Ronnie Liang: “Live in the moment. Be grateful for what you have”
Singer-actor Ronnie Liang is immensely grateful for his 12 fruitful, exciting years in showbiz. He knows there are sacrifices that come with fame. One of them is you don’t get to live a normal life – missing spending quality time with your family and loved ones. According to him, fame not only can change the artists, it can also change the people around them. Still, for Ronnie, he loves and appreciates every minute of it. “Of course, there are a lot of sacrifices to be made. I know how difficult it is… but more than anything, I feel so lucky. Because I’m sure every aspiring artist-actor out there would also love to do what I do. So every day, I’m reminded how amazing and rewarding it is that I get to do this for a living. This is my passion and my calling in life,” he proudly exclaimed.
MNL Online News sat down with the romantic and endearing singer to talk about success, the price of fame, some crazy fan encounters, the importance of family, how to live in the moment, “Yakap” and much more. Liang also shared the trick to surviving fame. “Just be you. Be kind and genuine. Just live the life that you have because that’s what it is. Always be grateful for what you have.”
First of all, how has the reaction to your latest album #RonnieLiang12 been? You must be over the moon by the reception!
Yes, I am overwhelmed! Been getting a lot of positive feedback from a lot of people. Na-appreciate nila ‘yung delivery or rendition ko ng mga kanta. They liked it and some of them, nagulat sila na may version pala ako ng “Tila,” “Sa’Yo Na Lang Ako,” “Yakap,” “Ligaya” and Pakisabi Na Lang”. [Smiles.] Nakakataba ng puss. Viva Records informed me na about 400,000 downloads and streams na raw siya sa Spotify. While my carrier single “Tila” already hit the Top 5 spot on PinasFm 95.5. The song is also fast becoming one of the most requested songs na rin. Life’s really good! [Smiles.]
What does the new album’s title really mean to you?
It’s aptly called Ronnie Liang 12 to celebrate my 12 years in the industry. Through God’s grace, I am still here – alive and kicking. I get to continue performing, doing concerts and acting na rin. 12 years of hard work, discipline, dedication, with lots of patience and passion for what I do – these are the reasons why I believe kaya umabot tayo ng 12 years. [Smiles.]
In a few words, please describe each song in the new album. How they resonated and connected with you.
“Tila”: Aside sa siya ang carrier single ng album ko #RonnieLiang12 ito ‘yung kanta na ‘pang move forward na whatever we are going through there’s a good thing that will come of it. Ito rin ‘yung kanta na the best way to express your love to anyone is by spending time and by listening to him/her.
“Connection is why we’re here. It’s a privilege to connect with people through music”
“Ligaya”: It’s a wonderful song. The song talks about persistence and perseverance. ‘Pag may gusto kang makamit ‘pagtitiyagaan mo talaga ito. The song is originally sang by Eraserheads. It’s my second single from my fifth album #RonnieLiang12. We decided to give this song with a new flavor, a new twist. It’s an upbeat song but a little slower than the original. And I must say, it’s very danceable. [Smiles.]
For the music video, I did a lot of rehearsals and workshops since dancing is not my forte. [Laughs.] Although I really want to offer something new to my fans and supporters, hence why. And seeing how they enjoyed the new video, I couldn’t be prouder. I really love it. Thanks to everyone who has watched it, and I hope new fans and viewers will like my new music video as well.
“Yakap”: To be honest, while I was recording this song, I was thinking of my mom. She died last February 2017, and if only I could turn back time I want to hug her one more time. This song tells us that nothing is permanent in this world. That’s why if we have the opportunity – express more, love more, enjoy the moment. Make sure to live life without regrets and not to take it for granted.
“Sa’yo Na Lang Ako”: I resonate with this song because I’m generally a shy person. I realized that if I don’t do anything, nothing will happen. This song will remind everyone that no matter how true or big your feelings to someone, nothing will happen if you don’t act on it. Be sure to take risk and just do it. This is what I’ve learned from my mom. That’s why I dedicated this album to her… her legacy, her teachings.
“Pakisabi Na Lang”: This song talks about unconditional and selfless love. That you love the person even he or he doesn’t love you.
Is there a song you’re most proud of at this point?
Proud ako sa lahat ng songs sa album ko. Pinaghirapan naming lahat ‘to. From the time na nagpaalam kami sa iba’t ibang publishing companies, sa mga iba’t ibang mga composers hanggang sa musical arrangements, recordings and mixing talagang inayos namin. Sa feels, sa tunog, sa lahat. Hindi p’wedeng okay na ‘yan or maganda na ‘yan but dapat okay na okay at magandang-maganda talaga. Ayaw ko kasing mag-offer ng album or mga kanta sa public na hindi maganda at mababa ang quality. [Smiles.]
“Find a job that you really love and you will not work for the rest of your life”
You are celebrating your 12 fruitful and challenging years in the biz, which is pretty incredible. What does that mean to you?
You know ang daming mga bagong artista. Every day mas bata, mas maraming bagong style when they sing, and ang dami ring gustong mag-artista. Pero I am still here, at the same time, hindi ako nagiging complacent. I make it a point to study and reinvent myself. I study new songs. I read books on how to further improve myself. I attend dance workshops and continue doing acting workshops as well. I also tried acting sa theater, sa TV and sa big screen – and I believe that’s amazing. Whenever I push myself to the limit, I always find satisfaction. I feel happy and satisfied because kaya ko pala itong gawin. Of course, I am thankful kay God because I am still here. I am also grateful sa Viva family ko especially to boss Vic, ma’am Veronique, boss Vincent for all their continued love and support.
How has your definition of success changed over the past 12 years?
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Mahal at gustong-gusto ko rin kasi ang trabaho ko. I believe hindi ako tatagal sa showbiz if hindi ko talaga siya mahal. Sabi nga ni Confucius, “Find a job that you really love and you will not work for the rest of your life.” [Smiles.]
Akala lang kasi ng ibang mga tao na madali lang ang pag a-artista, or ang buhay dito sa showbiz. What they don’t know, not everything is so perfect. There’s a price to pay (to fame)… na we also sacrifice a lot of things. Behind the camera, naghihirap din kami. We put a lot of extra effort. We practice a lot. We also don’t get enough sleep. We don’t stop trying to improve – be it in singing, acting or dancing.
In my case, inuuna ko talaga ang trabaho ko… ang mga tao, my audience so I can entertain and make them happy. There were times before na hindi ko napapasyalan man lang ang mom ko because I’ve been busy with work… sa phone lang kami nag u-usap tapos sobrang limited time lang din… ’til the time came na hindi ako nakapag-spend masyado ng time sa kanya. Then my sister suddenly called me that my mom was in a serious situation in the ICU. Pinilit ko talaga umuwi sa Pampanga that time. She was in a coma and that same day, she passed away. Sepsis, multiple organ failure and pneumonia were the causes of her death. That was the turning point, which made me realize na, “we are all very busy taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves too.” Life is too short talaga and it’s extremely important that everyone should really enjoy each and every moment of life. Make sure also to spend time with your family and loved ones. Don’t forget loving yourself, too. [Smiles.]
“My music will tell you more about me than I ever will”
Is there a level that you feel that if you get to, then you’ll be satisfied?
Until now am still wishing and dreaming to achieve or get a bigger project, like a major concert in a bigger venue like the Araneta Coliseum(plus concert tours). I also aspire to do a lead role in a teleserye in one of our mainstream networks and even land a lead role sa big screen. I trust God’s perfect timing. I am grateful kay God sa mga projects na dumarating and binibigay n’ya sa akin. You know, kami talagang mga artista umaasa talaga kami sa blessings ni God… we really don’t know kung may new show or project in the coming days, weeks or months. So sobrang saya lang talaga every time may tatawag na lang sa amin na may new taping at may new shows/projects ako. Very humbling. [Smiles.]
What have you learned about yourself lately? Has it been a discovery or a rediscovery process at all?
Well I’ve come to love my family more after my mom passed away. I’ve learned how to value and spend quality time with my family. Grief, suffering and the pain of loss will only make us stronger and more capable of loving selflessly.
What do you hope people take away from your music and from your shows and performances?
Whenever I sing or perform, I always want to tell a story. I believe that’s my job… to tell stories, to touch people’s lives through my music – so they can relate to it, be inspired, and most of all, to heal them.
Have you ever goggled yourself? What did you find out?
Yes. [Laughs.] A lot of articles about me… videos of my performances. Lots of memes and photogrids of me with other Korean actors and singers. [Smiles.]
You must have some crazy fan encounters. Any ‘cute/crazy’ stories?
There was this time na I performed in Tuguegarao when a girl jumped on me and start licking me in the face. [Laughs.]
Share us five new random facts about you that your fans might be interested to discover about you.
1. I am a health and wellness enthusiast.
2. I am a milk tea addict with lots of pearls.
3. I love to hoard things.
4. I always check mall sales schedules.
5. Horror movies scare me alot but I still love watching them. So if you hear someone scream very loud in a movie house, most likely that’d be me. [Laughs.]
Do you still get stage fright? What has been your funniest experience on stage?
Yes. I get more scared when I don’t get nervous when performing. Everytime natatanggal ang swelas ng sapatos ko while performing, I find it funny.[Laughs.]
Who else do you listen to these days?
Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes and Calum Scott.
Your fans want to know, what do you sing in the shower?
[Laughs.] Yes. I do sing in the shower. Mostly mga Christian songs.
With a busy and stressful lifestyle – how do you stay in shape?
I make time to exercise. Proper diet. I eat healthy juice, different mix of vegetables and fruits.
What places or activities make you feel the most grounded in who you are today?
Mountain trekking. [Smiles.]
What thrilling, extraordinary experiences do you value most in life?
Whenever I meet struggles and challenges in life. These experiences make me a stronger and better person.
Right here, right now – what are you proudest of?
That I was able to build a house for my family through my hard work and perseverance. That I am still active in showbiz after 12 years… forever grateful to be able to touch people’s lives with my music. [Smiles.]
“I’m thankful to my family, friends and fans for all of their support. They are more important than wealth.”
