlike any other. I think this song is a remnant of Rico Blanco's Your Universe Asian Release album that might have not made the cut. The song could pretty much be grouped together with the songs "Neon Lights" and "China in Me" albeit more on the danceable side than the aforementioned songs.

Now let me leave you behind a sneak peek of Rico's new single for the New Album...

More on Videoke Queen soon :)

Rico Blanco reworks his Rivermaya hit Liwanag Sa Dilim

Rico Blanco seems to like making cameo appearances in horror themed movies/tv shows. Last seen in ABS CBN's Imortal T.V. Series and Star Cinema's Segunda Mano movie, Rico is at it again with a new horror/action movie with a title borrowed from Rico's old hit song from Rivermaya, Liwanag Sa Dilim. Rico also used this occasion to breath new life to the song by giving us a new rendition of the song post Rivermaya Rico Blanco style. The new rendition pretty much adheres to the type of songs Rico has been making lately.
The full version of the song can be heard through Deezer. 

JB Music and Sports names Rivermaya and Rico Blanco as part of the 40 Most Influential Names in the Philippine Music Scene

Rivermaya performs on stage

JB Music and Sports, the country's leading specialty store when it comes to musical instruments and accessories just held their 40th year anniversary last Dec. 1, 2014, at Valkyrie, the Palace, Uptown BGC. During their anniversary celebration, they honored 40 of the most influential names in the Philippine Music Scene. From great rock institutions like Saguijo and Tracks, eternal classics such as The Dawn, The Eraserheads and Juan Dela Cruz to the fresh talent that have kept the scene alive such as Up Dharma Down and Urbandub and more. Among those named were Rivermaya and most probably Rico Blanco too (a full list is yet to be released as of this writing). I will be waiting for the complete list and post it here as soon as it becomes available. 

For the meantime, check out some photos of Rivermaya and Rico Blanco below.
(All Photos Taken from JB Music and Sports Facebook Page)

Rivermaya accepts their award

Raymund Marasigan and Rico Blanco

Rico Blanco's partnership with Giordano goes full swing

 

As a teenager, one of the most highly popular clothing brand that I used to wear was the Giordano Classic. It was simple, yet fashionable to be seen with the Classic logo on the shirt's left chest. Currently, Rico Blanco is now a part of Giordano's efforts to relaunch the brand. Signed as Giordano's brand ambassador to their World Without Strangers campaign, Rico's transition from a Rockstar to become a multimedia icon has never felt an upswing. Giordano has also recently released The World Without Strangers music video as sand and written by Rico Blanco. Check it out below.

Rico Blanco and Bamboo, both open for a Rivermaya reunion gig?

I was surfing through the net for some Rivermaya news when I came across two articles which states that the possibility of a Rivermaya reunion would no longer be far fetched. Well honestly it got me excited at first. And then I had mixed feelings. Rivermaya as they are now and the respective careers of the once Rivermaya band members are currently still rocking it out in the OPM music industry. Though I guess in their own ways, they never achieved the kind of success that they reached as a collective group, but still the fact that they are still making great music with different musical directions to explore means that they are here to stay, with or without the support of the "Old Rivermaya" fans. In recent years, Rico Blanco and Bamboo Manalac had always consistently said no to the thought of a Rivermaya Reunion....... until now. Albeit with differing views.

On Bamboo's willingness to reunite with his former Rivermaya Bandmates, this is what he had to say as per entertainment portal PEP:

"How about a reunion album? Now we do something different, na gumawa kayo ng new material tapos gawin yung concert, because we all have evolved, we have changed in time, you know what I mean? Because I've been singing that for the past how many years? We have evolved and changed. So, sa akin, get us in the studio, that's gonna excite me more. Pushing forward."

He further intimated that doing a live reunion show singing the past hits just for the sake of earning big bucks does not motivate him.

Rico Blanco for his part took the question with a different approach. As reported on the entertainment news portal PUSH, Blanco had this to say:

“I think, it has always been a question for us eh, where as at the start of my solo music career I always said no because I wanted to focus on new work, gusto ko umandar, gumawa ng bago but now I am a little more relaxed, a little more open to the idea of Rivermaya. I don’t think it will affect my career as a solo artist because my fans have been so kind enough to embrace my new music and every time I come up of something they always appreciate it so yung fear ko na hindi maappreciate yun, I have gotten over that so yeah, I am open to a Rivermaya reunion.”

Blanco also further added that over time his views on the subject matter changed, because he now accepts  that there's just a certain segment of Rivermaya fans who are in for the nostalgia above all else: 

“It’s just the fact na I think I realized it’s a different market. People asking for a reunion is a different market and it’s not going to affect my audience, my core audience nowadays who wanted new music for me. I think having a reunion concert with Rivermaya has always been a step backwards parang I am moving forward and it’s a step backward, no. Nowadays I realized it’s just a different market who want to be nostalgic. I guess we can give them a night or two to relive the glory days but that should not stop me to enjoy doing what I am doing which is creating new music and giving fans what they like, new material and I have shows, I play my old songs but its really the new songs they want.”
 

Uhm, I don’t think it’s gonna happen. I mean in the sense na there’s still Rivermaya. “They still have an album, they’re still touring, still doing their thing, ‘di ba? So, it’s just weird to say a reunion na buo pa sila, right? "Ako, I said, it doesn’t excite me in that sense to do a reunion show." Pero okay sa kanya ang isang ideya: "How about a reunion album?" “Now we do something different na gumawa kayo ng new material 'tapos gawin yung concert, because we all have evolved, we have changed in time, you know what I mean? “It doesn’t excite me na we’re gonna sing 'Ulan' again na kami lang, you know what I mean? “Because I’ve been singing that for the past how many years? We have evolved and changed. So, sa akin, get us in the studio, that’s gonna excite me more. Pushing forward!” Mas gusto ba niya ng mga bagong kanta? “No, I mean, that would be my idea, that would be exciting. But just to do a reunion show, for me, it’s just making a buck and it doesn’t motivate me,” dagdag pa niya.

Read more at: http://www.pep.ph/news/43479/bamboo-nixes-possibility-of-rivermaya-reunion-show-suggests-how-about-a-reunion-album/1/1#focus
Follow Us: @PEPalerts on Twitter and Instagram | PEP.ph on Facebook

Two very contrasting views indeed. Bamboo's take is akin to what the Eraserheads did recently for Esquire Magazine, where they recorded a two track album that came as a free item in an Esquire Magazine that featured the Eraserheads as the cover story. That story featured an in-depth account of the Eraserheads reunion show at London. Blanco's take on the other hand is more of engaging the nostalgic side of things just to give the die hard Rivermaya (original line up that is) fans a trip down memory lane.

Rico, Nathan, Mark, and Bamboo

Being a long time supporter of Rivermaya and all its members, my stand on that matter is that yes why not a Reunion concert? But let's tweak it a bit. Instead of all the original members doing a 15 to 20 song set list, why not bring in all the current bands (Rico Blanco as a solo act, Bamboo as a solo act, Nathan Azarcon's Hijo, and Mark Escueta's Rivermaya, as well as Perf de Castro) that the original band members are playing for nowadays and make them actually be a part of the show. We can start of with the original members doing a 5 song opening number, then one by one let the current bands that they are in play a song or two respectively, and then for the finale, reunite all of the original members for a swan song. By doing this, at least they would be accomplishing the task of introducing their new sound to the old Rivermaya die hards. I'll be the first in line if a show such as that would finally be produced for Rivermaya. Bamboo's new material suggestion is also nice, and who wouldn't want that? How about the show's tickets would also come with a digital download of that new track that Bamboo is proposing. We'll be getting the best of both worlds if that happens.

But at this point I think it's going to be a tall order because it would be unfair for Mark, Norby, Mike, and Ryan (the current incarnation of Rivermaya) to shoulder the weight of the popularity of that one night show. I'm all for a reunion concert/project. But maybe now is not yet the right time.

What is more important for me however is reading this statement (with regards to if his past band mates had learned of his change of views about the reunion concert) from Rico Blanco:

“I don’t know and everything’s good. I am open with the boys and it’s a matter of someone… you know producers have been approaching me for years na about a reunion concert but no one has really been serious, you know. May black and white, may details.”

One of these days a Reunion concert will happen. But that is in the future to look forward too. What's important is let us support what Rivermaya and its past band members are doing now. For Rico, Bamboo, Nathan, Perf, and Mark.

“Because I’ve been singing that for the past how many years? We have evolved and changed. So, sa akin, get us in the studio, that’s gonna excite me more. Pushing forward!”

Read more at: http://www.pep.ph/news/43479/bamboo-nixes-possibility-of-rivermaya-reunion-show-suggests-how-about-a-reunion-album/1/1#focus
Follow Us: @PEPalerts on Twitter and Instagram | PEP.ph on Facebook

Uhm, I don’t think it’s gonna happen. I mean in the sense na there’s still Rivermaya. “They still have an album, they’re still touring, still doing their thing, ‘di ba? So, it’s just weird to say a reunion na buo pa sila, right? "Ako, I said, it doesn’t excite me in that sense to do a reunion show." Pero okay sa kanya ang isang ideya: "How about a reunion album?" “Now we do something different na gumawa kayo ng new material 'tapos gawin yung concert, because we all have evolved, we have changed in time, you know what I mean? “It doesn’t excite me na we’re gonna sing 'Ulan' again na kami lang, you know what I mean? “Because I’ve been singing that for the past how many years? We have evolved and changed. So, sa akin, get us in the studio, that’s gonna excite me more. Pushing forward!” Mas gusto ba niya ng mga bagong kanta? “No, I mean, that would be my idea, that would be exciting. But just to do a reunion show, for me, it’s just making a buck and it doesn’t motivate me,” dagdag pa niya.

Read more at: http://www.pep.ph/news/43479/bamboo-nixes-possibility-of-rivermaya-reunion-show-suggests-how-about-a-reunion-album/1/1#focus
Follow Us: @PEPalerts on Twitter and Instagram | PEP.ph on Face

Rico Blanco releases a new song, Time for You

Whatever happened to Fiesto Bandido? Rico Blanco's alter ego for his Galactik Fiestamatik album is missing in action as the real Rico Blanco reappears in this music video called Time For You brought to you by Valda Pastilles. Recently signed by Valda Pastilles as their new brand ambassador, Blanco dishes out a new song the literally soothes your soul. The song is signature Blanco, from the rhythm, lyrics, down to the vocals. This is his best song to date. And tears did stream from my face as I tried to digest the song. Give it a go by playing the video

Rico Blanco launches new single thru Spotify

Rico Blanco launches a new single thru Spotify. Titled World Without Strangers, the song is a refreshing track when compared to the more experimental sound of Blanco's last album (Galactik Fiestamatik). I only had a one go thru of the song because I'm currently trying to learn how to use Spotify. I personally like the song very much because it is oozing with Blanco's signature sound. Not much experiments but plain and simple trademark Rico Blanco. My further research would reveal that this song was actually commissioned by clothing brand Giordano for their World Without Strangers campaign.

To hear the song, you have to download Spotify. Click on the link below and get your Spotify app now.

https://play.spotify.com/album/4nJk4G7Glv3tueJC2ptk75?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open

Rico Blanco TV

Can't get enough of Rico Blanco? In between promoting his latest album Galactik Fiestamatik and other various "sidelines", he has launched his own website for the so called "Ricolokoys". Get the lowdown and updates from Rico Blanco himself by visiting:


 http://ricoblanco.tv/


Meanwhile, let me share to you here the best finds that I could find in the said website.

Gloc 9 x Rico Blanco – MAGDA (Acoustic Version)- Rico joins forces with Gloc 9 for a sweet rendition of Magda in acoustic form.

 

Ito Ang Ating Sandali – Rico Blanco- Rico is joined by Hijo lead guitarist Ira Cruz for ABS-CBN's sports channel station theme.

 

Chito Miranda x Rico Blanco – Panahon Na Naman ng Harana - Rico and Chito does a mashup of Panahon na Naman and Harana with both vocalists switching vocal chores for two of the most memorable songs in the band explosion era from Rivermaya and Parokya ni Edgar

Welcome to Rivermaya Kahapon at Ngayon

   (A Photo of Rico and Me, circa 2004, discussing some music stuffs)

First, I would like to make a disclaimer about what this blog is all about. I would like to state that this blog is in no way encouraging or spearheading any Rivermaya reunion concert. I actually like the current situation of the band and its former members as it is (and I would like to note that I’m a huge Rico Blanco fan). I’ve been a big fan of the band since their first album. I know that during that time, the majority were bigger fans of the Eraserheads than Rivermaya. I have my reasons why I chose to become a bigger fan of the latter than the former. It cannot be denied that The Eraserheads rose to popularity because of their song’s Filipino flavors. With majority of their songs easily relatable to Pinoys, it’s no wonder that they became our country’s biggest rock band during the 90’s band explosion era. I was at that time indifferent to Pinoy bands. That is until I discovered the music of Rivermaya. I have love the song 214 so much every time I heard it on the radio. But I couldn’t come to grasp the artist/band responsible for coming up with that hit song. It was one of those routine Sunday road trip with my cousin that I finally discovered the artist/band responsible for coming up with the song 214. And I was surprised when I found out that this song was written and sang by Filipinos. Rivermaya began to change my perception of OPM music. And to this day, I’ve changed to become a staunch supporter of OPM music.

My Rivermaya CDs

This blog will be all about where the current and former Rivermaya members are now. Of course we all know that Rivermaya as a band is still existing behind the leadership of Mark Escueta (The loyal Drummer extraordinaire) and Mike Elgar (The 2nd lead guitarist). We also know that Rico Blanco (The Hit Maker) has gone solo and has released two solo albums so far. Bamboo Manalac (The Voice) has also followed Rico’s path as a solo artist after being a part of Bamboo the Band (along with former Rivermaya bassist Nathan Azarcon), one of the pioneers in the 2000’s band re-explosion period. Nathan Azarcon (The Attitude) meanwhile has picked up the pieces of Bamboo the Band and transformed it into a new band called Hijo. While I’m not too updated with what Perf de Castro (the original lead guitarist) is up to now, Japs Sergio (The 2nd bassist) is making good music as a solo indie artist and with his new band Peso Movement. I will try to have updates on their current careers in music making as much as I can (and hopefully get to have in touch with them from time to time).  There will also be blog entries that would feature retro album reviews along with my thoughts on the album.

In ending, my goal for this blog is not only to serve as a source of “updates in one roof” on the current careers of the Past and Present Rivermaya members. My goal for this blog is also to unify the fragmented fan base of Rivermaya. There is no point for the debates as to who is better. That is a pointless point of discussion. There is also no room for the clamor of a reunion concert. They may sound different but Rivermaya is not dead. Whether you are a Bamboo, Rico, Mark, or Nathan fan, we must never forget that whatever they may have reached so far in their career now, they were once a part of a band called Rivermaya. Hopefully we would come to realize that the sound of Rivermaya as a group continues to exist thru them in their individual endeavors.

As Rico Blanco himself sang “Ang Nakaraan Pasalamatan, Pero Ngayon ang Panahon.”

To all Rivermaya fans, magkita kita tayo dito.