Pinoy Dream Academy 2nd runner-up Ronnie Liang recalled having difficulties when he was just starting out in the business.

“Those were the days. Mahirap ang buhay noon especially for young newbies na nagsisimula pa lang at very limited ang budget,” he said. “Pero alam ko sa sarili ko na magbubunga rin ang lahat ng pagod.”

Ronnie looked back and remembered a time when he would run out of money for transportation.

“I remember nung nag-uumpisa pa lang ako at suki ng mga audition, 300-400 beses akong nag-audition, mayroong time na naubusan ako ng pamasahe,” he shared.

It came to a point when he had to go home by foot.

“Pinababa ako ng bus at umuwi nang naglalakad from Bulacan to Pampanga,” Ronnie remembered.

Now that he has gone past that stage, Ronnie has decided to help out his Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told co-stars by offering them a ride.

“I know the feeling na walang sariling sasakyan, lalo na kapag malayo ang location,” he explained. “Kaya nung tapos na ang shoot (or) eksena namin at uwian na, nag-offer ako sa kanila na sumabay na lang sa akin.”

Ronnie would willingly offer carpool services for free, ensuring that his fellow artists wouldn’t have a hard time getting home.

“I dropped them [off] sa bahay nila. ‘Yung iba naman, kung saan malapit sa bahay nila,” he shared.

Aside from the practicality of it, their car rides also became an opportunity for them to bond and get to know each other better.

“Fun times din for us para makapag-bond pa at makilala namin ang isa’t isa while I was driving,” Ronnie said. “They were very happy. Masaya kami. At na-enjoy namin ang biyahe.”

It’s not surprising that Ronnie has taken the initiative to extend a hand to his co-stars, especially since helping is something that has become second nature to him.

READ: Ronnie Liang joins relief operations for typhoon victims

As an active army reservist, Ronnie has been serving on the frontlines whenever disaster hits. No work is too small or too hard for him. He has been seen standing guard, transporting and repacking goods, among other services.

“Volunteering in case of calamities, like repacking relief goods for typhoon-stricken victims, is what a Reservist signed up for and what I love doing because it is fulfilling, nothing can match that feeling,” he once shared.

Ronnie finds pride and purpose in the work that he does as an army reservist, which makes his being part of the film Mamasapano extra special.

“I’m grateful na maging bahagi ng pelikula na ito,” said Ronnie.

While Ronnie has already said no to doing daring roles, he is open to exploring other possibilities in his career. Aside from being a singer, Ronnie is also a licensed pilot and has earned his Master’s degree in Management, Major in National Security and Administration from the Philippine Christian University.

READ: Ronnie Liang declines daring roles

Being part of Mamasapano is something close to Ronnie’s heart. Mamasapano is one of the entries in the 2022 Metro Manila Film Fest and tells the story of the 44 Special Action Force officers of the Philippine National Police who died during an encounter. In the movie, Ronnie plays the role of Tabdi, Seaborne’s assistant commander.

“As a real-life army reservist who served the country during pandemic and continues to serve, nagamit ko sa pelikula ang trainings ko katulad ng pagsabak sa ground, paggamit at paghawak ng sniper rifle,” shared Ronnie.

It was in 2018 when Ronnie underwent training to be part of the Philippine Army’s reserves. He currently holds the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.