Anyone who has already watched Forgotten Island can attest to the countless reasons why it deserves to own the spotlight. Whether you grew up around Filipino traditions or not, this groundbreaking animated tale will never run out of universal sentiments worth championing—especially through its characters.
Photo: Universal Pictures/YouTube
At the crux of its opening week, Filipinos wasted no time sharing how awe-inspiring it was to watch Forgotten Island in theaters. Rave reviews and hype trains took our timelines by storm, and in the blink of an eye, it rightfully became the number one movie nationwide and one of the highest-rated DreamWorks titles to date. Talk about Pinoy pride and empowerment at its finest!
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While our culture and history have always deserved to shine bright on the big screen, it still warms our hearts like no other to witness communities from all walks of life join forces to help Forgotten Island take flight. After all, we can’t help but see ourselves in the story’s prominent voices, which expertly showcase the multitudes of Philippine mythology.
More than spooky characters we encounter in movies, books, and class lectures, the mythical creatures of Forgotten Island explore Filipino folklore with a whole lot of humor and heart. It’s no wonder viewers have been clamoring for merchandise of Nakali’s quirky residents, not to mention turning their wackiest moments into memes that have us in stitches.
From a modelesque sireno to a softhearted tiyanak who’s also a certified mama’s boy, Forgotten Island is jam-packed with fantastical beings who reel us into the magic of Filipino folklore. Here’s what you should know about each of them:
Raww the Weredog/Asong Gubat
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If you’ve ever encountered a friendly aspin, or asong Pinoy, while exploring the great outdoors, that’s probably Raww (Dave Franco), a rowdy weredog whose animal form resembles a Philippine forest dog or asong gubat. Raww is a trusted island guide and confidant to Raissa (Liza Soberano) and Jo (H.E.R.) throughout their stay in Nakali.
Like an asong gubat, Raww rocks a tiger-striped coat pattern that complements his fearless disposition and alludes to a few aloof moments sprinkled throughout his journey.
Manang the Manananggal
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The fierce, ferocious Manang (Lea Salonga) is proof that vampires with a detachable torso deserve love, too. Humans and Nakali residents alike have feared the manananggal for as long as they can remember—even going as far as calling it one of the most vicious creatures to ever roam the earth. But Raissa and Jo believe otherwise, as per the humorous manananggal reenactments that brightened their grade school days.
Batiba the Batibat
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Memory-stealing demon and anik-anik lover Batiba (Jenny Slate) stood out to viewers as an affectionate yet slightly overbearing tita who had a say in everything under the sun. In Filipino folklore, she takes after the batibat, also known as the bangungot, a tree-dwelling spirit who invades people’s dreams.
Bungi the Tiyanak
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Who would’ve thought a blue-skinned damulag would be so stinking cute? Bungi (Manny Jacinto) may be a mama’s boy through and through, but his courage and compassion still run deep. With a heart as big as his head and a third eye that’s always under excellent care, it goes without saying that we all deserve a friend like him in our lives.
Prince Mermahn the Kataw
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This total drama king’s unparalleled face card gives the classic “wet look” a run for its money. If you ever need a confidence boost or a buddy for all your “OA” moments, Prince Mermahn (Kevin McCann) has your back. This “obnoxiously gorgeous” royalty was greatly inspired by the Kataw, a highly revered ruler of the Visayan seas.
King Truffle Wuffle the Duwende
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Prepare your cuteness aggression, because this small but terrible warrior sure knows how to pack a punch. King Truffle Wuffle (Ronny Chieng) may be a pocket-sized ball of sunshine and rainbows, but all of Nakali knows better than to mess with him and his short-tempered duwende army. But get on his good side, and who knows, you might be lucky enough to score a self-defense lesson with him.
The Karaoke-loving Kapres
The kapres of Nakali, led by Jo Koy, can throw an all-out concert with just one song. All they need are a microphone and a solid sound system to transform into warbling tree guardians who can go head-to-head with our favorite local hitmakers.
The Mesmerizing Sarimanok
Photo: Universal Pictures/YouTube
Raissa and Jo’s adventures in Nakali wouldn’t be complete without the fiery red mythical bird that took them anywhere their hearts desired. Like the Ibong Adarna, the sarimanok draws inspiration from the remarkable cultural breakthroughs and folktales of Philippine history. Forgotten Island pays homage to the ancient creature by flaunting its kaleidoscope of colors and powerful presence that bursts through the screen.
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Who are your favorite characters from Forgotten Island? Sound off and share your picks with us in the comments below!
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