Disney announces new Filipino song 'Aking Hiling' for its 100th-anniversary movie 'Wish'
With a century of bringing magic, Disney has released Aking Hiling, a special Filipino rendition of the main song of Wish.
In case you didn't know, Wish is Disney's 100th-anniversary film which tells the story of Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, who makes a wish so powerful that it’s answered by a cosmic force—a ball of boundless energy called Star in the kingdom of Rosas. Asha and Star confront the formidable King Magnifico to prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
The movie's main song, This Wish, was first performed live by Ariane DeBose, who voices Asha, at the 2022 D23 Expo in September of last year. For its local counterpart, Aking Hiling, Disney chose this generation's pop princess Zephanie Dimaranan to record the song.
“I just can't put into words how happy and grateful I am to be given the opportunity to sing Aking Hiling and be a part of Disney’s 100th-anniversary celebration here in the Philippines," the young singer said in a press release sent to PhilSTAR L!fe.
According to the Pinay singer, the song taught her that "great things truly come at the right time and season of our lives" and she shared how the song relatively impacted her.
“Nakaka-relate talaga ako sa Aking Hiling as a dreamer who grew up watching Disney movies and shows."
She continued, "To believe in the power of one’s wish is such a strong message that the song puts across, so I hope this will inspire us further to go after our hearts’ wishes."
As per Disney, the song will drop on Spotify and its official music video. The date has yet been announced.
Meanwhile, Zephanie will embark on different activities in celebration of the release of the movie. The 20-year-old Idol Philippines champ will perform the song live at Glorietta Activity Center on Saturday, Nov. 18 as part of the nationwide music caravan of the song.
Helmed by American filmmaker and animator Chris Buck (Tarzan) and Thai film director and animator Fawn Veerasunthorn (Frozen and Moana), the movie will feature the voices of Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino.
Disney's Wish will be released in Philippine cinemas on Wednesday, Nov. 22.