Skeptics continue to ask why Rivermaya decided to stay on even without singer-songwriter Rico Blanco.
Drummer Mark Escueta became the focus of attention because he’s the only original member of the pool that launched iconic group’s successful debut album in 1993.
Riverymaya has just released its first full-length album after Blanco’s departure called "Buhay", including the singles "Sugal Ng Kapalaran" and "Maskara." The band’s newest member is Jayson Fernandez.
But Escueta remains undaunted by the criticisms and remains positive of the band’s hold on to their fans. "Every band who goes through changes will receive different reactions from people. I knew it wasn’t gonna be easy for us and some would always think na mahihirapan kami every time may umaalis."
He stressed his point: "Pero nandito ako sa banda at meron akong choice kung ano ang gusto kong gawin, tutuloy ko ba o hindi. Personally this (Rivermaya) has been my life for almost fifteen years and I just decided I want to stay and keep the band going."
The new Rivermaya performed last Friday at Metrowalk, Ortigas in what was called as the "Energizer Longest Lasting Extreme Invasion." Featuring extreme sports like bungee trampoline, wall climbing, stunts, and raffles, the event kicked off a ‘rocking’ series that would fly to Market, Market, Taguig on June 1 with Urbandub, and to Riverbanks, Marikina on June 15 with last year’s IKON competition winner Kjwan. Rising rock act Enemies of Saturn played front act for Rivermaya and will continue doing it for the other featured bands in the next dates.
"I’m blessed for so many years and I’m grateful for this chance to still make music," said Escueta who is technically not part of the original first five that was founded before the recording of the first album.
In an earlier interview with the Manila Bulletin, Escueta shared an interesting anecdote between him and Rico. Believing that his ex-bandmate no longer was fulfilled with Rivermaya and that he wanted to do something else, he quoted Rico as saying, "Kailan ba matatapos ‘to? Siguro ‘pag isa sa atin ang mamatay."
"I never imagined he would ever say something like that about our band," he said. "In the end it seemed like it was prison to him while the rest of us were having the time of our lives. We were touring Asia and expanding our fan base. Then he left."
