Why Ronnie is smiling

MANILA, Philippines - Ronnie Liang has many a reason to smile these days. The Ngiti singer’s new CD album May Minamahal is performing well in terms of sales. This week, based on Odyssey Music & Video’s nation- wide sales reports, May Minamahal has assumed the No. 3 spot on the OPM list and is No. 6 in the overall countdown, which covers both foreign and local releases. Its carrier single Akala Mo, on the other hand, is enjoying heavy airplay and climbing charts. The album is released under Viva Records, sister company of Viva Artists Agency, Ron- nie’s new management.

Other “pop-ballad” tracks in the album are May Minamahal, Mangarap Ka, Begin- ning Today, Kaputol Ng Isang Awit and song for the Yuletide season, O Holy Night.

“In this album, I was able to participate in the production — from the selection and arrangement of some songs. I was able to at least, have a say on what genre

songs. I was able to at least, have a say on what genre

or sound I want a song to have, whether acoustic or with band,” Ronnie told The STAR in an interview last week.

It’s a happy comeback for the 27-year-old singer this year. Ronnie last released a record in 2007 fresh from his runner-up finish on ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Dream Academy. That year, he scored the massive hit Ngiti, which has since spawned five versions (two by Ron- nie — in Kapampangan, an ode of sorts to Pampanga where he grew up, and in a duet with Frencheska Farr — plus a Bahasa Indonesia cover by Christian Bautista and another by recording scene newcomer and YouTube sensation Kim- poy Feliciano).

After that, Ronnie’s career slowed down or — at least in the perception of showbiz pundits — as he wasn’t getting that visible on TV. He even went through different managers then decided to do self-management. He, however, said he never felt disheartened over what was going on in his singing career.

Ronnie said, “Even though I wasn’t that visible on TV, I had continuous shows abroad and the reception of the crowd, the same pa rin. I believe exposure doesn’t depend on TV alone, there’s radio airplay, there’s online and social media — You- Tube, Twitter. Minsan talaga sa buhay ng tao, nasa taas, nasa baba...

“I think everybody goes through that — not just singers, but also artistas. The ad- vantage I think with that is that people look forward to what you have to offer (after lying low). Na-e-excite yung mga tao.” thinking the Fil-Chinese singer was Korean. (Trivia: Sometime back, he au- ditioned before Korean producers who were recruiting new talents to introduce in Korea. Apart from his talent, his looks could pass for a K-Pop artist, but he said it didn’t work out as “they wanted you to stay for two years there to train, then after that, they’ll launch you,” like in the case of Sandara Park.)

Nevertheless, Ronnie is just thankful that he still gets opportunities to entertain people. Opportunities, after all, come and go, and they even run out for some.

No wonder he gets sad when it’s pointed out to him that he and Yeng Constantino are the only ones who remain active in the industry from their Pinoy Dream Academy batch, which was then loaded with great promise and potential.

“It’s really a blessing from the Lord. I cannot say I did it on my own. By God’s grace, I am able to continue my career and (I’m grateful) that God gave me a new management that gave me a new album.”

With all that has happened, Ronnie said the year 2012 felt like “a new start, a new chance and a new hope.”

In 2013, he hopes that his album will hit the Gold Record status and that he’ll be able to pursue other artistic fields like acting.

“I really love my work. I’m determined (to continue it). This is my passion. I really enjoy entertaining people. It’s a gift. It makes me feel very fulfilled.”

During this interview, Ronnie was still on a high following his recent show at Market! Market! which was jam- packed and his albums were sold-out. He also shared an anecdote that there was a throng of K-Pop fans (both Pinoys and Koreans) who attended his concert