The original line-up of Rivermaya, pictured above from left: Rico Blanco, Marc Escueta, Nathan Azarcon, and Bamboo Manalac (not in photo: Perfecto de Castro). Photo from www.reocities.com
Rico Blanco showed his anticipation for Rivermaya’s reunion concert with Bamboo Mañalac, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon, slated on February 17, 2024.
Blanco took to his Instagram Stories on Monday, November 6, to share a report on the homegrown rock band’s upcoming show at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Pasay City, although Perf de Castro will be absent.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@ricoblanco100
Reports of Rivermaya’s reuniting for a concert surfaced in October after a concert promoter uploaded a five-second ad that showed blurred images of four musicians that somehow mirrors the silhouette of members.
Their concert was eventually confirmed by the concert promoter on Monday.
Formed in 1994, Rivermaya is one of the most popular rock bands in the Philippines and is considered one of the local music groups who paved the way for alternative rock. The original lineup included Blanco, Mañalac, Escueta, Azarcon, and de Castro.
De Castro left the group in 1995 while Mañalac and Blanco left in 1998 and 2007, respectively.
But Rivermaya remains active until this day with Escueta and Azarcon at the helm. They are joined by Mike Elgar and Aiman Borres, although the latter usually joins the group only during tours.
Among the band’s biggest hits include “214,” “Hinahanap-hanap Kita,” “Elesi,” “Kisapmata,” “You’ll Be Safe Here,” “Himala,” “Ulan,” and “Balisong.”