Liza Soberano, H.E.R. share pride in Filipino-inspired animated film 'Forgotten Island'

Liza Soberano and Grammy-winning singer H.E.R. shared why the Filipino-inspired animated film “Forgotten Island” is particularly meaningful to them.

According to Nelson Canlas’ report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, Liza said she immediately connected with Raissa's character because of the parallels between Raissa’s life and her own experiences.

“I was like, wait, did they write this for me? No. I knew they didn’t write it for me. I was auditioning,” the Filipina actress said.

“There were so many parallels with what’s going on with Raissa’s life in the movie that was going on in my life. So I immediately connected to the character and I understood her struggles,” she added.

The young star said her personal connection to Raissa also helped her deliver the character’s emotional scenes.

“It just came so naturally for me to pull emotion for the emotional sequences, because I was living through exactly what Raissa was going through,” she said.

Beyond her connection to the character, Liza said she has long dreamed of seeing stories on the big screen that feel more familiar to her and reflect Filipino culture.

“I always dream that one day I would see something that felt a little bit more familiar to me or felt like home,” she said.

“Finally, we have something that the future generation of Filipino children can watch and see themselves in and hopefully inspire them to dream big and have more fun and cherish making memories with their loved ones and best friends."

Meanwhile, H.E.R., who grew up in the United States but has Filipino roots, also expressed pride in seeing Filipino culture prominently represented in the film.

“This is the first time you’re seeing Filipino culture on the big screen in this way, and how emotional it was to see the Filipino sun in the movie and for that to be so prominent and so Filipino in the film,” H.E.R. said.

One of the stories that particularly stood out to her was the inclusion of the manananggal, a mythical creature from Philippine folklore.

“And it’s Lea Salonga playing Manang. That was crazy. There’s a crazy connection and full-circle moment because I grew up loving Lea Salonga,” she said.

H.E.R. has also been showing her Filipino side through music. Her rendition of the Filipino song “Maging Sino Ka Man” previously went viral online.

The singer said many people may not know that she grew up listening to Tagalog songs because of her mother.

“A lot of people don’t know that I sing Tagalog songs. My mom listened to a lot of Tagalog songs, and I still remember them,” she said.

Asked if fans can expect a full Filipino song from her, H.E.R. gave a definite answer.

“Yes, definitely. It’s coming. Don’t worry,” she said.

"Forgotten Island" is set to open in cinemas nationwide on September 23.

It follows two childhood best friends, Raissa (Liza) and Jo (H.E.R.), as they try to find their way home after ending up on a mysterious island.

Aside from Liza and H.E.R., the movie also stars Lea Salonga, Dave Franco, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Manny Jacinto, Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng.

The soundtrack of "Forgotten Island" includes songs by BINI, SB19, Sophia Laforteza of Katseye, Lea, Liza, H.E.R., and many more.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News