Reality show discoveries turn producers

Ronnie Liang must be one of the most controversial discoveries to emerge from reality competitions on local television. If I remember it right, it was said then that Ronnie was almost the runaway winner of the show Pinoy Pop Superstar when it was found out that he failed to comply with the rules of the contest. Of course, he was instantly kicked out.

To his credit, the young model and aspiring singer did not let that incident dampen his dreams of stardom. He joined another TV reality show and that time, he made sure he obeyed the rules. This was Pinoy Dream Academy where he came in as second runner-up to grand prize winner Yeng Constantino and first runner-up Jay-R-Siaboc. This soon led to his debut album and first hit song titled Ngiti.

Ronnie is now here with his second album titled May Minamahal for Viva Records. And take note, it is not only that crucial sophomore effort but also his first venture into music production. Ronnie had control of everything that went into the CD from choosing the songs down to the concept behind the sweet music video for the single release, a cover of Aiza Seguerra’s Akala Mo, that was composed by Moy Ortiz and Edith Gallardo.

I like it that Ronnie’s May Minamahal is made up entirely of covers of Filipino hits: Mangarap Ka by Wency Cornejo, Beginning Today by Agot Isidro, Kaputol Ng Isang Awit by Sharon Cuneta and the title track by Hajji Alejandro. I also like it that he was able to sing the songs in his soft, crooning style that is unlike but does not in any way clash with the original versions. Then because it was released just before the Christmas season, Ronnie has thoughtfully included his version of the old carol O Holy Night and the music minus one tracks of every cut in the album.

Ronnie is at present on a nationwide mall tour to promote May Minamahal. Those of you out there who want to see him perform Akala Mo and other songs live can still catch him at Harbour Point on Dec. 8; the Ayala Center in Cebu on Dec. 14; the Alabang Town Center on Dec. 16; and the Ayala Centrio in Cagayan de Oro on Dec. 22.

Speaking of TV reality show discoveries, Markki Stroem, the part-Filipino, part-Polish heartthrob of Pilipinas Got Talent some years ago, also has an album out. This is Thousands Of Pieces, that Markki produced and co-arranged. e also composed several originals like Kung Pwede Lang Ibalik, Steal Your Soul featuring Zia Quizon, Thousands Of Pieces, Illicit Activities, Fall From Grace, Iron Curtain, Exchanging Glances and Cradle.

Markki is a good songwriter and a hit or two should be expected from the CD. I am sure though that what will instantly capture the attention of even casual listeners is what he did with the dance hits Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen and Toxic by Britney Spears. Markki slowed down the songs for a jazzy feel and the results are very pleasing to the ears.

Incidentally, Markki is one of the stars of Repertory Philippines’ presentation of the Disney musical Camp Rock. This is currently playing at the OnStage Theater in Makati and will run until Dec. 16. Markki plays Joe Jonas. The show also stars Morisette Amon, Nacho Tambunting, Jef Flores, Cheska Ortega and others. Before Camp Rock, Markki was seen as Henry in the Atlantis production of the award-winning musical Next To Normal.

Back to Ronnie, his Akala Mo is at present one of the most requested videos in the latest Pinoy MYX Countdown. The Top 20 tabulation is as follows: Gayuma by Abra featuring Thyro & Jeriko Aguilar; Enough by Julie Ann San Jose; Pasasalamat by Callalily; Bakit Hindi by Gloc-9 featuring Billy Crawford; Ligaw by Moonstar88; Mahaba Pa Ang Gabi by Sponge Cola; Ikaw Lang by Kimpoy Feliciano; Paalam by Silent Sanctuary; Your Name by Young JV featuring Myrtle; Prinsesa by Daniel Padilla.

Set The Mood by Faintlight; Reverend’s Daughter by Typecast; Austine by Saydie; Tao Lang by Loonie featuring Quest; Turn It Well by Up Dharma Down; Dapat Tayo by the Opera Belles; Akala Mo by Ronnie Liang; Retribution by Even; Bagong Panimula by Join The Club; and To Forget You by Sitti.