Hear how Maxene reacted to hearing “Mga Kababayan” on the global stage in “Forgotten Island.”
Hearing her late father Francis Magalona’s “Mga Kababayan” in a major animated film gave Maxene Magalona an unexpected proud moment she will not easily forget.
At the advance Philippine screening of DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island,” Maxene found herself jumping in her seat when her father’s iconic song played during one of the film’s scenes.
“To Papa, if you ever get to read this, I want you to know how incredibly proud I am of you!” Maxene wrote in a heartfelt message dedicated to Francis.
For the actress, seeing one of her father’s classic hits become part of a global production was a powerful reminder of his lasting legacy as an artist.
“You were the biggest goofball when you were alive, so energetic and passionate with your work as an artist but incredibly humble and down to earth as a human being,” she recalled.
“Mga Kababayan,” written by Francis Magalona and Jimmy Antiporda, is featured on the film’s official soundtrack, with P-pop group SB19 performing a new rendition of the iconic song.
Maxene also praised “Forgotten Island” for its animation and its meaningful celebration of Filipino culture, mythology and identity.
“After watching this film, I felt so seen as a Filipino,” she said. “Finally, we get to see our country and culture being represented on the global stage!”
The screening also gave Maxene the chance to meet BINI as she attended the event with her partner, DJ and videographer Geoff Gonzalez.
But among the many highlights of the night, hearing her father’s music in a global production stood out as the moment that made Maxene feel especially proud.
“I still can’t believe one of your classic hits is now part of a global production. You really are Mr. Cool. #neverforgotten,” she wrote.
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