Senator Bam Aquino is encouraging Filipinos around the world to watch ‘Forgotten Island,’ a new animated film that draws inspiration from Philippine mythology and culture passed down through generations.
Produced by DreamWorks, the film centers on two best friends who embark on a fantastical adventure on an island in the Philippines. It features an all-star Filipino cast, including Liza Soberano, Lea Salonga, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and H.E.R.
‘Forgotten Island’ is directed by Joel Crawford and Filipino-American filmmaker Januel Mercado. The film also highlights Filipino musical talent, with contributions from SB19, BINI, and Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE.
According to Sen. Bam, the film deserves the support of Filipinos as it brings Filipino creativity, culture, and heritage to audiences around the world.
“Ang ganda ng pagkagawa. Rotten Tomatoes, one of the top movies of the year. We have to show up. So the Philippines, top movie here, pero sa Amerika medyo nakaka-stress na hindi siya kumikita sa Amerika,” Sen. Bam said on ‘Good Times With Mo.’
(The film was beautifully made. Rotten Tomatoes has it as one of the top movies of the year. We have to show up. So, in the Philippines, it’s a top movie here, but in America, it’s somewhat stressful that it isn’t earning in America.)
Sen. Bam noted that some films do not become blockbusters immediately but can gain momentum through word of mouth and continued audience support.
“I’m still hoping na this coming weekend in the world, because of the word of mouth and because all the Pinoys are gonna bring everybody to the cinemas. But I hope na we can use all of our powers. Marami tayo sa mundo. (There are many of us around the world.) I hope we can really support this movie,” he added.
Sen. Bam said “Forgotten Island” is a must-see movie for Filipinos, as seeing Philippine culture prominently represented on the big screen through the film gave him a new appreciation for the feeling of representation.
“Having seen our culture front and center on the big screen, wow, parang ganun pala yung pakiramdam. Talagang warm and fuzzy feeling pala talaga siya so that’s what it feels like. It really is a warm and fuzzy feeling),” he said, adding that he plans to hold a block screening of the movie.
A strong supporter of the country’s creative industries, Sen. Bam recently filed Senate Bill No. 2517, or the Philippine Agency for the Creative Economy (PACE) Act, which he developed in collaboration with SB19 and 1Z Entertainment, the group’s talent management company.
The measure seeks to strengthen government support for Filipino artists and creative workers by addressing barriers to international travel, participation, and professional opportunities, including through mobility support for visas, travel, logistics, and participation in international festivals, tours, showcases, markets, and other creative engagements.
It also seeks to expand global market opportunities through international promotion, business matching, partnerships, distribution, and market access for Philippine creative goods and services, while strengthening government support through the Philippine Agency for the Creative Economy (PACE) and the Creative Industries Development Fund.
Sen. Bam has consistently supported Filipino talent, filing resolutions honoring “Kings of P-Pop” SB19, the Nation’s Girl Group BINI, and dance groups Femme MNL, HQ, The Crew, Folk Jumpers, and Sayawatha Jr. for their achievements on the international stage.
SB19 and BINI made history as the first Filipino acts to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California, respectively, while Femme MNL, HQ, The Crew, Folk Jumpers, and Sayawatha Jr. delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Phoenix, Arizona.
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