There are movie interviews I enjoy, and then there are interviews that hit me right in the heart. My conversations for DreamWorks Animation’s FORGOTTEN ISLAND definitely belong in the latter category.

Funny, sweet, adventurous, and bursting with Filipino culture and mythology, Forgotten Island made my Filipino heart jump for joy. I felt seen! 🇵🇭❤️ So getting the chance to talk with the filmmakers and cast about the movie became one of those wonderfully personal junket experiences where I had almost too much I wanted to ask.

Meet the Filmmakers Behind the Island

I began my Forgotten Island adventure with directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, and our conversation quickly went beyond the usual “how did you make the movie?” questions.

We talked about the Filipino inspiration behind the story, bringing mythology and culture into a major DreamWorks animated adventure, and balancing all that spectacular fantasy with something beautifully simple and universal: friendship.

For me, having Januel Mercado discuss the Filipino elements of the movie was especially meaningful. There is something powerful about seeing pieces of our culture, stories and mythology given this kind of animated canvas—and knowing that audiences around the world will get to discover them.

H.E.R., Liza Soberano and Dave Franco Bring the Island to Life

Then came my conversation with H.E.R. (Gabi Wilson), Liza Soberano and Dave Franco—and yes, this one was FUN!

With Gabi, I wanted to know what went through her mind when she first heard that DreamWorks was making an animated adventure rooted in the Philippines and its mythology. And the moment I heard “Tayo Na” in the movie? I was excited! 😂🇵🇭

Liza and I talked about her journey from Philippine showbiz to Hollywood and whether Raissa’s story—particularly the emotions surrounding leaving home and entering a new chapter—connected with her own experiences.

And then there’s Dave Franco, who brings comedy and heart to Raww. We talked about playing a character who can deliver the laughs while still being an important part of the movie’s emotional story.

What If Going Home Meant Forgetting Your Best Friend?

That was the question I kept coming back to during my interviews because underneath the mythology, creatures, comedy and adventure is a surprisingly emotional idea:

What if the only way home meant forgetting your best friend?

Forgotten Island uses its fantastical world to explore something many of us understand—the fear that growing up, moving away and beginning a new life could somehow erase the friendships and memories that helped make us who we are.

And that’s where the movie connected with me most.

Yes, I loved seeing Filipino culture represented. Yes, I got excited by the mythology and all the little details that made me think, “I know that!” But representation becomes even more meaningful when it’s attached to a story with genuine heart.

Filipino Stories, Global Heart

One of my favorite things about these conversations was hearing different perspectives on the same movie.

Crawford and Mercado could take me behind the filmmaking and cultural inspiration. Gabi and Liza could speak to the Filipino connection from their own perspectives. And Dave could talk about entering this world from the outside and finding the humor and humanity in it.

Together, the conversations helped reveal why Forgotten Island feels both culturally specific and wonderfully universal.

It’s Filipino mythology. It’s ’90s nostalgia. It’s fantasy. It’s comedy. It’s an adventure.

But most importantly, it’s about remembering the people who matter to us.

So come along on my Forgotten Island adventure and watch my complete conversations with the directors and cast above. There were laughs, memories, mythology, plenty of Filipino pride—and yes, my Filipino heart was very, very happy.

Mabuhay, Forgotten Island! 🇵🇭❤️