Rivermaya’s ex-frontman presents a type of storytelling that’s both familiar and poetic, and his knack for words has led to cosmic success. Rico Blanco went solo in 2008 with Your Universe, a multi-flavoured rock galaxy where he plays with various elements (as in the funky “Ayuz” and piano-driven title track) while staying true to his clever lines and brooding vocals. The success of his debut led to more solo albums and collaborations with OPM giants like IV Of Spades, Gloc-9 and Parokya Ni Edgar. Blanco’s oeuvre proves that he’s a visionary and a champion of Filipino music.