Isa Briones on how a Hiligaynon lullaby became part of 'The Pitt' season 2
Filipino representation has been part of The Pitt since its first season. This was turned up a notch in season 2 of the Emmy-winning medical drama, as one of the Pinoy-blooded doctors sang a Hiligaynon lullaby.
In episode 7 of the latest season, Dr. Trinity Santos (Isa Briones) can't get any quiet to work on her charting as the abandoned baby Jane Doe began to cry loudly. The cocky second-year resident goes into the pediatric unit to talk to the baby and unexpectedly sings her verse of Ili Ili Tulog Anay.
"It fit perfectly, especially for the context of this baby being left there," Isa said in an interview with Vogue.
The song has lines about hushing a child whose mother went away to buy some bread. It's a fit for the show, as the baby was found abandoned in a hospital bathroom at the beginning of season 2.
Isa shared with the magazine that showrunner and writer Scott Gemmill talked to her about singing a Filipino lullaby. Then, she called her father, Broadway actor Jon Jon Briones, for his opinion.
“It was a really cool chance to show a softer side and also sprinkle a little culture in there," the actress said.
Isa last visited the Philippines when she was seven years old.
Apart from Isa, The Pitt also features two Filipino nurses, Princess (Kristin Villanueva) and Perlah (Amielynn Abellera), who often speak to each other in Tagalog during their shift.
The second season also stars Katherine LaNasa, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez, and Sepideh Moafi.
The show won three Emmy Awards in 2025 for Best Drama Series, Best Actor for Wyle, and Best Supporting Actress for LaNasa. In 2026, they earned two Golden Globes for Best TV Drama and Best Actor in a TV Drama for Wyle.
Apart from The Pitt, Isa is known for her roles in Star Trek: Picard and Goosebumps. She also became part of the first touring company of Hamilton and starred in the Broadway run of Hadestown alongside her father.
