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| “Forgotten Island” directors Januel Mercado (first from left) and Joel Crawford (first from right) and main cast members Liza Soberano (second from left) and H.E.R. (second from right) with the beneficiaries from Save The Children Philippines (Image Source: The Manila Times/Universal Pictures Philippines) |
Some adventures become even more memorable when they are shared with friends. That spirit of friendship and imagination came alive last August 25, 2026 as Save The Children Philippines beneficiaries became among the first audiences to watch DreamWorks Animation’s new feature film, “Forgotten Island”, during a special screening at SM Aura in Taguig.
Presented by DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures, the event welcomed children supported by Save The Children Philippines, an organization that has spent more than four decades helping Filipino children learn, thrive, and work toward brighter futures. The screening became even more special when Liza Soberano and Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R. surprised the young moviegoers with an unexpected appearance. Soberano and H.E.R., who lend their voices to best friends Raissa and Jo in the film, spent time with the children and shared in the excitement surrounding the movie. Their visit transformed the screening into a memorable celebration of friendship, imagination, and the meaningful connections that stay with us as we grow. Joining them were “Forgotten Island” directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado whose creative vision helped shape the film’s colorful world inspired by Filipino mythology, culture, and storytelling. The occasion carried added significance for Soberano who has long supported the work of Save The Children Philippines as an ambassador and advocate for children. H.E.R. has also supported initiatives aimed at empowering and uplifting marginalized communities. Soberano, H.E.R., Crawford, and Mercado are in Manila as part of the “Tayo Na, Philippines!” “Forgotten Island” Tour, a celebration of the Filipino culture, stories, and spirit at the heart of the animated film.
Arriving in Philippine cinemas on September 23, “Forgotten Island” follows longtime best friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano). The two have been inseparable since grade school but after graduating from high school, they are preparing to take different paths in life. On what is supposed to be one last night together before their lives begin to change, Jo and Raissa discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with magical beings and mythological creatures inspired by stories they heard growing up in their Filipino families. Suddenly, childhood legends are no longer just stories. Some of the creatures they encounter become unlikely allies while others pose dangerous challenges. Helping the best friends on their journey is Raww, a lovable but hapless weredog voiced by Dave Franco, along with a small but determined group of companions. Waiting for them, however, is their biggest threat yet: The Dreaded Manananggal, voiced by Tony Award-winning Filipino icon Lea Salonga. Jo and Raissa soon discover that escaping Nakali will not be easy. Their journey home comes with a devastating condition. To leave the island, they may have to sacrifice every memory of the friendship they have shared through the years. With time running out, the pair must find another way home before the memories that connect them begin to disappear forever. The emotional adventure puts friendship at the center of a story filled with humor, fantasy, danger, and Filipino cultural influences.
Adding even more star power to the animated feature is an impressive voice cast that includes Manny Jacinto, Dolly De Leon, Jo Koy, Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng. Together, the cast brings to life a world where familiar stories and mythical creatures become part of an unforgettable coming-of-age adventure. At its core, “Forgotten Island” celebrates the stories passed down through families and generations. It also explores the friendships, memories, people, and places that help shape who we become. Through the magical world of Nakali, audiences are invited to rediscover the wonder of childhood while experiencing a vibrant story rooted in Filipino mythology and culture. For the Save The Children Philippines beneficiaries who attended the special screening, the journey to Nakali became more than an early look at an animated movie. It became a chance to imagine, discover, laugh, and experience an adventure together. With Soberano, H.E.R., Crawford, and Mercado joining the celebration, the young guests also had the rare opportunity to meet some of the stars and filmmakers responsible for bringing the magical world of “Forgotten Island” to the screen.
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