Why the name Rivermaya?

Rico Blanco suggested the named from hundreds of possible choices. During that time he was also a fan of a band called Rizal Underground, establishing a nationalistic fervor on music.

Rivermaya’s Sounds?

Pinoy Pop Rock

Band History

Rivermaya was formed during the band revolutions years of 1990s. Rico Blanco auditioned to play rhythm guitars and keyboardist while Nathan Azarcon presents his bass guitar skills to the management.

The two primarily became the first members of the band. The initial line-up was then with guitarist Kenneth Ilagan and drummer Rome Velayo, with Blanco doing vocals. Jessie Gonzales was recruited to handle the role of lead vocals while Velayo was replaced by youngster, Mark Escueta. The group in constant member changes then was replaced with Francisco “Bamboo” Mañalac as the lead vocals and Perfecto de Castro on lead guitars.

The five members (Blanco, Mañalac, Azarcon, Escueta, and de Castro) formed the original Rivermaya. Read more….

Band Members

Original Members:

• Jessie Gonzales - Lead Vocals
• Kenneth Ilagan- Lead Guitars
• Rico Blanco - Keyboards, Guitars & Vocals
• Nathan Azarcon - Bass
• Rome Velayo - Drums

Current Members

Lineup as of May 2007

• Mark Escueta - Drums
• Mike Elgar - Guitar, Vocals
• Japs Sergio - Bass, Vocals
• Jayson Fernandez - Lead Vocals

Check out complete history of band members.

Albums/Discography

• Rivermaya (1994)
• Trip (1996)
• Atomic Bomb (1997)
• Remixed (1998)
• It’s Not Easy Being Green (1999)
• Free (2000)
• Alab ng Puso Limited Edition Mega Single (2001)
• Tuloy ang Ligaya (2001)
• Live and Acoustic (2002)
• Between the Stars and Waves (2003)
• Liwanag sa Dilim Special Edition Between the Stars and Waves (2004)
• You’ll Be Safe Here EP (2005)
• Makaaasa Ka (2005)
• Posible (2005 Southeast Asian Games Theme Song) (2005)
• Rivermaya: Greatest Hits 2006 (2005)
• Rivermaya Asian Compilation CD (2006)
• Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo (2006)

Other Infos

• After weeks of rumours and talks, it has been confirmed that chief songwriter and frontman, Rico Blanco had left the band on May 2007
• Before Rico, Francisco ‘Bamboo’ Manalac left the band and later formed a band of his own called simply ‘Bamboo’
• Bamboo and Blanco strengthen their duets on songs while performing and audience started to notice Blanco and his song creations.
• Rivermaya drummer Mark Escueta is also sponsored by Gretsch Drums. [3]

• The hit, 214, has gained massive mystery to what the meaning means. Different meanings were suggested such as 1) 214 – February 14, 2) 214 – Am I Real (first lyrics of the song), and 3) 214 – “to won for”. Blanco stated during their Radio Romance performance that he would reveal the meaning 10 years after, instead a song called 241 was released.
• “Himala” is the first video made by Rivermaya.
• More Trivia at Wikipedia

External Links


Rivermaya at wikipedia
Rivermaya’s official website