Rico Blanco on starring in his first rom-com film Project Baby: ‘Hindi ako makapaniwala’

Posted by ReyFort Media

Last seen on the big screen as part of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival action thriller entry Manila’s Finest where he played the role of a police man, Rico Blanco admitted he did not expect his next project to be that of a totally different genre from what he usually plays. This year, Rico makes his debut as a leading man in director Eric Quizon’s latest romantic comedy, Project Baby, opposite actress Sue Ramirez. 

“First ko ito, ever (na rom-com). Hindi ko alam kung magiging last. Sana hindi. Minsan nga nagkaka-impostor syndrome ako. Hindi ako makapaniwala. Totoo ba ‘yan? Kinakabahan ako dito eh. Mas kabado pa ako dito kaysa pag merong major concert or malaking music event. Kasi po, as you all know, bihira kong gawin ito and I feel na minsan kung totoo bang nangyayari eh,” he admitted.

After hearing he was cast through the personal suggestion of Regal Entertainment’s head honchos Roselle and Keith Monteverde, Rico admitted that he never expected to be given this kind of opportunity at 53 years old.

“You know, at this point in my life, ngayon pa ako magkakaroon ng lead role and Regal movie. It’s like, parang ginaganun (sampal) ko ‘yung sarili ko. I can’t believe all of this is happening. It’s unbelievable to me. I’ve done so many things in my career that I’m so grateful for. Nalagpas-lagpasan ko na maraming dreams ko eh. Ito po, I’ll be honest, hindi ko po ito dream at all. Tapos nangyari. So I’m just filled with so much gratitude,” he said. 

Although he is more popularly known in the country as a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer, Rico was quick to remind the members of the press present during the May 16 media conference that he has actually been acting for a decade and a half already in showbiz, starting with his role in the Angel Locsin-John Lloyd Cruz fantasy-horror-drama series Imortal where he played the main villain.

“I’ve been given very strong roles, pero hindi ‘yung ganito na parang leading man. I didn’t expect this. I had always been given parang actor’s roles, ‘yung characters na (nagawa ko na). ‘Yung medyo edgy. Sobrang thankful ako sa tiwala ni Direk Eric (Quizon) and Sir Keith (Monteverde) and everyone.“

Addressing the members of the press who noted that he looked a bit shy during the event, Rico clarified that it was not because he was afraid of answering questions from the showbiz media, but that he actually appreciated their presence and interest in him and how he wanted to represent his project well.

“Kabado ako kasi hindi ako ganun ka-familiar (dito). And I know that you are also wanting to do your jobs right the best way and I have such high respect sa inyo because the industry, actually, we work together para mag-stay afloat ‘yung industry. I know these are the best of times for the industry so I have such high respect. Kaya ako natatakot magkamali,” he revealed. 

Watch Project Baby under Regal Film and directed by Eric Quizon. Starring Sue Ramirez, Rico Blanco, Matt Lozano, Arra San Agustin, Yasser Marta, Alex Calleja, Kimson Tan, Christian Ty, Charuth, Drei Arias, Jonathan Perez, Jazzil Sarinas, and Alice Dixson. The film opens in cinemas nationwide starting June 10, Wednesday. (R.M. Santos/ Push Team)