Liza Soberano at the BINI concert in Los Angeles. MJ Felipe, ABS-CBN News
Actress Liza Soberano couldn’t feel more proud lending her voice for the upcoming Filipino-centric animated movie “Forgotten Island” by Dreamworks Animation.
ABS-CBN news caught up with Soberano at the VIP area of the Peacock Theater after watching BINI’s concert in downtown Los Angeles, Wednesday night.
She felt like a proud ‘ate’ (big sister) to BINI after watching them perform onstage. Soberano saw the show together with the creators of “Forgotten Island,” and while it’s still more than a month away from the movie’s global playdate, she cannot contain her excitement for Filipinos to see the movie.
“Sobrang natutuwa lang ako na there’s so many Filipino everywhere. Hindi lang sa Pilipinas, dito sa States, they see themselves in the movie. The whole movie is in the Philippines, right? Even like other nationalities too, boys and girls, find the movie very appealing,” she said.
“I’m just so happy that the Filipino community is embracing it and that they feel seen and just like special because this movie is made for them.”
Aside from her, the movie also features H.E.R. and other Filipino actors such as Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Manny Jacinto, Jo Koy and more. Soundtrack-wise, the movie has BINI and SB19 on the list.
“Super kilig po ako, because it felt like they assembled the Filipino Avengers — that’s what I like to call it. And so, it’s a super dream come true for me personally na makakita ng project that’s very global ad showcases Filipino and our culture,” she said.
“Every time I do press junkets or anything with them, I always end up crying ‘cause I’m just proud and I’m excited for people to see it.”
Years after leaving her career in the Philippines, Soberano continues to navigate her career in Hollywood. She admitted that it wasn’t easy. The road has been tumultuous, professionally and personally, but her “slow and sure” approach is already paying off.
“I’m really happy that I’m slowly getting there and slowly achieving my dreams. I mean, it wasn’t easy. There was a lot of hardships that I had to go through. A lot of changes that had to happen not just professionally but also personally para magawa ko ‘to,” she said.
“I am very happy that I stayed consistent and that pinanindigan ko talaga lahat ng pangarap ko. Kasi right now, in my own little way, I feel like nakakapag-inspire ako ng mga younger generations or even people older than me to like pursue something na feeling nila is outside of their reach.”
“Even if I play just small parts in encouraging them to do more of that, I’m very happy,” she stressed.
At this point, Soberano said she feels “more free.”
“Because parang less na 'yung pressure. I feel like, where I am right now in my career, there’s nothing to compare me to really because, I feel like it hasn’t been fully been done like in the way I’m doing it, I’m doing it in a different way,” she said.
She also staying focused.
“I’m feeling free because there’s no pressure or expectation for me really. It’s just me really like setting these goals for myself and making sure that I can keep these commitments to myself so I can achieve it,” she said.
Aside from “Forgotten Island,” are there more projects coming up?
“Lagi naman ako may pinagkakaabalahan. Yes, meron po akong mga bagong project na sana malapit nang ma-announce,” she said.
And Soberano is very much open to do projects in the Philippines. A source told ABS-CBN News that a film is being offered to the actress to work with two big names in the industry, including a big-time film director.
“There are a lot of projects that have been pitched to me in the past few years. The Philippines is precious to me, and my fans, and the people who watched me growing up. (They) have a very special place in my heart and gusto ko ‘pag bumalik ako and when I do a project it needs to be something, it needs to be the right project, it needs to be special and meaningful. Not just for my career but what that story means for the people. Hinahanap ko lang po ‘yung the right story,” she said.