Rico turns ‘gold’

MANILA, Philippines – BBC World News anchor Rico Hizon was in town recently to mark a milestone as he celebrated his 50th birthday, albeit belatedly. Rico’s actual birthday is March 24. However, the date this year fell on Holy Thursday, so instead of celebrating it in Singapore, where he is based, Rico deemed it better to move the celebration to Manila, with his friends and loved ones.

The weekend party held at One Rockwell West Tower in Makati saw a friendly mix of Rico’s family and close friends from the media, entertainment and the arts. Yes, your BBC World News anchor is also an art lover, with an enviable collection of paintings and art works kept both in Manila and Singapore.

National Artist BenCab came with his wife Annie, while noted artist Soler Santos was also with his wife Mona. Other artists in party were Claude Tayag, Michael Cacnio, Riel Hilario, Jason Montinola, Luis Lorenzana, Christian Tamondong, Wilfredo Alicdan, Ferdie Montemayor, Rene Cuvos, Max Balatbat, Vincent Padilla, Welbart Slowhands, Abi Dionisio, Anthony Palomo, Michael Muñoz, Azor Pazcoguin and Nix Puno.

Singer-composer Jose Mari Chan, who came with his wife Mary Ann, obliged to the strong clamor of the guests for him to sing. Jose Mari was Rico’s fellow lector-commentator at Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Makati. The multi-awarded singer-composer did a duet of Please Be Careful With My Heart, with guest Cora Guidote.

Interestingly, Rico multi-tasked in his birthday party. He was not only the celebrator, he also gamely assumed the “roles” of being the host of the short program, game master and entertainer. Rico’s wife, Melannie Syquia, as well as his 11-year-old son, Migo, helped him entertain the guests.

With father-and-son team of Rico and Franco Aquino (RF and Son) on the keyboards and violin, respectively, Rico started the entertainment part by crooning Louie Ocampo’s Ikaw, originally recorded by Martin Nievera.

Maestro Louie was among the guests that night, with his wife Jojo. Rico met Louie through Concert King Martin Nievera. Rico did a musical project with Louie last year, BenCab’s Love and Passion, which took eight years to stage.

Louie graciously accompanied Rico when the latter rendered Ikaw. The composer was again requested to play the keyboards when Rico did a duet of Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin, with artist Anthony Palomo. They did another duet, Starry, Starry Night, Don McLean’s song about the work of Dutch impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh.

Rico also dished out Kenny Rankin’s ballad, What Matters Most, which he dedicated to his late mom, Leonor. His dad, Jose Hizon, was also in the party, as well as Rico’s in-laws, Roberto and Margarita Syquia.

Rico’s son Migo delighted the guests when he sang Shawn Mendes’ Stitches, complete with the rap part. The guests clapped and howled, while Migo’s parents cannot be any prouder.

For this visit, Rico was also the speaker in the 37th Commencement Exercises of University of the Philippines Visayas at the Iloilo Convention Center. Moreover, he was among People Asia’s Men Who Matter 2016 awardees, with the ceremonies held recently at New World Makati Hotel’s grand ballroom.