Liza Soberano, H.E.R. on Filipino relationships, bonds: 'Warm and inviting'
MANILA, Philippines — Found family and bayanihan are Filipino themes that pop up in "Forgotten Island," share the film's lead stars Liza Soberano and Gabrielle Sarmiento Wilson or better known as H.E.R.
Directed by Joel Crawford and his Filipino-American colleague Januel Mercado, the DreamWorks Animation movie is inspired by Filipino mythology, culture, and folklore.
The Filipino-American actresses voice two best friends who become stranded on the titular mystical island of Nakali, where the only way home may mean losing a lifetime of memories and emotions.
Philstar.com exclusively spoke to both artists and asked about how the movie tackled the close-knit bonds valued by Filipinos as well as the possibility of their characters' relationship getting a queer reading.
H.E.R. began by pointing out that Filipinos every person to be part of the family, "When you meet a tita, immediately that's your tita, even if you're not blood-related."
Related: Liza Soberano, H.E.R. hail Lea Salonga as a Manananggal in 'Forgotten Island'
"We're just so warm and inviting, we go hard for the people we love," she continued, reiterating the importance of family. "It doesn't really matter what title you have, you're part of the family now."
The Grammy winner also acknowledged how different relationships can be perceived in various ways by different people, but ultimately "Forgotten Island" is about the concept of found family.
Liza, meanwhile, shared that the film emphasizes the spirit of bayanihan where a person, regardless of where they are in the world, can run to Filipinos and ask for help.
"No questions asked, [Filipinos] will help and support you. Filipinos don't need a reason to welcome people in, take care of them, and make them feel like family, just don't give Filipinos a reason to be mad at you!" the actress ended.
"Forgotten Island" also features the voices of Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy, Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto, Filipino-American actress Amielynn Abellera, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng. It hits Philippine theaters on September 23.
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