Ronnie Liang discovers hidden paradise in Sulu
Singer and army reservist Ronnie Liang visited the municipality of Patikul in Sulu last September as part of “From Terrorism to Tourism” and “Sa Sulu, PEACEsible Ang Kapayapaan” campaigns of Sulu Provincial Government and Philippine Army.
Ronnie attests to the beauty of this war-torn province, “It's truly an honor for me na mapili ng Philippine Army to go there sa Sulu to see sa sarili kong mga mata kung gaano na kapayapa ang lugar. Before, when we hear Sulu, ang unang pumapasok sa isipan natin ay takot o giyera. We have to slowly change that dahil may ginagawa ang AFP and Sulu provincial office to promote peace. 'Wag tayong matakot. Sulu is full of kind people.”
During his visit, Ronnie witnessed one of Sulu's clean and peaceful beaches, Tandu Beach, Parang, Sulu.
He said, “This paradise has been hidden for so long. I hope more Filipinos will promote and visit it. We have to showcase the world our hidden gems. We are a country with rich of good food, good places, and good people.”
Amazed how beautiful the place is, he also visited Barangay Kabbon-Takas, Sulu, and met kind and welcoming residents there. Kabbon-Takas families were evacuated in 2017 due to armed confrontations between Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the alleged members of the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG). They have been displaced multiple times.
He wrote on Facebook, “I had visited Barangay Kabbon-Takas, Patikul, Sulu, The Ground Zero. It was a humbling experience and a life changing one when I met the people of Sulu. You will feel the genuine happiness, the sincere hospitality of the people who have experienced the horror of terrorism and now returning to their homeland that is now peaceful. Kaisa po ninyo ako sa dasal at hangarin ng patuloy na kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng Sulu.”
As an advocate of peace, Ronnie regularly does his duty as reservist. He makes time to go on field to ensure the health and safety of the public. During pandemic, he was one of the celebrity reservists who prepared free meals for poor families, free ride for essential workers, free pillows for homeless families, and free plane tickets for unfortunate Filipinos going back to province.
“I always believe that the greatest gift we can offer is our service. I know that my purpose, kaya naging member din ako ng army, ay tumulong sa tao. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na nakakatulong tayo sa paraan na alam natin. It's too tiring na makipag-away sa ibang tao. It's good to be nice. It's good to help,” Ronnie ended.
Meanwhile, Ronnie is also busy self-producing music including “Sa Paskong Darating,” “Sana Ngayong Pasko,” and “Tuloy na Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko” which are available on different digital music platforms.