Rico Blanco’s unexpected leading man era begins with ‘Project Baby’

At 53, the OPM icon steps into his first rom-com lead role opposite Sue Ramirez, and admits he’s still shaking off impostor syndrome.

For decades, Rico Blanco has been a familiar face on Philippine stages.

He wrote the songs people fell in love to. Filled concert venues. Became one of OPM’s most respected musicians. Yet despite spending years in front of audiences, there was one spotlight that never seemed destined for him—the romantic leading man.

Until now.

At 53, Blanco is stepping into unfamiliar territory with “Project Baby,” his first-ever romantic comedy and, more surprisingly, his first leading man role opposite Sue Ramirez.

It’s the kind of career move nobody saw coming, not even him.

After appearing in films such as “Nasaan si Francis” in 2006, “Segunda Mano” in 2011, and last year’s “Manila’s Finest,” Blanco has often found himself on the sidelines of the story, playing supporting or character-driven roles. This time, however, he is finally at the center of the frame.

And according to the musician-turned-actor, he’s still trying to process it.

“I still get impostor syndrome,” Blanco admitted during the film’s media conference, revealing that promoting the movie makes him even more nervous than performing at major concerts.

For someone who has spent more than three decades commanding stages, that confession says a lot.

The role he never dreamed of

Most actors spend their careers chasing a leading role. Blanco never did. In fact, he openly admitted that becoming a romantic-comedy lead was never part of his bucket list.

“I’ve surpassed many of my dreams already,” he shared. “This wasn’t even one of them.”

Yet sometimes the most interesting chapters arrive uninvited. Instead of chasing the role, the role found him.

Directed by Eric Quizon and produced by Regal Entertainment, “Project Baby” places Blanco in a genre built on charm, chemistry, and emotional vulnerability—qualities audiences rarely get to see from the rock icon known for his cool, introspective persona.

For years, viewers saw Blanco as the musician, the songwriter, the occasional actor playing edgy or unconventional characters. 

Now, audiences are about to meet a different Rico–one who falls in love. One who becomes the heart of the story.

More than a love story 

While “Project Baby” carries the familiar ingredients of a romantic comedy, Blanco believes the film explores something deeper.

Beyond romance, the story tackles timing, parenthood, ambition, and the difficult balance between controlling life and allowing life to surprise you.

It’s a theme that resonates strongly with Blanco himself.

At 53, the actor-musician finds himself reflecting on the same questions many adults face: Is there a right timeline for happiness? Is it ever too late to start something new? What happens when life gives you something you never planned for?

Those questions mirror his own journey.

After all, “Project Baby” is not just a movie about unexpected love. In many ways, it is also a movie about an unexpected leading man.

A new rom-com pairing enters the chat

Set to premiere in Philippine cinemas today, June 10, “Project Baby” is a refreshing take on the charm of classic 2000s romantic comedies, reimagined for modern audiences. The film also stars Alice Dixson, Danita Paner, and Yasser Mata, among others.

For Blanco, the project marks a career first. 

For moviegoers, it may mark the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

After conquering the music scene, Blanco is now testing whether he can win hearts on the big screen—not as a musician making a cameo, not as a supporting player, but as the guy who gets the girl.

The question now is: do audiences see the chemistry?

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