Value Our Heritage 2026: UPAA-W Celebrates the Groundbreaking DreamWorks Film Forgotten Island

(Photo contributors: Floresa Balondo, Ito Conti, Beaver Flores, and Becky Toledo)

“We are living our dream. And I never want to forget this.” (~Raissa in Forgotten Island)

This year, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Wisconsin’s (UPAA-W) Asuncion Miteria Value Our Heritage (VOH) Committee in partnership with the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation (through its Activities Committee and Literacy Program initiative) decided to put together a timely screening of DreamWorks Animation Studios’ late-September feature, Forgotten Island. The film’s release coincided perfectly with the annual VOH celebration, which takes place in late September and October to align with Filipino American History Month.

Forgotten Island is DreamWorks’ latest full-length animated feature, co-directed by the creative team behind the critically acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. This time, they were tasked with bringing to life the first-ever major animated feature focused entirely on Filipino culture and folklore. The film’s directors both have strong ties to the Philippines: Joel Crawford is married to a Filipina-American, and Januel Mercado is himself Filipino-American.

“Forgotten Island” promotional theatrical release poster from DreamWorks Animation Studios, directed by Joel Crawford & Januel Mercado. Copyright 2026 by Universal Pictures.

Released on September 25, 2026, the film opened to critical praise, earning a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes during its opening week.

Because the VOH program represents UPAA-Wisconsin’s core contribution to promoting Filipino heritage in Wisconsin and beyond, Forgotten Island presented a unique cultural opportunity. The VOH Committee and PCCCF conceptualized a two-part community event:

• A special block screening of the film at the Marcus Majestic Cinema in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
• A community fireside chat at the Philippine Center.

The occasion also marked an opportunity to officially launch the Philippine Center’s newly renovated lower level area: the Heritage Hub. This space also houses the PCCCF Free Medical Clinic, led by Dr. Violeta Singson, a UPAA-Wisconsin charter member.

The VOH Committee (chaired by Floresa Balondo alongside members Jojo Ramos, Dr. Fe Visaya, Beaver Flores, and Cream Pepito) met with PCCCF Executive Director Donald Mondano to coordinate logistics and bring this idea to life. Dr. Fe Visaya serves in a dual capacity as PCCCF’s Activities Committee and Literacy Program chair.

Part One: Forgotten Island Special Block Screening

The block screening of Forgotten Island held on Saturday, September 26, was a resounding success, selling out nearly every seat within weeks of its social media and email announcement. Tickets were priced at $20 (with a $15 discount for students and teachers) and included an ube roll courtesy of Gold Sponsor MochiUnni, along with popcorn and a small soda.

Excited ticket holders arrive at the Marcus Majestic Theater lobby to claim their MochiUnni ube roll and other concessions before heading to the auditorium.

An energetic social media campaign kept momentum building ahead of the event, and the response from the local community and sponsors was overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to our generous sponsors, the committee was also able to raffle off six movie tickets; winners were announced on social media a few days before the event. The raffle winners were Jem Cubos, Rosalyn Knoth, and Joshua Omernick, who each won two tickets.

Here is a complete list of our sponsors:

Gold Sponsors

• MochiUnni (Boba, Bakes, and Sweets) – N89W16750 Appleton Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 (https://mochi-unni.com)
• Larson & Keeney Home Services (Roofing / Gutters / Insulation) – N29W23825 W Woodgate Ct #400, Pewaukee, WI  53072 (https://www.larsonkeeneyhomeservices.com)

Silver Sponsors

• Cocina Filipina Filipino Fare – 3801 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53208 (https://cocinafilipinamke.com)
• Philippine Nurses Association of Wisconsin (PNAWI)
• Donald Mondano, PCCCF Executive Director

Bronze Sponsors

• Carolina G. Conti, M.D., S.C.
• Drs. Maximo & Leticia Cueto
• Drs. Ben & Heidi Gozon
• Dr. Mario Montalbo
• Marietta Prill
• Dr. Pons Salud & Dr. Violeta Singson
• Patrick & Cream Sommer
• Dr. Oscar & Becky Toledo
• Dr. Chris & Dr. Fe Visaya

On the day of the screening, members of UPAA-Wisconsin and the broader Filipino American community gathered with their families—children, siblings, parents, and grandparents—to share in the milestone release, in true Filipino fashion. Attendees left the theater in high spirits, with everyone talking about the movie’s funny and nostalgic moments. Every single person emerged out of the theater, not only carrying a smile on their faces, but also a renewed sense of pride upon seeing their culture represented in such a grand and authentic way.

UPAA-W and VOH committee members pose for a quick photo shortly before the movie starts.

Part Two: Community Fireside Chat

With cultural and heritage education being an essential pillar of the VOH initiative, UPAA-Wisconsin also hosted a community fireside chat a week after the screening to unpack the cultural impact of Forgotten Island. This was held at the Philippine Center in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

VOH Committee Chair Floresa Balondo facilitates a lively and insightful conversation about the film “Forgotten Island” with esteemed guest panelists.

Moderated by VOH Committee Chair Floresa Balondo, the panel brought together three guest speakers who each shared distinct perspectives on the film:

• Dr. Juan Fernandez, Associate Professor of Southeast Asian History at UW–Madison, highlighted the film’s rich visual symbolism, pointing out details like the sandugo (blood compact) ritual and authentic Filipino imagery, artifacts, and iconography incorporated in the film. He further noted that the film offers a poignant and crucial message: that it is important to celebrate the collective memory of Filipino life and how significant this is now that it has become immortalized through the genre of film. He also reminded audiences to not forget the gentler, more emotional elements of the film, such as how it delves deep into the relationships that make Filipino culture so unique: intimate relational bonds like those we share with childhood friends and our lolos and lolas (grandparents).

Dr. Juan Fernandez, Associate Professor of Southeast Asian History at UW-Madison, discussed how “Forgotten Island” captures a nation’s collective memory by weaving authentic cultural artifacts and visual imagery throughout the film.

• Consul Ella Karina Mitra-Yaeger, Cultural Affairs and Diplomacy Officer at the Philippine Consulate in Chicago, discussed the film’s role in public diplomacy and media representation. She emphasized how refreshing it was to see a narrative that offers a joyful, nuanced portrayal of the Philippines rather than focusing strictly on poverty, hardship, or corruption which has become a feature of most international film festivals in the past. She also expressed hope that the film will inspire second-generation Filipino Americans to find other ways of reconnecting with their roots and act as living ambassadors of their heritage in their own communities.

Consul Ella Mitra-Yaeger of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago expressed appreciation for the film’s positive portrayal of the Philippines.

• Marianne Nacanaynay, a Ph.D. student at UW–Madison specializing in Filipino/a/x representation in children’s media, contextualized the film within broader industry trends and how we are witnessing a shift in popular media narratives that favor greater representation from minority groups. Addressing the film’s box-office challenges, she urged the audience not to feel discouraged, noting that streaming platforms and independent storytelling can offer new avenues for representation. She also reminded everyone that there are numerous independent, lesser-known Filipino American creatives eager to share new stories to a wider audience and encouraged everyone to actively seek out and support these efforts.

Marianne Nacanaynay, a Communication Arts PhD student at UW-Madison, offered valuable insights on the film’s potential to inspire Filipino-American creatives to share their stories with wider audiences.

Floresa led a dynamic and spirited session with trivia questions, thought-provoking insights, and key highlights from the film, encouraging lively participation from panel members and audience members alike. Many audience members also shared their favorite moments from the film.

Floresa Balondo moderated a spirited conversation with guest panelists and fireside chat attendees .

Following the discussion, the VOH Committee presented the guest panelists with certificates of appreciation, special gifts, and limited-edition VOH commemorative t-shirts. Attendees then enjoyed a feast of sumptuous and savory Filipino merienda, thanks to our generous sponsors: 

• fried lumpia (courtesy of UPAA-W Board Member Trina Bando)

• pancit bihon (courtesy of Las Islas Filipinas – https://www.lasislasfilipinasllc.com/)
• empanada (courtesy of PCCCF); and
• puto (courtesy of Dr. Violeta Singson and Dr. Pons Salud)

The Value Our Heritage Committee with the guest panel. (L to R: Flo Balondo, Marianne Nacanaynay, Consul Ella Mitra-Yaeger, Dr. Fe Visaya, Dr. Juan Fernandez, and Beaver Flores)

Looking Ahead

UPAA-Wisconsin remains committed to fostering cultural pride and connection through the Value Our Heritage program. Echoing the film’s central tagline, “No memory left behind,” VOH strives to ensure that Philippine history, tradition, and art continue to flourish for future generations.

UPAA-Wisconsin extends its sincere thanks to every sponsor, volunteer, speaker, and community member who made this year’s event a success.

Hanggang sa muli… TAYO NA!

You may watch the full video recording of the fireside chat here. 

(Postscript: Forgotten Island is currently screening in standard and 3D theater formats. Experience it on the big screen while you can!)