Belle Mariano, a rising 22-year-old Filipino star, etched her name in history by becoming the first singer to perform a fully localized Filipino song in a major Disney animated film. Her rendition of "Anong Daratnan?" (Filipino translation of "Beyond") for the "Moana 2" end credits marks a significant milestone for both Mariano and Disney's commitment to global audiences.
This opportunity held immense personal significance for Mariano. A proud Filipina with a lifelong love for Disney, singing a song for millions in her native language felt like a dream come true. "Working with Disney has always been a dream," she shared, "and to be able to do this song with them – wow, it means so much."
More than just a professional achievement, this project allowed Mariano to explore her musical identity. "I'm still learning and trying to find my voice in the industry," she said, "and I'm incredibly grateful that Disney played a part in helping me discover it."
A Fun Challenge and a Powerful Message
"Anong Daratnan?" originally sung by Moana 2 star Auliʻi Cravalho, showcased Mariano's expressive vocals. "It was a fun challenge to translate Moana's emotions into the song," she admitted. "The original version has so much passion in it."
Beyond the technical aspects, Mariano saw a deeper message in the song. "I'm so grateful to represent Moana through a Filipino lens," she said. "Each of us has a Moana inside us – don't be afraid to explore what lies beyond."
Despite the excitement, recording the song wasn't without its challenges. Mariano described feeling nervous, especially while hitting the high notes. "The team was incredible," she recalled. "They guided me throughout the process, making it both challenging and lighthearted."
At a young age, Mariano has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the Philippine entertainment industry. Balancing acting and singing careers might seem daunting, but she tackles it with grace and passion.
"Finding balance is a daily learning process," she confessed. "But I'm surrounded by a supportive team that helps me navigate it all."
Her passion for both music and acting shines through. "Singing in karaoke with my grandfather instilled a deep love for music in me," she reminisced. "I believe that when you love something, you make time for it."
"My purpose in this industry," she continued, "is to make people smile and inspire young Filipinos to dream big and chase their passions. Working with Disney has always been a dream, and as long as I'm fulfilling that purpose, I'm truly happy."
"Moana 2" reunites the strong-willed Moana with the shapeshifting Maui for another epic adventure. Three years after the first film, Moana embarks on a new voyage with a crew of unlikely seafarers, venturing into uncharted waters.
The film, featuring the returning voices of Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, opens in theaters on November 27th.
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