At 25, giving up on showbiz is the farthest from Ronnie Liang's mind.
His big dreams—holding a solo concert in a big venue, starring in a lead role in a teleserye, and making it big in movies—have not come into fruition. So why give up?
Ronnie is a graduate of the first season ABS-CBN's reality show Pinoy Dream Academy, back in 2006. Since then, he has released a Gold album and two hit singles, and has starred in some soap operas and movies.
He had also been a mainstay of ABS-CBN's long-running Sunday variety show ASAP. That is, until his contract expired this year.
"My contract has expired in ASAP," Ronnie told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an interview yesterday afternoon, August 10, at Center Stage Resto Bar in Quezon City. "I don't know. We have to ask them. I don't want to speak in their behalf. Wala naman akong naramdaman."
He has appeared in ASAP's rival Party Pilipinas since then. But he's not turning Kapuso any time soon.
Ronnie recently signed a new contract with ALV Talent Circuit, which is headed by talent manager Arnold Vegafria. Ronnie said his previous manager George Roca decided to turn him over to Vegafria because Roca wanted to concentrate more on indie filmmaking.
"Kaka-sign ko lang ng contract," Ronnie replied after he was asked if he's moving to GMA-7. "We have plans. Pinag-usapan namin na we will work hard together para sa ikakabuti ng career ko."
So he's returning to ASAP XV?
"I think it's in the process now because I have a new manager. Wala pa kaming network and pinagpaplanuhan namin kung saang network ako pupunta," Ronnie answered.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. Ronnie shared that ALV plans to have his image "repackaged."
"We will explore all avenues para sa career ko. As they said, magkakaroon ako ng repackage, and at the same time, we will have a new album. Acting..." he said.
Would Ronnie, whose image is wholesome, go more daring?
"Maybe. Maybe not," Ronnie answered. "Depende sa ALV Management. I will follow their decision because I know their decision is for the common good. I'm 25 years old. So kung ano yung makakabuti sa akin, sila na."
But what does Ronnie want to accomplish with his career?
"Gusto kong magkaroon ng movie, serye, mag-concert sa bigger venues. Solo concert in a big venue, international concerts also. Magkaroon ng album, I think English naman. Kasi ito, Tagalog 'to," he said.
Ronnie was referring to his previous album, Ang Aking Awitin, under Universal Records, which had songs predominantly in Filipino. His new album under Universal records will also be in Filipino.
"Tagalog din. Parang forte ko raw yung Tagalog," he said.
He's also aiming for the lead part in a teleserye. But he's not picky.
"Kahit ano po yung ibigay sa akin, masaya na po ako. At least meron po akong trabaho," he said.
Asked about leading ladies, Ronnie mentioned Frencheska Farr as a good fit.
"Well, crush ko si Frencheska Farr. Nagkaroon kami ng duet, nung ginawang theme song ang "Ngiti" sa You to Me are Everything, yung movie nina Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes," he said.
"We're friends. No. I'm in relationship. Crush lang naman," Ronnie quickly followed up.
FALLBACK. Even with all these plans, Ronnie said he's not afraid of fading out of the limelight.
"You know ang showbiz kasi hindi naman yun permanent. When the rainy season comes, meron ka ring iba na pinaghuhugutan. At the same time, meron ka ring ibang pinagkakaabalahan kapag wala kang work sa showbiz," he said.
He said he can count on some business investments if ever this happens. He can also count on his education. Ronnie graduated with an Education degree from Holy Angels University in Pampanga.
"Nag-graduate naman ako ng Education, Major in General Science sa Holy Angels University. Meron ding business. Nag-invest ako sa isang particular business. Me and my family. Coffee business, one year na," he said.