Liza Soberano credits Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon for paving path for Filipino actors
MANILA, Philippines — Liza Soberano showed appreciation to her "Forgotten Island" co-stars Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon for carving a path in Hollywood for Filipino actresses like her.
The three actresses all lend their voices in DreamWorks Animation's newest movie inspired by Filipino folklore and mythology, the latest global project to incorporate Filipino culture and artists.
Liza was back in the Philippines promoting the film as part of its "Tara Na" Manila tour stop in Taguig last Tuesday, August 25. She was asked about her thoughts on Filipino artists finally getting recognition outside the country.
She admitted being honored and proud to be involved with "Forgotten Island," though not necessarily seeing herself at the center of its promotional success.
"When I think about where I'm at right now, I'm just so grateful for the likes of Ms. Dolly, Ms. Lea, all the people who have been paving the way for the longest time so I could be able to get access to these types of projects," Liza said.
The actress pointed to the years when Lea and Dolly started paving the way for the Filipinos to get recognized on the global stage. She acknowledged that their hard work made it easier for today's generation of Filipino artists.
"I'd like to honor these people for really trying to push Filipino movement and culture forward before any of us," Liza added. "It feels like such a blessing to be even a small part of that movement in bringing Filipino culture to the whole world."
Related: 'Forgotten Island,' Lea Salonga retrospective among MIFF 2026 lineup
At the same promo event, the actress described the universal story of "Forgotten Island" as a "lived in experience of being part of a culture" and "an authentic way to translate one's experience for someone else to understand."
Liza further admitted being emotional thinking about the film as she sees it as the "beginning of something big" for Filipino creatives around the world.
"I feel like we're going to get the recognition we've long deserved," she continued. "Filipinos are such talented people and are oftentimes the backbones of a lot of industries."
The actress pointed out that in the entertainment industry alone there were a lot of Pinoys creatives starting to be under the spotlight like her Lea, Dolly, another co-star, H.E.R., and a number of filmmakers, including their co-director Januel Mercado, and even chefs.
Liza expressed hope that Filipino communities around the world support "Forgotten Island" the same way they do for beauty pageants and boxing matches.
"We all come together to make our love and pride felt by everyone and I hope we have the same effect because I really feel this is going to be a big moment for the Filipino people," she ended.
Other part-Filipinos in the voice cast are Jo Koy, Manny Jacinto, and Amielynn Abellera. The animated film also stars Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng.
"Forgotten Island" will hit Philippine theaters beginning September 23.
RELATED: Liza Soberano compares 'Forgotten Island' voice work to past dramas
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