- Rico Blanco has been compared to Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves
- Rico disagreed with this idea, believing that Filipino icons should not be Pinoy versions of other nationalities
- He denounced an entertainment website for its misleading headline
Rico Rene Granados Blanco popularly known as Rico Blanco has been compared to Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves, presumably due to their similar facial features.
However, this comparison made him unhappy as this was opposed to his ‘silent advocacy’ that Filipinos should not be Pinoy versions of global icons.
Recently, the multi-awarded artist denounced Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph), an entertainment website, for publishing an article with a misleading headline about him.
The article which was titled as “Rico Blanco, ayaw ma-label bilang Keanu Reeves ng Pilipinas” posted on July 7, upset Rico and he described it as a ‘stupid headline’ and mentioned that this will cause him trouble.
“Stupid headline will get me into trouble guys.my point was lets stop making filipinos local versions of global icons,” Rico wrote on Twitter.
stupid headline will get me into trouble guys. my point was lets stop making filipinos local versions of global icons. https://t.co/hhuBCjWLRA
— bestfriend korics (@ricoblanco) July 8, 2019
The singer-songwriter was interviewed by the entertainment website during his contract signing at Viva Music Publishing Inc.
He addressed being compared to an international actor and explained that his advocacy for local artists.
“I know people mean it as a compliment and I’m flattered about it, but I have a running silent advocacy na Filipinos should not be Pinoy versions of whoever.
“We should be Anne Curtis is Anne Curtis.
“Sarah G. is Sarah G. She’s not Adele of the Philippines. She’s not Lady Gaga of the Philippines.
“So, whenever someone says maybe Keanu Reeves is Rico Blanco, I don’t know…
“We’re two different people. How many gigs has he played? How many Hollywood blockbusters have I starred in?
“But I think people mean it lightly lang naman—long hair sila, pareho silang hindi nag-aahit.
“It’s nakakahiya, kasi guwapo yung Keanu Reeves.
“Pero yun lang sana, yung Pilipino, itigil nating isipin na versions tayo like kapag nagsuot ako ng suit, ginaya niya si ano…”Rico shared.
The musician who recently released “Nagbabalik,” his collaboration with IV Of Spades,was not pleased by the article and decided to ban the PEP.ph from his feature events.
and by the way @PEPalerts thats the last time youll ever be invited to a presscon of mine. i trusted you but you abused the trust like u always do w artists. next time learn to respect the artists you interview. understand they work hard and help put food on YOUR table.
— bestfriend korics (@ricoblanco) July 8, 2019
Rico was lauded and supported by netizens for his advocacy to uplift local artists and to stop colonial mentality. They also expressed their disapproval of the entertainment website’s misleading headline.
let the Pinoy icons be just PINOY icons.
don't entitle them as spin-offs of original foreign icons.
— jim hargreeves-addams ☂︎ (@jm_estrn) July 8, 2019
Rico Blanco is the Genius Rico Blanco of the Philippines just like Ely Buendia is the Genius Ely Buendia of the Philippines…
— Derek_Clumsy (@clumsy_derek) July 8, 2019
It's so hard for local artists to flourish if lagi na lang silang shadow of someone else
— IF YOU'RE NOT ANGRY THEN YOU'RE NOT LISTENING (@_kahel) July 8, 2019
Nice one, i agree with you that kind of mentality should stop already.. Can't be compared, each are unique and can't be the same..
— ):) คริสเตียน เจย์ 💚🏹9⃣ (@greenarcher_09) July 9, 2019
Misleading ang headline. Maraming tao ang tamad magbasa ng articles, at sa headline lang bumabase. It appears na gusto nyong gawan ng issue 'yung tao. Paki-ayos.
— Lors (@rldipasupil) July 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/aleckskyRPh8/status/1148163469742497792?s=19
Rico began his career as one of the founding members, and served as the chief songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist of the Filipino rock band Rivermaya from 1994 until 2007. He has been a solo artist since 2008. His songs have gained critical and commercial success, making him one of the greatest local music icons in the country.
