WHO SAID THIS: The unbreakable friendship of Liza Soberano and H.E.R. in ‘Forgotten Island’

A familiar invitation among Filipinos becomes something more meaningful in Forgotten Island, the first-ever DreamWorks Animation film that centers on Filipino culture and mythology.  

The story follows best friends Raissa (Liza Soberano) and Jo (H.E.R.), who discover a magical portal that transports them to Nakali, a mysterious island inhabited by mythical creatures from the stories they grew up hearing. When they learn that their memories are slowly fading, the friends must find their way home before they forget each other. 

While the film takes audiences through an adventure filled with magical creatures and Filipino mythology, its emotional heart lies in the friendship between its two lead characters, captured by the simple yet meaningful phrase “Tayo na!” 

The line is first heard when Jo and Raissa meet outside their school principal’s office. Their unexpected encounter sparked the beginning of a friendship that would eventually take them on extraordinary adventures. 

As they promise to become best friends, Jo invites Raissa to their home to listen to the Filipino mythical stories told by her Lola. Reaching her hand to Raissa, Jo says, “Tayo na!” genuinely welcoming her to her life.  

The moment marks the start of a friendship built on curiosity, trust, and a willingness to experience new things together. What begins as an invitation to visit Jo’s home becomes a phrase the two friends carry into the many experiences that follow. 

Their friendship grows through shared moments and the memories they create, including filling their bracelets with charms from their adventures. As they continue to use the phrase when embarking on activities and adventures, it becomes their own way of expressing that they are in things together.  

 In Forgotten Island, “Tayo na!” is more than a signal that it is time to go. It represents the kind of friendship in which neither person should have to face life’s uncertainties alone. 

For Jo and Raissa, the phrase carries the assurance that when one is ready to take a step into the unknown, the other will be there, too. It reflects their willingness to show up for each other, share the risks, and keep moving forward as a pair instead of letting one friend face the journey alone. 

That promise becomes especially significant when the two find themselves in Nakali. The memories that brought them closer are now at risk of disappearing, challenging them to hold on to their friendship and rely on every experience they have had. 

The phrase sparked discussion among Filipino audiences online, with some questioning why the characters repeatedly use “Tayo na!” instead of the more conversational “Tara na!”  

In a video with Genius, Liza noted that the two expressions can convey different shades of meaning.  

“In the Philippines, we actually more commonly say ‘tara na’ to say let’s go,” she said.  

“[Meanwhile], ‘tayo na’ means the two of us need to go together,” she added. “It’s like I’m not doing this without you, so it’s like a lot more meaningful than just saying let’s go.”  

Her explanation connects the phrase to the relationship at the center of the film. Rather than simply telling someone to come along, “Tayo na!” highlights the presence of another person in the journey. For Jo and Raissa, that shared commitment is what gives the words their significance. 

Beyond the catchphrase, Forgotten Island has also drawn attention for bringing Filipino folklore and culture to a global animation audience. 

The film earned ₱97.23 million during its opening weekend in the Philippines, becoming the biggest opening weekend for a DreamWorks Animation film in the country. It also recorded the biggest opening for a non-franchise animated film in the Philippines.  

By its third weekend this early October, Forgotten Island remained at No. 6 at the North American box office, earning an estimated $4.5 million (around ₱282.49 million) in ticket sales.