Throughout history, Filipinos being officially tapped to singing Disney songs was not an uncommon sight. Of course, there is the iconic participation of Lea Salonga as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine and Mulan in Aladdin and Mulan respectively. Her version of A Whole New World and Reflection remains as classics that have withstood the test of time. And then there are artists like Janella Salvador and Inigo Pascual who were chosen by Disney to do covers of songs from their films.
But never has it been that a Filipino artist got to sing a Filipino song for Disney, until this year. Back in March, KZ Tandingan made history as the first local artist to sing an original song in Filipino, “Gabay” for a Disney film. Her inclusion in the soundtrack to Raya and the Last Dragon broke barriers. And KZ will now have company as she is joined by Maris Racal.
The actress and singer is the latest addition to the growing list of Filipino artists recording for Disney. After the history-making track “Gabay” by KZ Tandingan for “Raya and the Last Dragon,” Disney is gifting Filipinos again with another Tagalog song this time with the voice of Maris Racal. Titled “Simulan,” the song is the Ultimate Princess Celebration’s official anthem. The song is the Filipino version of “Starting Now” which was originally performed by Grammy-winning singer, Brandy.
“Definitely a princess moment. My first ever project with [Disney Studios PH] is finally here. I can’t believe this is happening,” Maris announced in an Instagram post. “With this song, I hope young Filipinas would feel empowered to do things that they have always wanted to do and not to forget about the hearts of gold that they have, to chase their dreams while being compassionate to other people,” she said in a video released by Disney Studios PH.In an interview with Star Magic, the 24-year-old singer shared she was in disbelief when she first heard that she had gotten the project. “Hindi ako makapaniwala. Talagang as in sobrang, ‘Talaga ba? Ako?” she said. “Alam niyo po nung nag-rerecord ako…kinikilig ako. Ang saya sa feeling, ang gaan. Ang ganda po ng song, ang ganda ng pagka-translate from English to Filipino.” She continued.
