The leading voices of the DreamWorks animated film “Forgotten Island” Liza Soberano and H.E.R. stopped by the American morning show “Today” and opened up about being Filipino and how proud they are to see Filipino culture represented on screen.
She said the movie is very meaningful to her and other Filipinos, and she’s making her debut on the show. “It’s emotional for me to see their culture represented in a major movie for the first time,” she said. “I am proud and happy and glad to be representing my country working on the movie,” she said.
Soberano also shared his thoughts on returning to the United States after living in the Philippines for over 10 years. “It feels like everything has come full circle,” she said about her return. “She said she has family in the US and always wanted to come back to seek new opportunities.” Still, she said, she is happy she can still hold on to the part of her life that she built in the Philippines. “I feel at home with this blend of both worlds,” she said.
She spoke about what it was like doing voice work for an animated movie. “It’s a different kind of focus than acting on camera,” she explained. She had no picture to respond to while recording so she had to conjure up the scenes in her mind. “This is a different creative skill,” she explained.
H.E.R. also talked about being Filipino. “I’m super proud to be Filipino and I’m just happy that the movie gives me an opportunity to celebrate this proudly and share it with the world,” she said.
She also talked about how a story grounded in Filipino culture can also be relevant to people around the world. “When the stories are about certain details, they’re more accessible, even if they’re from one culture,” she said. “Forgotten Island” is about memories, friendship and the concept of family we choose. “These themes are relevant to people of all ages, of all backgrounds,” she added. “No matter where they come from.
Also lending their voices to the film are Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Manny Jacinto, Jo Koy, Dave Franco, along with Soberano and H.E.R. “Forgotten Island” opens locally Wednesday, Sept. 23.
