Liza Soberano could not be prouder to be part of DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming Filipino-centric film ‘Forgotten Island,’ describing the Hollywood project as a dream come true that puts Filipino culture on the global stage.
Speaking to ABS-CBN News after attending BINI’s concert in Los Angeles, Soberano shared her excitement over the animated film and the growing representation of Filipinos in international entertainment.
The actress watched BINI’s show alongside some of the creators behind ‘Forgotten Island’ and said she was especially happy to see how Filipinos, both in the Philippines and abroad, are embracing the movie even ahead of its global release.
“Sobrang natutuwa lang ako na there’s so many Filipino everywhere. Hindi lang sa Pilipinas, dito sa States, they see themselves in the movie. The whole movie is in the Philippines, right? Even like other nationalities too, boys and girls, find the movie very appealing,” Soberano said.
“I’m just so happy that the Filipino community is embracing it and that they feel seen and just like special because this movie is made for them,” she added.
Soberano joins an impressive roster of Filipino and Filipino-American talents involved in the project, including H.E.R., Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Manny Jacinto, and Jo Koy. P-pop powerhouses BINI and SB19 are also part of the film’s soundtrack.
For Soberano, seeing so much Filipino talent assembled for one major Hollywood production is particularly meaningful.
“Super kilig po ako, because it felt like they assembled the Filipino Avengers—that’s what I like to call it,” she said.
The actress described the project as a personal dream come true because it allows Filipino stories and culture to reach a global audience.
“Every time I do press junkets or anything with them, I always end up crying ’cause I’m just proud and I’m excited for people to see it,” she shared.
Soberano also opened up about pursuing a career outside the Philippines, admitting that the transition has not always been easy.
“I’m really happy that I’m slowly getting there and slowly achieving my dreams. I mean, it wasn’t easy. There was a lot of hardships that I had to go through,” she said.
According to Soberano, pursuing her international ambitions required significant changes both professionally and personally. Despite the challenges, she is glad she remained committed to the path she chose.
“I am very happy that I stayed consistent and that pinanindigan ko talaga lahat ng pangarap ko,” she said.
She also hopes her journey can encourage others to pursue ambitions they may initially believe are beyond their reach.
Even taking smaller roles does not bother the actress. Instead, Soberano said this stage of her career has given her a greater sense of freedom because she feels less pressure to meet predetermined expectations.
“I’m feeling free because there’s no pressure or expectation for me really. It’s just me really like setting these goals for myself and making sure that I can keep these commitments to myself so I can achieve it,” she explained.
Aside from ‘Forgotten Island,’ Soberano revealed that she has other projects in the pipeline, although she could not disclose details yet.
“Lagi naman ako may pinagkakaabalahan. Yes, meron po akong mga bagong project na sana malapit nang ma-announce,” she teased.
Soberano also remains open to working in the Philippines.
However, after receiving several pitches over the past few years, she said she wants her eventual local comeback to be attached to a project that feels special and meaningful.
“The Philippines is precious to me, and my fans, and the people who watched me growing up. They have a very special place in my heart,” she said.
For Soberano, returning simply for the sake of making another project is not enough.
“Gusto ko ’pag bumalik ako and when I do a project it needs to be something, it needs to be the right project, it needs to be special and meaningful. Not just for my career but what that story means for the people. Hinahanap ko lang po ’yung the right story,” she said.
