Rivermaya’s Rico Blanco to go solo?

Making his first public appearance since Rivermaya's reported breakup, singer-songwriter Rico Blanco assumed a different role, which strongly sugested that he's now independent. Last June 1, Human officially unveiled Rico's apparel designs through a grand fashion show at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. More than the event itself, many were curious to see Rico after the news leaked out recently that he was leaving Rivermaya to pursue other endeavors, particularly a solo career. After the fashion show, Rico was swarmed by the press during the autograph session, prompting the talented frontman to retreat hastily backstage. Rico came back after a few minutes to proceed with the signing. TIGHT LIPPED Faced with no choice but to meet the reporters who patiently waited, Rico remained elusive in giving a straight answer on the band's uncertain future. "Nagpapasalamat ako sa Human sa suporta na binigay nila and natutuwa ako at successful ‘tong launching and fashion show," confusingly stated Rico when quizzed about the breakup. Asked if his foray into fashion designing indicated a respite from his music career, Rico once again answered vaguely. "I enjoy designing [as much] as I enjoy doing other things. I think if you're an artist you just don't stick to a certain kind of art form," he says, refusing once more to answer the question directly. BACK-UP PLANS Amidst all the silence and confusion, PEP gathered confirmation of Rivermaya's demise, through a new reliable source. Our source, who once served as one of the band's roadies and remained close with everyone inside Rivermaya's camp, discloses two scenarios being considered by Rico. "He might go solo full blast," confides our source through a text message. "He'll be a solo act with a backup band to complement him...pretty much like a Kitchie Nadal setup." Rico's other option, as revealed by our source, makes us wonder if there's indeed any animosity between Rico and his former bandmates. "Plan number two is to form a new band altogether," ends our source. - Philippine Entertainment Portal