Filipina actress Liza Soberano and Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. brought Filipino culture to one of the United States’ biggest morning shows, appearing on NBC’s “TODAY” to promote their upcoming animated film “Forgotten Island” ahead of its global release.
The appearance gave the two Filipino-rooted stars a national U.S. television platform to talk about the film’s Filipino influences and what it means to see their culture represented in a major animated production.
"It's so emotional and overwhelmed. And it just brings us so much pride and joy to finally have something that represents our culture and makes us feel seen. And I couldn't be more ecstatic to be doing this and to be representing my country," Soberano said on doing the film.
"I've always been so proud to be Filipino, but now we get to celebrate it and show the world, so it's exciting times," H.E.R. added.
YouTube/TODAY
Soberano, who made launched her career in the Philippines as an actress, moved back to US four years ago, said it feels like homecoming.
"It feels like a full 360 kind of moment for me, because I've always wanted to come back to the States 'cause I have family here, and kind of explore opportunities over here. And to be doing this, like, to be able to come back home, but also still be able to celebrate a part of me that was created elsewhere is such a special thing for me, and it makes me feel very, like, at home and comfortable," she said.
In the program, H.E.R shared more about "Forgotten Island" that showcases Filipino culture and heritage, but with the themes that are universal like friendship and family.
"I think that's the beauty of being so specific. You relate to people more. I mean, like, any form of storytelling, the more specific you get, I think the more universal it becomes, you know, because it's kind of highlighting the things we forget to talk about and we forget are important. These themes of memories and friendship and found family, like those are very relatable themes, like no matter what age you are," said H.E.R, who's lending her voice as Joe in the upcoming film.
"Joe is crazy. She's the type B friend, you know, a little chaotic, but very passionate, very clinched to her lola, her grandmother, just like me. Actually, we're very similar, me and Joe, but she's just a ball of life and energy, and they go on this crazy adventure and she kind of, you know, I was afraid to lose her best friend," she shared.
YouTube/TODAY
For her part, Soberano, who's Raissa in the film, talked about the experience of doing voice acting.
"It's definitely like a different headspace. Like, especially when you first start animating, there's no visual to watch. There's nothing animated yet. So you're really having to use your imagination. And it's like a different muscle. like, when you're acting live... In live, you're not really thinking about your voice, you're thinking more about your emotions, your facial expressions, your physicality. But in voice acting, there's a lot of like, emphasis on the voice, the placement of your voice, and making sure that the emotion is conveyed through your voice," Soberano said.
YouTube/TODAY
In the program, Soberano and H.E.R introduced to the hosts of "TODAY" the Filipino dessert halo-halo that is featured in their movie.
"Forgotten Island" opened in Philippine cinemas on Wednesday, September 23 and is set for global release on September 25.
As of writing, FORGOTTEN ISLAND NOW SHOWING is one of the top trending topics on X (formerly Twitter) with netizens expressing support and excitement for the film.