Filipino singer,Moira dela Torre’s dream has finally come true as Disney tapped her to record the local version of live-action film Mulan’s theme song ‘Reflection.’
Upon receiving the good news, Moira can’t help but feel excited and nervous at the same time. ‘Reflection’ was the first song she ever learned in full.
Moira said: “It really felt like a full circle, because ‘Reflection’ is the first song I ever had to learn in full, because I had to sing it for a special number for our church’s second anniversary. It was basically what opened the door for me to start loving music.”
Moira can’t believe that she can now finally sing ‘Reflection’ and she considers this as one of the greatest opportunities ever made available for her.
She continued: “It’s very cool because this happened. It’s crazy. I wouldn’t have believed that I would get to work with Disney for something as big as this. If you asked me this last year, I still wouldn’t believe it, It’s such a great opportunity, and I’m very grateful for it.”
And to the people who are criticizing and comparing Moira to original International singers of Mulan’s theme song Lea Salonga and Christina Aguilera, here’s what Moira has to say:
“To be honest, I was terrified, but if there’s one thing that I learned from Mulan, Lea Salonga, and Christina Aguilera, it’s really being true to yourself. They made it to that stage because they were true to themselves and I feel very empowered by that.”
Moira also revealed that the lyrics of the song really resonate with her, and for that, Disney allowed the Filipino singer to include a personal touch on her version.
She said: “I was actually expecting it to have a lot of rules, but when I got into the studio, they just said, ‘We just want Moira.’
“Why must we all conceal, how we think, how we feel’ We’re so careful now! This millennial generation makes us walk on eggshells. It’s so hard to be true to yourself, and that’s really something we should fight for.”
The live-action Mulan will be available in Philippine cinemas starting on March 25, 2020.
Meanwhile, Moira’s newest project earned mixed reactions from netizens. Some are really proud of her achievement:
"I hope my journey encourages you today– that no dream is ever really forgotten, that God is faithful and that you are stronger and braver than you think."
— @moirarachelle4 ✨Your story has never failed to inspire me, love. Beyond grateful!! #ReflectionByMoira pic.twitter.com/vv0YJ6oOq8
— Daphne (@moiragallery) March 11, 2020
She's not just a singer but a story teller. She uses her voice to send a message. Kaya I know Disney did a good thing on choosing her. #ReflectionByMoira #MulanPH pic.twitter.com/8A3IklwGt6
— madsab (@imrvtrash) March 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/ajuvhahaha_/status/1237414099979395072
Congratulations ate @moirarachelle4!!! You deserve it! ♥️#ReflectionByMoira #MulanPH pic.twitter.com/3a3QadU3qf
— 🦁 (@darlenereyes_) March 11, 2020
A WARRIOR INDEED!!! SHE DESERVES THIS SO MUCH!!! 😭🗡❤️ I can’t wait for #MulanPH
— ajuv (@ajuvhahaha_) March 10, 2020
https://twitter.com/nicaelaaa_/status/1237418341163139072
Give her a chance. Deserve naman niya e, give chance to others 😁 wait mo muna until ma release promise mamahalin mo, baka nga ulit ulitin mo pa.#MulanPH#ReflectionByMoira
— Janine (@jjaaaaahhh) March 11, 2020
Other netizens hope Moira’s version of “Reflection” would not give a sad vibe to it and suggested Disney could have chosen either Sarah Geronimo, Jona Viray, or Julie Anne San Jose.
https://twitter.com/buesing_jay/status/1237582759192748032
https://twitter.com/arcimontefalco/status/1237420950603190273
https://twitter.com/SIDEish09/status/1237409909722898438
https://twitter.com/Ji_Hally/status/1237420971704778754
https://twitter.com/SIDEish09/status/1237409909722898438
https://twitter.com/BronMikeKobe/status/1237433391626113024
Bakit ba hndi na lang ibalik kay ms Lea Salonga.
— badingbadang (@badangbading) March 10, 2020