Two Filipinas on an American morning show, talking about aswang and kapre and 90s Philippines. If you told a Pinoy kid in 1995 this would happen, they would not believe you.
.jpg "H.E.R. and Liza Soberano seated together as guests on NBC's TODAY show")
Photo: YouTube / TODAYWhat did Liza Soberano say on the TODAY show?
This was Liza's debut on TODAY, and she didn't hide how much the moment meant to her. According to the Inquirer, she said:
It's so emotional and overwhelming. It just brings us so much pride and joy to finally have something that represents our culture and makes us feel seen.
Liza also told GMA News that she was going through something similar in her own life when she got the script, so she felt a personal connection to the story right away.
What did H.E.R. say about being Filipino?
H.E.R., whose mom is Filipina, has always been proud of that side of her family. On the show, she said Forgotten Island lets her finally celebrate it in a big way:
I've always been so proud to be Filipino, but now we get to celebrate it and show the world. So it's exciting times.
What is Forgotten Island about?
The DreamWorks film is set in the Philippines in the 1990s. Best friends Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa (voiced by Liza) get trapped in Nakali, a magical world that slowly eats the memories of anyone inside it. They have to escape before they forget each other.
The voice cast is stacked with Filipino and Filipino-American talent:
- Lea Salonga as Manang, a manananggal
- Dolly de Leon as Lola Fatima
- Manny Jacinto as Bungi, a tiyanak
- Jo Koy as Datu, a kapre
- Dave Franco and Jenny Slate also lend their voices
It is directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. H.E.R. and Liza also recorded a song together for the film, "BRB," produced by Ryan Tedder.
Why this is a big deal for Pinoys
For years, Filipino kids grew up seeing everyone else's myths on the big screen. Now a major Hollywood studio built a whole movie around our lola stories. That's the "feel seen" Liza was talking about.
It's also a sweet full circle for Liza, who left the local scene to chase Hollywood. This is the kind of project she was dreaming about.
Will you watch Forgotten Island with your family? Which Filipino creature are you most excited to see? Tell us in the comments.
Quick answers
Who does Liza Soberano voice in Forgotten Island?
Liza Soberano voices Raissa, one of the two best friends at the center of the story. H.E.R. voices Jo.
When is Forgotten Island's release date?
Forgotten Island opens in US cinemas on September 25, 2026.
What is Forgotten Island about?
It follows two best friends in 1990s Philippines who get trapped in Nakali, a magical world that feeds on memories, and must escape before they forget each other.
Updated September 23, 2026. Sources and photo credits: YouTube: TODAY | Fashion Pulis | Inquirer | GMA News. All photos belong to their respective owners.