Rico Blanco: the romance rumours that sparked fan curiosity
Rico Blanco has long been one of the most influential figures in OPM, known for his music and charisma. Beyond his career, the Filipino singer has been linked to some famous female stars. Rico dated actress and singer Maris Racal, while speculations of romancing BINI's Maloi also captured the attention of fans and media alike.
Source: Instagram
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Who is Rico Blanco?
- How old is Rico Blanco?
- Education
- The romance rumours that sparked fan curiosity
- Who is Rico Blanco's wife?
- Who is the girlfriend of Rico Blanco?
- Who is Rico Blanco’s daughter
- Rico's acting career
- Rico Blanco's music career
- Why did Rico Blanco leave Rivermaya?
- What is Rico Blanco's net worth?
- What is Rico Blanco's height?
- Trivia
Key takeaways
- Rico Blanco's most well-known and recent relationship was with actress and singer-songwriter Maris Racal.
- They dated for five years before Racal officially announced their breakup on July 12, 2024.
- He was also linked to BINI's Maloi, but the actress dismissed the claims.
- Blanco was also frequently linked to KC Concepcion in the late 2000s, but they maintained they were just close friends.
Full name | Rico Rene Granados Blanco |
Gender | Male |
Date of birth | 17 March 1973 |
Age | 53 years (as of 2026) |
Zodiac sign | Pisces |
Place of birth | Ermita, Manila, Philippines |
Current residence | Philippines |
Nationality | Filipino |
Ethnicity | Asian |
Gender orientation | Straight |
Height | 5'8" feet (173 cm) |
Weight | 154 lbs (70 kg) |
Hair colour | Black |
Eye colour | Dark brown |
Mother | Purita Granados Blanco |
Father | Rene Aldeguer Blanco |
Siblings | 3 |
Relationship status | Dating |
Partner | Maris Racal |
School | O. B. Montessori Centre and Benedictine Abbey |
University | Ateneo de Manila University |
Profession | Filipino singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist |
Net worth | $5 million |
Social media |
Who is Rico Blanco?
Rico Blanco is a celebrated Filipino singer-songwriter, musician, producer, and actor, best known as a founding member and former frontman of the iconic 1990s rock band Rivermaya. A versatile artist with a career spanning four decades, he launched a successful solo career in 2008 and founded Balcony Entertainment.
How old is Rico Blanco?
The singer was born on March 17, 1973, so he is 52 years old as of 2026. He was born in Ermita, Manila, Philippines and is widely known as a former member of the band Rivermaya before becoming a successful solo artist.
Source: Original
Education
The artist graduated from grade school at O.B. Montessori Centre and high school at San Beda College Alabang (formerly Benedictine Abbey School). He later graduated as an A-grade student from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1992. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Management Economics.
The romance rumours that sparked fan curiosity
Rico Blanco has long been a respected figure in OPM, first gaining fame as a member of Rivermaya before building a successful solo career. Over the years, his personal life has also drawn public attention, particularly his relationship with Maris Racal. He was also linked to BINI’s Maloi and KC Concepcion.
Rico Blanco and Maloi
Fans started speculating about their relationship in January 2025 after the two were spotted together in La Union. However, Maloi, whose full name is Mary Loi Yves Ricalde, denied the allegations. Rico and Maloi appeared to be holding hands in some of their trending videos and photos.
In an interview with GMA Network, when asked about their rumoured relationship, Maloi said.
There are really people who will keep making up fake news about you, and I feel like it just shows that you are relevant. You just go on with your life, just do what you do, just do what you love.
Rico Blanco and Maris Racal
Their romance became a major talking point among fans, especially because of their age gap and shared passion for music. The curiosity surrounding Rico Blanco’s relationships only intensified as interviews and social media moments revealed glimpses of their story.
In interviews, Maris Racal shared how the connection first began through music and admiration. She once revealed,
“Super crush ko talaga siya,”
Explaining that she had been a fan of Rico long before they worked together. Later, when discussing their breakup after several years together, she reflected on the relationship by saying,
“Rico and I, our universe was so beautiful, full of love, laughter, music.”
Marias is an actress, vlogger, and singer. They confirmed their relationship in May 2021 but later broke up in July 2024, with the actress stating it was a difficult but mutual decision.
Rico and KC Concepcion
The two frequent appeared in public together and doing musical collaborations. which fueled their dating rumors. However, neither ever officially confirmed they were in a romantic relationship.
Who is Rico Blanco's wife?
The musician is not married and has never been married.
Who is the girlfriend of Rico Blanco?
Rico Blanco was in a long-term relationship with Maris Racal from 2019 to 2024, but they broke up. He is reportedly single as of early 2026.
Who is Rico Blanco’s daughter
The singer does not have a daughter. He was rumoured to be the father of Miel Pangilinan. However, this claim is not true. Miel clarified that her parents are Sharon Cuneta and Kiko Pangilinan, and that Rico is not related to her.
Rico's acting career
Rico began acting in 2006 when he appeared in the comedy film Nasaan si Francis? as Sonny. He went on to star in other TV series such as May Isang Pangarap and Imortal.
Below is a table of his acting credits according to his IMDb profile.
Year | TV series/Films | Role |
2022 | The Goodbye Girl | Ciao |
2016 | Camp Sawi | Aaron |
2015 | Liwanag sa dilim | SPO2 Norberto |
2013 | May isang pangarap | Joseph 'Otep' Santos |
2011 | Segunda mano | Owen |
2010–2011 | Imortal | Lucas Teodoro |
2006 | Nasaan si Francis? | Sonny |
Rico Blanco's music career
Working with Rivermaya, Blanco and his band quickly became one of the most well-known producers of alternative rock music during the early and mid-2000s.
Hit songs by the band, such as If, Elesi, Kisapmata, Himala, and Ulan, are still widely heard on local radio even ten years after their release. The band's success was directly attributed to Blanco's brilliant, uncanny ability to write and produce songs that became big hits.
At the MYX Music Awards in 2019, the band won the MYX Magna Award in recognition of their exemplary and long-standing contributions to the local music industry. The award was given by MYX, the Philippines' most prominent music channel and a subnetwork of ABS-CBN.
As a solo artist, Rico made his debut with the album Your Universe in August 2008. The album was a hit among fans, most notably the songs Yugto and Your Universe. With Warner Music Philippines, he released his second album in 2012, featuring the songs "Amats," "Lipat Bahay," and many more. His third album, Dating Gawi, was released on 27 November 2015.
Rico also collaborated with several other hit musicians to deliver more hit singles. He was featured on one of the songs in the album Liham at Lihim (2013) by Filipino award-winning rap music artist Gloc-9.
Rico Blanco's songs
Rico Blanco's Antukin song is one of his popular singles released in 2008. Some of his other songs include:
Year | Song |
2021 | Pinoy Tayo |
2020 | This Too Shall Pass |
2019 | Abot Langit |
2016 | Bye Bye Na |
2015 | Wag Mong Aminin |
2015 | Sorry Naman |
2012 | Adik Sa'yo |
2012 | Amats |
2012 | Lipat Bahay |
2008 | Your Universe |
2008 | Bangon |
2008 | Yugto |
2008 | Ayuz |
2007 | Olats |
2006 | Isang Bandila |
2005 | Liwanag Sa Dilim |
2005 | You'll Be Safe Here |
2003 | Balisong |
2002 | Alab Ng Puso |
2001 | Umaaraw, Umuulan |
1997 | Hinahanap-hanap Kita |
1997 | If |
1997 | Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo |
1997 | Elesi |
1996 | Himala |
1996 | Panahon Na Naman |
1996 | Kisapmata |
1994 | Awit Ng Kabataan |
1994 | Ulan |
Why did Rico Blanco leave Rivermaya?
On 19 June 2007, one of the band's former managers,s Lizza Nakpil, announced Rico's resignation from Rivermaya through a letter to press members. Rico never made a direct statement confirming his official reason for leaving, but it was widely presumed that he left the band to start his solo career.
What is Rico Blanco's net worth?
The singer is alleged to have a net worth of $5 million. He has made his net worth majorly from his career as a singer and actor.
What is Rico Blanco's height?
The multi-instrumentalist is 5 feet 8 inches (173 centimetres) tall and weighs 154 pounds (70 kilograms). He has black hair and dark brown eyes.
Trivia
- He was a key member of Rivermaya, serving as a songwriter, keyboardist, and, later, lead vocalist.
- Rico Blanco wrote many of Rivermaya’s biggest hits, including 214, Elesi, and Hinahanap‑hanap Kita.
- He left Rivermaya in 2007 to pursue a solo music career.
- His debut solo album, Your Universe (2008), became a major success in OPM.
- Rico Blanco studied Management Economics at Ateneo de Manila University but did not complete his degree.
- He later became the first Filipino endorser for the international brand H&M in the Philippines.
- Rico Blanco has also worked as a record producer and mentor to younger Filipino artists.
The ongoing romance rumours about Rico Blanco show how public fascination with an artist extends beyond their music. Rico Blanco’s personal life, whether confirmed or speculative, adds an extra layer of connection between him and his audience. Ultimately, his music continues to speak for him, even as fans speculate about his romantic world.
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