Filipino pride took center stage as Liza Soberano, H.E.R., Januel Mercado and Joel Crawford kicked off the “Tayo Na!” tour for DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island” in Manila ahead of the film’s Philippine release.
READ: DreamWorks’ ‘Forgotten Island’ brings Filipino-inspired story home
Liza, who voices Raissa, and H.E.R., the voice of Jo, met Filipino fans at the purple carpet at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday, August 25, alongside the film’s writer-directors Januel and Joe.
Liza (@lizasoberano) and H.E.R. (@HERMusicx) also interacted with Filipino fans at the purple carpet. #ForgottenIsland | via @rosette_adel pic.twitter.com/ak58NGygl1
— Interaksyon (@interaksyon) August 26, 2026
Liza said she was excited to finally share the animated film with Filipino audiences.
The magical tale of “Forgotten Island”, inspired by Philippine folklore, is arriving in Philippine cinemas on September 23. #ForgottenIsland | via @rosette_adel pic.twitter.com/RGt04LkcZr
— Interaksyon (@interaksyon) August 26, 2026
“I’m so happy to see some familiar faces. I’m really excited to be here!” Liza said.
“I’m super excited to be sharing this film with the Philippines finally because as Joel and Januel have always put it, this is our love letter to the Philippines, our motherland, and we’re so so proud of this film,” she added.
“And we hope that you guys will support it and feel proud to be Filipino as well,” Liza continued.
Oscar and Grammy winner H.E.R., who makes her voice-acting debut as Jo, also expressed her pride in being part of a film centered on Filipino stories and culture.
“I hope that when you watch ‘Forgotten Island’ you guys feel the fun and the joy and what it truly means to be Filipino because I’m so proud to be Pinay. And I finally got to show that and express that in the movie,” H.E.R. said.
“And I’m so excited for us as Filipino and I’m so excited for you to experience me as Jo because she’s an amazing friend and an amazing character,” she added.
“So very proud, very very proud,” H.E.R. said.
Mercado also greeted the Manila crowd with “Uy, Philippines!”, a viral phrase that celebrates and pokes fun at Filipinos “Pinoy Pride.”
The fan event was followed by a special film screening of “Forgotten Island” attended by other Filipino stars, including Donny Pangilinan, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Anne Curtis and members of P-pop group SB19 and Ben&Ben.
Earlier that day, Liza and H.E.R. also surprised children supported by Save the Children Philippines during a special screening of “Forgotten Island” at SM Aura in Taguig City.
The screening brought together children supported by the organization, as well as Joel and Januel, who helped bring the film’s fantastical world and Filipino mythology to life.
“Forgotten Island” follows best friends Jo and Raissa, who stumble upon a mysterious portal while celebrating their last night together before going their separate ways. The portal transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with magical and mythological creatures drawn from Filipino stories.
READ: ‘So so so honored’: Liza Soberano expresses gratitude for role in DreamWorks’ ‘Forgotten Island’ | Pinoys cheer ‘queer’ representation through Jo in ‘Forgotten Island’
The two must find a way home after discovering that their memories of each other are the price of leaving the island.
The film also features the voices of Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Jenny Slate, Ronny Chieng and Tony-winning icon Lea Salonga.
It also features “Parallel World” by BINI as part of the animated film’s official soundtrack.
RELATED: WATCH: BINI surprises fans with ‘Forgotten Island’ soundtrack reveal at ‘Signals’ tour kickoff
“Forgotten Island” opens in Philippine cinemas on September 23. It will be distributed by Universal Pictures.
