Ronnie Liang’s advocacy brings smiles to kids with cleft lip, palate

Ronnie Liang with a Project “Ngiti” beneficiary —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

After a fruitful 2023, Ronnie Liang made sure to pay it forward by helping put a smile on the faces of children born without that ability.

Through his Project “Ngiti” Foundation, the singer-actor tapped partners and held fundraising events in order to assist and provide free repair surgeries to around 20 children with cleft lip and palate.

“With the support of our partners, we can continue spreading smiles. We began last Christmas season, and we will continue next year. [Seeing the children’s] smiles is touching and inspiring,” Ronnie told reporters in an interview.

Founded in 2022, Project Ngiti is a nonprofit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Social Welfare and Development. In partnership with corporate entities and medical facilities like the Rizal Medical Center, the foundation ensures that beneficiaries get free checkups, laboratory tests, post-operative medication and transportation allowance.

“We have established partnerships with hospitals where consultations precede the surgical procedures,” said Ronnie, who recently sang and held a meet-and-greet session for Project Ngiti at Lucky Chinatown. There he announced that the foundation aims to serve 1,000 more children.

Lasting change

But the healing doesn’t and shouldn’t stop after surgery and treatment, Ronnie stressed. “It’s crucial to underscore that this isn’t a one-time event. We hope to effect lasting change in the lives of the children,” he said. “We want to cultivate an atmosphere of optimism and compassion. We believe that, by bringing a smile to children’s faces, we can help them conquer challenges.”

Ronnie is best-known for his 2007 ballad “Ngiti.” Little did he know that the single would take on a different meaning 15 years later. “I didn’t know that the song would change many people’s lives. It was just a song. Now, it’s a foundation that gives smiles to kids,” he said.

He couldn’t be more thankful that his show biz career has given him a platform to share his blessings. “What I have realized is that being an artist isn’t forever, but how you make others feel is,” he said. “My involvement in show biz has allowed me to connect with others.”

It doesn’t matter how much or how little you give, he stressed. For instance, seeing people on the streets get excited by his annual gift-giving projects this holiday season was priceless. “Malaki man o maliit, you try your best to show up and make others feel the spirit of the holidays,” he said.

‘Dream, work, fly’

As for his personal goals this 2024, Ronnie, a licensed private pilot, is about to make the next step by securing a commercial license.

“Soon, I will become a commercial pilot. What I know for sure is that my inner child will be happy. It has always been a dream. And I remember telling my dad that I wanted to be one,” recalled the singer, who’s also working on his doctorate degree in development administration at the Philippine Christian Academy. “Consistent and hard work is important. Dream, work, fly. And if you get tired, take a rest but don’t give up,” he added.

As a recording artist and singer, a “big concert” is top of his wish list. “I hope to share the stage with Sarah Geronimo again. Or perhaps a reunion with my batchmates in “Pinoy Dream Academy,” he said.