DreamWorks’ ‘Forgotten Island’ showcases Filipino artists BINI, SB19, Lea Salonga

DreamWorks’ "Forgotten Island" is doubling down on Filipino representation, both on screen and in its music, with BINI, SB19, Lea Salonga, and KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza featured on the film’s soundtrack.

According to Variety, several Filipino artists, cast members, and P-pop acts contributed music to the animated fantasy-adventure film.

BINI brings the original song “A Parallel World” to the soundtrack, with production by Filipino-American composer Nathan Matthew David alongside Shawn Wasabi. The Nation’s girl group confirmed the news during Day 2 of their “BINI Signals World Tour 2026” Manila concert, where they performed the song and unveiled its signature dance move in an exclusive first look.

Lea Salonga, who also lends her voice to one of the film’s characters, contributes to the soundtrack as well. While developing the score, David envisioned Salonga providing vocalizations that would add musical texture to the film. 

For Salonga’s character, the Dreaded Manananggal, David incorporated the gandingan, an indigenous talking gong traditionally used in the southern Philippines.

The soundtrack also includes SB19’s cover of the late rapper Francis M’s classic “Mga Kababayan,” while Filipino-American singer Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE performs a remixed version of INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart.”

Lead voice stars H.E.R. and Liza Soberano also lend their voices to the film’s title track, “BRB,” which features Tagalog lyrics and reflects the bond between their characters. Meanwhile, Ruby Ibarra and Carl Angelo perform “Salbahe Ako.”

The soundtrack also features classic hits such as DMX’s “Party Up” and Baha Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out,” adding to the film’s eclectic musical lineup.

"Forgotten Island," an animated film rooted in Filipino folklore and cultural themes, follows two lifelong friends (voiced by H.E.R. and Soberano), who become stranded on a mysterious island where their memories gradually begin to fade. As they search for a way home, they face other challenges, including encounters with Raww, a weredog voiced by Dave Franco, and the island’s fearsome creature, the Dreaded Manananggal, voiced by Salonga.

In the same report, Variety stated that the soundtrack blends influences from the 1980s and 1990s with elements rooted in Filipino and Filipino-American musical culture. Universal Pictures senior vice president of Film Music Angela Leus said the goal was to ensure the music felt authentically Filipino.

The ensemble voice cast also includes Filipino-American actors Jo Koy and Amielynn Abellera, Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto, Filipino actress Dolly de Leon, and American stars Dave Franco and Jenny Slate. The film is co-directed by Filipino-American filmmaker Januel Mercado and acclaimed director Joel Crawford, both of whom previously worked on DreamWorks Animation’s “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” a sequel in the “Shrek” universe.