Rico Blanco: What ‘214’ means

Since it was released 30 years ago, people have been wondering what’s the meaning behind the numerical title of the song ‘214’.

The love ballad ‘214’ is one of the classic hits of the 90s alternative rock band Rivermaya.

Theories regarding the meaning of the numerical title have emerged throughout the years. The song is related to Valentine's Day, February 14 some are saying that ‘214’ translates to the song’s first line ‘Am I real’, and another one based the title on the alphabet which is spelled as ‘BAD.’

In his blog, Rico Blanco finally sheds light on the hit song’s title 25 years after its release.

The track had several working titles such as ‘The Proposal,’ ‘Forever By Your Side,’ and ‘The World Could Die,’ but Blanco revealed it was the band’s bassist Nathan Azarcon who coined the ‘214’ title.

“Si Nathan, pumasok [at sinabi] ‘Akin na nga, patingin nga ng lyrics.’ Nakasulat siya sa isang pad. Tapos lumabas siya ng studio sa amin, he was giggling, sabi niya ‘Andun na, may title na!’ Sabi ko, ‘Ano yun?’ Tiningnan ko, ‘Ano ‘to?!’ Meron siyang 2 tapos slash 14 (jokingly relating it to Valentine’s Day),” Blanco explained.

“Hindi rin siya seryoso pero tinitingnan ko, tapos nakita ko 2/14 sa title tapos yung first line ‘Am I real?’ Na-notice ko na two letters yung ‘am,’ one letter yung ‘i,’ four letters yung ‘real.’ Sabi ko, baka puwede, so yun na muna yung working title niya.” he added.

However, they weren’t able to change the title; thus, it was released as ‘214.’