MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American hitmaker Bruno Mars was among the expected major Grammy nominees announced Dec. 1.

Bruno, who has performed in Manila this year, told American media following the announcement that he actually expected to be in the circle of major categories along with Adele, Kanye West, Rihanna.

“Uh yeah. What do you think I’m doing this for, fun?” the “Grenade” singer told Rollingstone.com when asked if he anticipated the blessing. He is up for six Grammys like Adele and the Foo Fighters while Kanye West snatched seven nods.

The said single (“Grenade”) from the album “Doo-Wops & Hooligans” is up for Record and Song of the Year while Bruno is nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance for the same song.

“It feels incredible. That’s the song we worked the hardest on. That’s our trophy right there,” he said.

When asked with whom he wanted to collaborate with if he performs again in the 54th edition of the Grammys in February, Bruno said, “Prince for sure. If he’s listening, my number is 1-800-Grenade.”

The singer-songwriter’s “Hooligans” CD is also up for Album Of The Year trophy alongside Adele’s “21,” Foo Fighters’ “Wasting Light,” Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and Rihanna’s “Loud.”

Also nominated for Record of the Year are: “Rolling In The Deep” (Adele), “Holocene” (Bon Iver), “The Cave” (Mumford & Sons) and “Firework” (Katy Perry) while other singles up for Song Of The Year are “All Of The Lights” (Kanye West), “The Cave,” “Holocene,” and “Rolling In The Deep.”

Meanwhile, Filipina Charice’s name has been reportedly considered for best new artist, according to the Pinay singer’s fan site. She failed to make the cut, though. Best New Artist nominees are: Band Perry, Bon Iver, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, Skrillex.

For the full list of nominees, log on to grammy.com. - www.mb.com.ph