‘Forgotten Island’ breaks PH opening day record

“Forgotten Island” is officially the number one movie in the Philippines, following a record-setting debut that brought in a P97.24 million at the box office.

Universal Pictures Philippines celebrated the film’s opening, announcing, “FORGOTTEN ISLAND IS THE #1 MOVIE IN THE PHILIPPINES!

“Salamat sa pagpunta sa sinehan para ipakita sa buong mundo kung gaano natin kamahal ang kwentong atin. TAYO NA, PHILIPPINES!” the distributor added.

"Forgotten Island" is the biggest opening for a DreamWorks Animation film in the Philippines. It also marks the country’s largest opening for a non-franchise animated movie.

Much of “Forgotten Island’s” appeal comes from its Filipino roots. The film incorporates elements of Filipino folklore, mythology and culture,  while its voice cast features several prominent Filipino and Filipino American talents.

The story centers on childhood best friends Raissa and Jo, voiced by Liza Soberano and Filipino American singer H.E.R. respectively. The cast also includes Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Amielynn Abellera and Jo Koy.

The film’s Filipino representation also extends to its soundtrack, which features KATSEYE’s Sofia Laforteza, BINI and SB19.

Critics and audiences have also responded positively to the movie. According to the latest Rotten Tomatoes listing, “Forgotten Island” has a 95% Tomatometer score based on 100 critic reviews, along with a 96% verified audience score.

The film follows Raissa and Jo as they prepare to go their separate ways after high school. Their plans change when they stumble upon a portal leading to Nakali, a mystical island inhabited by creatures inspired by stories from their Filipino families. However, finding their way home comes at a price: escaping Nakali could cost them a lifetime of memories.

“Forgotten Island” opened in Philippine cinemas on Sept. 23.