Here's what we know about the film 'Forgotten Island'
AT A GLANCE
In local mythology, the idea of a magical island isn't too far-fetched.
Philippine mythology is finding its way to Hollywood through an animated feature by DreamWorks Animation.
While plot details have been kept secret, the project is said to center around characters who find themselves transported to "a long-forgotten, magical island rooted in Philippine mythology." Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the duo behind the critically acclaimed "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" sequel, are credited as the directors and writers of the upcoming film. It is slated for release in September 2026.
In local mythology, the idea of a magical island isn't too far-fetched. One tale that stands out is the supposed existence of a secret city in Samar known as Biringan. Biringan City is said to be a magical realm inhabited by engkanto (supernatural beings). Some tales mention fishermen often find themselves lured to Biringan after catching large batches of fish, not knowing they are already floating in the skies of Biringan rather than the sea.
Another mythical city is said to exist in Iloilo between Passi and Dumarao. As the legend goes, while work was being done on the now-defunct Panay Railway, a worker was approached by a man said to be a tribe member of the Tumao tribe. The Tumao tribe member was described as Mongolian in appearance and supposedly cautioned the worker about building a railway through their city. Confused, the worker pointed out that he saw nothing, so the Tumao tribe member showed him and brought the worker to his home for a feast. After the feast, the worker was surprised to find the city had disappeared once more. He reported his encounter to a higher-up, and it was decided they would build the railway to avoid the hidden city, explaining the crooked railway path in the area.
In Mindanao, there are also tales about the place having its own fabled Atlantis, the mysterious island of San Juan. Based on early maps of the Philippines, San Juan is a completely separate island northeast of Mindanao. One cartographer went so far as to include illustrations of the supposed inhabitants of the island. Future maps of the Philippines omit this mysterious island, though many have since brushed it off as a simple mistake made by early map makers. Others assume San Juan was meant to be Siargao or Bucas Grande.
