ACTRESS Liza Soberano expressed pride and excitement over her role in DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming Filipino-centric animated film “Forgotten Island,” describing the project as a milestone for Filipino representation on the global stage.
Soberano spoke about the film after attending BINI’s concert at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where she watched the performance alongside members of the “Forgotten Island” creative team.
The actress said she felt like a proud “ate” or big sister to BINI after seeing the group perform and was thrilled that the upcoming film celebrates Filipino culture and identity.
“Sobrang natutuwa lang ako na there’s so many Filipino everywhere,” Soberano said, noting that Filipinos in the United States and audiences of different backgrounds can see themselves reflected in the film.
She added that she was especially happy to see the Filipino community embrace the project and feel represented by a movie centered on the Philippines.
Soberano said the film’s cast and creative lineup makes her particularly excited, with H.E.R. joining Filipino talents including Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Manny Jacinto and Jo Koy. Filipino music groups BINI and SB19 are also featured on the film’s soundtrack.
“Super kilig po ako, because it felt like they assembled the Filipino Avengers,” Soberano said, describing the project as a dream come true because of its global platform and showcase of Filipino culture.
She also opened up about her journey in Hollywood, admitting that building her career outside the Philippines has not been easy.
Soberano said she faced numerous professional and personal challenges but chose to take a “slow and sure” approach to pursuing her goals.
“I’m really happy that I’m slowly getting there and slowly achieving my dreams,” she said.
The actress said she hopes her career journey can inspire younger generations and others who may feel that their dreams are beyond their reach.
Soberano also said she now feels “more free” in her career, as she focuses less on comparisons and external expectations and more on setting personal goals and keeping commitments to herself.
While she has upcoming projects that she hopes will be announced soon, Soberano remains open to returning to the Philippine entertainment industry.
She said several projects have been pitched to her in recent years but stressed that she wants her eventual return to be tied to a meaningful story.
“The Philippines is precious to me, and my fans, and the people who watched me growing up,” Soberano said, adding that she is looking for the right project that would be special and meaningful not only to her career but also to audiences.
“Forgotten Island” is expected to further bring Filipino culture and stories to international audiences through a major global animation release. (ABS-CBN News)
