Belle Mariano's latest single demanded more than just her incredible vocals—it required so much more than simply singing. The 22-year-old actress revealed how fun yet challenging it was for her to record "Anong Daratnan" which was tagged as the official full Filipino end credit song for Disney's latest film, Moana 2.
In a roundtable interview including Cosmopolitan Philippines during the premiere screening of Moana 2, Belle shared bits about her Disney journey. For Belle, she disclosed that she didn't just sing with her voice, but more importantly, with Moana's voice. Belle narrates how she decided to become Moana so that she could convey the song properly.
"I think, it was a fun challenge because I had to translate Moana's emotions through the song. I think that was really challenging. The song, grabe 'yung passion ni Moana when she was singing it. So I had to be in that state, but it was such a fun experience," she recalled.
Aside from that part, Belle admitted that she was really nervous the moment that she stepped into the recording studio. But she overcame the nerve-wracking experience by imagining herself trying to go along the waves of the seas. "Kinabahan po ako. Actually, when I was singing the first two verses of the song, para akong nasa beach, pagdating 'nung sa mataas na part, isipin mo na lang na may malaking, malaking alon, tapos kailangan mong huminga, tapos 'yun 'yung birit," she illustrated.
Her song, which was released for streaming already on November 22, 2024, shocked Belle and even listeners with how high the notes were. Thankfully, Belle says the Disney team guided her throughout the recording. "'Yung mga tao there sa recording, they were the same people who recorded the previous artist, so I asked them how they were able to do that. They actually made me listen to several artists," she said.
At the time of the interview, Belle still hasn't watched the film. So, when asked about the most fun part of her experience with Disney, she talked about her reaction when the song was first released. "When it was released, 'yung song, I'm so happy kasi nakita ko lang isang post, biglang na-release 'yung music video, and 'yung song, gulat ako. My friends started messaging me, 'Uy Belle congrats!' I was so happy," she enthusiastically told the media.
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Belle Mariano's growth as an artist
ICYDK, Belle isn't just an actress—she's released several songs and even an album since she started pursuing her music career. Honored and grateful, Belle expressed how much singing for Disney meant for her and her career.
"It means so much. It's always been a dream to be able to work with Disney. Sobra," she began telling. "I grew up watching Disney. To be able to do this song with them? Wow, it means so much. For my music career, for someone who's still learning and someone who is trying to find my voice in the music industry, I'm so happy that Disney was one of the steps that helped me find my voice."
Now that she's participated in a Disney song, will Belle pursue more of her music career? Belle assuresher fans that both music and acting are something that she is really passionate about. She's acknowledged the highlights of doing both and Belle is absolutely set out to stay as an actress-singer for the most part ;)
"I love doing both. When it comes to acting, you get to become someone else. The beauty of acting [is that] you can different lives, and you can learn from that character. When it comes to music, you have your own translation.[...] Meron silang differences when it comes to executing that art. That's why I love both," Belle explained.
She continued, "By the end of the day, as long as I'm still doing my purpose, I think my purpose in the industry is to make other people smile and inspire kids to do whatever they want, to dream big—as long as I'm living that purpose."
And that purpose, we must say, was evident enough when she sang "Anong Daratnan." For Belle, representing Moana through the song is a great feat. "I'm so happy and I'm so grateful that I'm able to represent Moana. I feel like each and everyone has their own Moana sa atin. Don't be afraid to know what lies beyond," Belle declared.
"Anong Daratnan" sang by Belle Mariano ft. Te Vaka is officially streaming on Spotify. While, Moana 2 will be premiering in cinemas nationwide in the Philippines on November 27, 2024.
Watch Belle Mariano's "Anong Daratnan" official music video here:
