One thing about Filipinos is that you’ll never catch us lacking with a mic in our hands. From global competitions to karaoke sessions with our loved ones, singing is second nature to us, and you can bet that we were born with “throat chakras” in our DNA. So, when our kababayans over at Forgotten Island needed local artists for its phenomenal soundtrack, these icons didn’t hesitate to deliver.
Photo: BINI, Liza Soberano, SB19/Instagram
Forgotten Island’s songs are definite standouts among the many awesome details that make the film worth watching. Each track beams brightly with uplifting messages that’ve rekindled the fire in Filipinos’ hearts and helped Pinoy pride reach new heights. Streaming them is one thing. But hearing them for the first time on the big screen alongside Raissa (Liza Soberano) and Jo’s (H.E.R.) larger-than-life adventure? That’s a whole different ball game.
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If the essence of our culture in Forgotten Island already has the whole nation hyped, we can only imagine the pandemonium that hit our timelines the moment we discovered who brought the movie’s soundtrack to life. Beyond participating in a labor of love that celebrates us wholeheartedly, these trailblazing Filipino artists have taken many leaps of faith to put Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and Pinoy pop (P-pop) on the map of global excellence.
This roster speaks for itself. BINI, SB19, Lea Salonga, KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza, and more in one body of work? It doesn’t get more iconic than this.
From utterly badass remakes to heartfelt originals, these songs prove that Filipino music will always have a place on the global stage. Here’s how they’ve helped make Forgotten Island a pop culture triumph to remember:
“BRB” – H.E.R., Liza Soberano
From the streets of Manila to the mythical realm of Nakali, Raissa and Jo will always be down to party. There’s never a dull moment in this dynamic duo’s journey, and “BRB” proves it. The film’s adventurous spirit takes a sentimental turn in this duet, which captures H.E.R. and Liza’s fondest memories of their visit to the Philippines.
“A Parallel World” – BINI
Just like Raissa and Jo, the “Nation’s Girl Group” knows sisterhood and girl power by heart. “A Parallel World” captures BINI’s remarkable journey of friendship, perseverance, and stardom through inspiring musings about reaching our dreams together without anyone left behind.
“Mga Kababayan” – SB19
You only need to listen to “Mga Kababayan” once to understand why it’s an excellent addition to Forgotten Island. In this unapologetic cover of the late Francis M’s iconic hit song, SB19 brings generations of Filipino music lovers together to celebrate our stories and perspectives in their most authentic forms.
“Never Tear Us Apart” – KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza
Filipinos will never say no to an emotionally charged ballad that hits us right in the feels. Who better to highlight this unmistakable trait than KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza? Her serene vocals are the heart and soul of “Never Tear Us Apart,” an anthem for our unwavering friendships that’ve withstood the tests of time.
“Salbahe Ako” – Carl Angelo, Ruby Ibarra
If you’ve always been curious about the gutsy, next-level flair of Filipino rap, let “Salbahe Ako” be your sign to dive deep into the genre. Filipino-American rappers Carl Angelo and Ruby Ibarra brought their whip-smart lyricism to this hip-hop-infused track, dedicating every empowering verse to the villages, communities, and role models who raised us.
“A Parallel World (Amping Mix)” – BINI, Lea Salonga
The Amping Mix of “A Parallel World” has enough melodic musings and bittersweet sentiments to make us cry buckets at first listen. In this legendary team-up that we wouldn’t miss for the world, BINI and Lea Salonga shed light on the precious memories and milestones that make us human. We would expect nothing less from two outstanding household names in our radiant music scene.
ALSO READ: 4 Ways “Forgotten Island” Champions Friendship, Dreams, and Filipino Voices
What are your favorite songs from the Forgotten Island soundtrack? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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