MANILA, Philippines —P-pop powerhouses BINI and SB19, along with Lea Salonga and Sophia Laforteza, are bringing Filipino representation to the global stage as part of the soundtrack lineup for DreamWorks Animation's "Forgotten Island," a film rooted in Philippine mythology and featuring a cast led by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano.
The artists' involvement in the soundtrack was revealed in an exclusive report by the entertainment publication Variety, which detailed the film's music lineup ahead of its theatrical release on Sept. 25.
Among the soundtrack's original recordings is "A Parallel World," a new track performed by “Nation’s Girl Group” BINI. Produced by composer Nathan Matthew David and Shawn Wasabi, the song draws from the film's themes of friendship and adventure while reflecting the group's vibrant pop sound.
Broadway and West End star Lea Salonga, who also lends her voice to one of the film's key characters, contributes vocal performances to the soundtrack. Salonga voices the Dreaded Manananggal, a feared mythical creature inspired by Philippine folklore.
Global girl group Katseye's Filipino member, Sophia Laforteza, performs a new rendition of the INXS classic "Never Tear Us Apart," which accompanies an emotional moment between the film's two protagonists.
Meanwhile, P-pop powerhouse SB19 pays tribute to Filipino music heritage with its own version of Francis Magalona's iconic anthem "Mga Kababayan." Filipino-American rapper Ruby Ibarra also joins the soundtrack with the song "Salbahae Ako," performed with Carl Angelo.
At the center of the film are H.E.R. and Soberano, who voice best friends Jo and Raissa and perform the movie's title track, "BRB." Set in the Philippines during the 1990s, the story follows the pair as they are transported to the mysterious island of Nakali, a magical realm where memories slowly fade. Together, they must navigate a world filled with shapeshifters, witches and other mythical beings while finding a way back home.
Written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, "Forgotten Island" draws inspiration from Philippine mythology and the filmmakers' own experiences with friendship. The project marks one of the most prominent Filipino-themed productions ever mounted by DreamWorks Animation.
The film's voice cast also includes Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto, Jenny Slate, Jo Koy, Dolly de Leon, RonnyChiengand Amielynn Abellera.