Liza Soberano was thrilled to see Filipino food and culture brought to life in animation through her latest film Forgotten Island.
In an interview on NBC New York’s TV show New York Live, Liza shared which part of the Philippines’ culture featured in the movie she was especially excited to see.
“Oh yes, I was really excited to see the food because I'm a huge fan of like Japanese anime. One of my favorite things to look out for is the food because it looks so good in the animation," she expressed.
“Finally, Filipino dishes are now animated and that was so exciting and cool for me to see.”
Forgotten Island follows childhood best friends Raissa (Liza) and Jo (H.E.R.) as they navigate the mysterious island of Nakali.
Inspired by local culture, the animated film highlights familiar elements of Filipino life through its story and visuals.
Even before its release, Forgotten Island had already offered a preview of how Filipino culture would be featured in the film through its “Extended Graduation Clip.”
The scene takes viewers to Raissa’s graduation party, where Jo enjoys the handaan prepared for the celebration. The spread includes Filipino favorites such as lechon, spaghetti, roasted chicken, barbecue, lumpia, fried chicken, and hotdogs with marshmallows on sticks.
The clip also features several familiar Filipino traditions and scenes, including friends and family singing together on videoke, a tricycle, dancing the tinikling, children showing respect through mano po, a portrait of Jesus, and the distinctly Filipino gesture of pointing with pursed lips.
Days before the film’s release, Liza and H.E.R. also brought the Filipino fiesta spirit to New York City.
The Forgotten Island stars teamed up with Gold House for a Filipino-themed dinner that celebrated the culture and traditions showcased in the film.
New York-based Filipino restaurant Kalye prepared the dinner, which featured a spread of Filipino favorites. The theme extended to the table setup, with banana leaves used as placemats and plate liners to complete the fiesta-inspired celebration.
Written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, Forgotten Island is now showing nationwide in the Philippines.