Long before Korean promoters pursued young Filipino artists, OPM icon Ronnie Liang passed an audition for a K-pop group held in Manila several years ago.

Ronnie, who popularized the song "Ngiti," said the Korean promoters held the audition in Manila between 2008 and 2010. However, he did not pursue it.

"That time, kasagsagan ng 'Ngiti,' gusto nila ako dalhin sa Korea. Kaso three years yung training. Three years walang uwian yun. At that time promo namin ng 'Ngiti.' Kakalabas lang ng album ko noon. May contract commitment din ako sa ibang variety shows," said Ronnie during a media conference in Quezon City recently.

"Nag-send sila ng invitation na may audition for a Korean group. There's this trend of getting artists from different Asian countries. They will combine them and launch as a K-pop group.

"Kung tumuloy ako, baka iba na ang itsura ko. Pag pumunta ako doon, meron kaming training for Korean culture, diet, and practice Korean songs," Ronnie said.

Ronnie's friends in Manila advised him not to go to Korea because it was uncertain if he could become famous there.

"That time sabi ng advisers ko, suntok sa buwan din ang mangyayari kasi marami kami doon. Dito solo artist na ako at may hit song na ako. Hindi ko raw kasi alam kung ano ang mangyayari sa akin doon. Pagdating ko doon, back to zero na uli ako," he said.

Ronnie would always remember his K-pop audition whenever groups filled venues in the Philippines.

"Pag nakikita ko ang mga K-pop na pumupuno ng Philippine Arena (naaalala ko yun), pero all things work together for good. (Pag tinuloy ko yun) baka hindi ako naging reservist. Hindi rin ako nakapag-piloto. Wala tayo ngayon dito sa Coffee Project," he said.

Ronnie said the Koreans did not say which group would be launched, "but it's a group of Asian artists."

"Hindi naman nila inaamin kung ano ang nationality ng artists. BamBam is a Thai but based in Korea. Tumawad pa nga ako noon eh. Sabi ko kung puwedeng umuwi after six months. Sabi nila, 'No,' " he added.

Ronnie said he was flattered that Thai rapper BamBam, based in South Korea, knew his song "Ngiti."

"Pinuntahan ko si BamBam sa show niya sa Araneta Coliseum kaso hindi kami nag meet. But I'm flattered that foreigners sing and use my song. Kahit ako kumakanta rin ng Korean songs. Nakakatuwa na kinakanta rin ng mga Koreans ang kanta natin," he said.

Ronnie added: "See how powerful music is. Nagkakaisa tayo dahil sa music by sending good vibes. Kapag may kumakanta ng song ko, naalala ko yung nag audition ako ng mga 300 times. Good thing hindi ako nag give up. I was determined to pursue my dreams. Lifetime n'yo na maririnig ang 'Ngiti' sa ayaw at sa gusto ninyo."

Ronnie's new song

Ronnie announced the release of his self-produced song “Para Lang Sa’yo,” a "hugot" anthem distributed by Universal Records.

Liang expressed joy over being the first male artist to officially release the hit song, initially sung by Ice Seguerra in 2007.

“I feel so blessed dahil ipinagkatiwala sa akin ang song na ito. As an artist, I gave the song my own interpretation. It’s a great OPM song that celebrates love. I believe it's every artist's goal - to inspire others to love or amplify the love they already have,” Liang heartfully said.

“I guess there will be that person who will come into your life to bring hope and open your heart to love again. I hope to be that kind of person. I am looking forward to inspiring more people through my music, which is my first love," he added.

Speaking of love, Liang also recently expressed his love for the country and fellow Filipinos. He said yes to an invitation to perform at the 50th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Province of Basilan last March 4, followed by a series of school visits (Basilan State College and Claret College of Isabela) highlighting the importance of education and nationalism. 

At the same time, he was adopted as an honorary member of the special forces, and he received recognition for his contribution to the army from the 4th Special Forces Battalion led by Ltc. Adolfian Garceron INF (GSC) PA.

Liang used the words humbling and life-changing to describe his Basilan experience. “When I received a call from the Philippine Army that I would be sent to Basilan for a mission, I felt excited. I am so happy to have visited Basilan, and I have seen the big improvements when it comes to Peace and Development in the area. Seeing our soldiers' sacrifices is indescribable. They truly are living heroes."

He added, “Our soldiers have sacrificed their lives in the name of service and duty for many years. Thank you to all the men and women in uniform who always fulfill their sworn oath to serve and answer the call of duty in the name of peace and liberty for our family and our children's future.”

As he performs his responsibilities as a military reservist, Liang also dedicates his time to helping children with cleft lip and cleft palate through a personal project he mounted, his foundation, Project Ngiti.

The foundation, with the help of its partners, has conducted a series of medical operations to restore smiles to children's faces. Liang's project has touched and transformed around 1,000 children's lives. In 2022, with its mission to provide free surgery, transportation, and maintenance medicine for children with cleft lip or palate, Project Ngiti Foundation was formed.

“While you have the capacity to help, the smallest act of kindness can impact other people's lives. Seeing their faces and their parents’ faces touched me. Of course, many of you probably know that this foundation is inspired by my hit song “Ngiti.” Many kids with cleft lips and palate are in line to get assistance. Their smiles inspire me," Liang ended.