Belle Mariano on singing the Filipino version of the 'Moana 2' theme song: 'It's always been a dream of mine'
Gen Z Superstar Belle Mariano made history by singing the first-ever Filipino song to be featured in a Disney animated film.
Her rendition of Moana 2’s OST Beyond, translated into Flipino as Anong Daratnan?, marks a significant milestone in both her career and in Disney's long-standing efforts to connect with diverse global audiences.
In a roundtable interview attended by PhilSTAR L!fe, the 22-year-old Kapamilya artist shared how she felt when Disney tapped her to sing the local version, which will be showcased in the film's end credits.
For Belle, this opportunity was more than just a professional achievement—it was a personal milestone. She has always expressed pride in her Filipino roots, and to sing a song that millions would hear from people across the country was a dream come true.
"It's always gonna be a dream of mine [to] work with Disney. I grew up watching Disney, to be able to do this song with them, wow, it means so much," she said.
Belle continued, "And of course for my music career, I am someone who's still learning and trying to find my voice in the music industry and I am so happy that Disney was one of the steps who helped me to find my voice."
A fun challenge
For years, Disney films have been beloved by audiences worldwide, but this is the first time that a song from one of their major animated releases has been fully localized in the Filipino language.
In this Filipino version, which was originally sung by Moana 2 star Auliʻi Cravalho, Belle shines with her expressive vocals.
"It was a fun challenge actually because I had to translate Moana's emotion to the song. I think that was really challenging because the song, grabe yung passion ni Moana when she was singing it," the Can't Buy Me Love actress said, adding that she is very grateful to represent Moana through a Filipino lens.
"I am so happy and grateful that I was able to represent Moana and I feel like each and every one of us has a Moana in ourselves [so] don't be afraid to know what lies beyond."
While she treats this milestone as a fun challenge, Belle also felt nervous while recording the song.
"When I was singing the first two verses of the song, para akong nasa beach tapos biglang pagdating dun sa mataas na part, inisip ko nalang na may malaking malaking alon, tapos kailangan kong huminga, ayun yung birit, so nakakaba po but yung pag-welcome sakin ng Disney they were really warm."
When asked how she belted the highest note in the song, she said, "Hindi ko rin po alam kung paano ko rin siya nailabas. The team was so good. I am very grateful [to them] for guiding me while recording the song. It was a such process, it was so light."
Balancing career
At 22, Belle has already established herself as one of the Philippines' brightest young stars, capturing fans' hearts through her music and acting. Balancing a career in two demanding fields might seem like a tall order, but Belle has repeatedly proven that she can juggle both worlds with grace, talent, and passion.
"In terms of balancing in every aspect [of] my life, it is also something I am also learning day-to-day but I am so happy I am surrounded [by] my team who guide me," she said.
"Music and acting [have] always been both passions of mine. As in sobrang mahal na mahal ko po umarte, at the same time I grew up singing in Karaoke with my lolo. Kaya talagang malapit sila and feeling ko naman, kapag mahal natin ang isang bagay, pagtutuunan talaga ng oras."
Belle added, "At the end of the day, as long as I know I am doing my purpose, I feel like my purpose in the industry is to make other people smile, and inspire young kids to do whatever they want and dream big, I've always dreamed of working with Disney, as long as I am living that purpose, I am really happy."
Moana 2 will reunite the strong-willed heroine with the shapeshifting demigod Maui three years after the first film for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
Apart from Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson also reprised his role as Maui.
The film opens in theaters on Nov. 27.
