Liza Soberano on Leaving at Her Peak: 'I Didn't Know If It Was the Smart Move'

Quick Chika: In an interview with Karen Davila, Liza Soberano said she was full of self-doubt after leaving her Philippine career in 2022 to try Hollywood, and she was not sure it was the smart move. Landing the role of Raissa in DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island, set for release on September 23, 2026, made the risk feel worth it. She also urged Filipinos to keep dreaming big.

Picture leaving a career where everybody knows your name to start over in a place where nobody does. That is what Liza Soberano did, and she is now being honest about how scary it was.

Photo: YouTube / Karen Davila (1ON1)

What did Liza Soberano say about leaving the Philippines?

Liza told Karen Davila that moving to the US in 2022 was a big adjustment, partly because it was her first time living away from her family. She did not sugarcoat the doubts that came with it:

It definitely wasn't easy. There was this time that I was full of self-doubt because I didn't know if I was good enough.

She added that she did not know if it was the smart move. She described putting her Philippine career on hold to try acting in Los Angeles:

I decided to kind of put all of that on hold and pursue a career in L.A. not knowing kung ano 'yung kalalabasan nun.

Translation of the Tagalog part: not knowing what would come out of it.

What is Forgotten Island and who does Liza play?

Forgotten Island is an animated film from DreamWorks Animation. Liza voices Raissa, one of two childhood best friends who try to find their way home after landing on a mysterious island. Grammy winner H.E.R. voices the other best friend, Jo. GMA News reported that the film brings in Filipino culture, including the manananggal, and that BINI and SB19 are on the soundtrack.

Reports on the Karen Davila interview say Liza first auditioned for Jo before landing Raissa. She also told GMA that she connected with Raissa right away:

There were so many parallels with what's going on with Raissa's life in the movie that was going on in my life.

What did Liza tell Filipinos who have big dreams?

This is the part that got people talking. Liza said she loves the "dreamer mentality" she saw in the US, where people share their dreams and others cheer them on. Then she asked a question about home:

Why is it that we don't have a lot of self belief?

Her message to Filipinos was simple. In her words, she wants to encourage people to keep dreaming big, even if it does not seem possible. She sees being cast in Forgotten Island as proof that taking an uncertain path can pay off.

Why this hits home

You do not have to be a star to relate. Maybe you left the province for a job in Manila, or left a stable office job to start a business, or you are an OFW who packed your life into two balikbayan boxes. Everyone who has taken a leap knows that late night voice asking, "Tama ba ito?"

What is the biggest risk you ever took for a dream, and was it worth it? Tell us in the comments.

Quick answers

When does Forgotten Island come out?

GMA News reported a release date of September 23, 2026 for the DreamWorks Animation film.

Who does Liza Soberano play in Forgotten Island?

Liza voices Raissa, one of two childhood best friends. H.E.R. voices Jo.

When did Liza Soberano leave the Philippines for Hollywood?

Reports on her interview with Karen Davila say she made the move in 2022.

Updated September 20, 2026. Sources and photo credits: YouTube: 1ON1 with Karen Davila | Fashion Pulis | GMA News | The Filipino Times | KAMI. All photos belong to their respective owners.