Stephen Speaks to hold benefit gigs for wounded Marawi troops

Rockwell Ryan Ripperger of Stephen Speaks (center) holds a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, at the headquarters of the Philippine Army in Taguig. With him is Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson, Army spokesperson. (Photo by FRANCES MANGOSING / INQUIRER.net)

American singer-songwriter Rockwell Ryan Ripperger of Stephen Speaks is in the Philippines to lend his talent to do a benefit shows to help wounded soldiers from the five-month battle in Marawi.

Ripperger said he wanted to do something for a country that helped his music career. A portion of the proceeds from his shows will go to the wounded soldiers.

“It’s all over the news,” he said in a press conference held Wednesday at the Philippine Army headquarters in Taguig. “When I was a kid, the Philippines helped me launch my music career and was so supportive of me, and we wanted to do something, a benefit. It’s the least I could do to help out – give a little back to a country that has given me so much. I’m honored to be a part of it, to help out.”

Stephen Speaks is known for hits like “Passenger Seat” and “Out of My League.”

‘Alive to Fight’

If there’s any song that he would dedicate to the wounded troops, Ripperger said it would be one from his upcoming album, titled “Alive to Fight.”

“It’s about struggle and getting through,” he said. “The album’s not out yet. I also wanna make a video with footage of Marawi efforts.”

Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson, Army spokesperson, said there were still 96 wounded soldiers confined at the Army General Hospital in Taguig City and the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City.

“Definitely, it will boost their morale and it will relaly help them recover fast so they could go back to their unit and serve our country,” Tiongson said.

Ripperger also congratulated the Filipino soldiers for liberating Marawi City after five months of gunbattle.

“Thank you guys for fighting. Thank you for sacrifices,” he said. “When ‘Alive to Fight’ comes out I hope that inspires you, I hope it resonates with what you’re doing tp keep the country free. I’ve seen the footage and the news. It’s been a struggle. You emerged victorious… I hope my music can bring you some comfort, courage and some joy.”

Catch Stephen Speaks’ shows at the following dates:

• Jan. 18: SM City Iloilo 4 p.m.
• Jan. 19: University of San Agustin Gymnasium in Iloilo
• Jan. 21: Meet with the local musicians 5 p.m. (Iloilo)
• Jan. 22: St. Paul University in Iloilo
• Feb. 10: Playback Music Festival (Manila)
• Feb. 14: Boracay
• Feb. 17: Fort Bonifacio

/atm