For award-winning performers Janella Salvador and Gian Magdangal, when Disney comes calling, you answer. “Automatic na ‘yan. Of course, yes, definitely,” Salvador says with the biggest smile. “Anything that is Disney is really something that would excite anybody – to get an opportunity to sing for Disney,” adds Magdangal.
The two singers sat down for a joint interview to talk about the upcoming Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert from Film Concerts PH where they will be the guest vocalists. The concert will feature Disney’s animated sensation Moana projected on the big screen, with its acclaimed score and songs performed live by the 78-member Filharmonika Orchestra, conducted by maestro Gerard Salonga. Salvador will provide the vocals for the adventurous Moana, with Magdangal as the powerful demigod Maui.
Just like their film counterparts, Salvador and Magdangal give off a charming brother-and-sister vibe as they banter over the challenges of singing Disney songs, and how Magdangal can best channel Dwayne Johnson, the original actor who played Maui in both the animated and live action versions of Moana. “You have to wear the wig!” Salvador jokes, referring to Maui’s long, curly locks. “And the tattoos,” adds Magdangal.
The pair are just about to start rehearsals for the show, which will be held on October 3 and 4 at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City. It’s going to be a challenge, for sure, but a welcome one. Not only will they be singing beloved songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” live, they’ll do it with a 78-piece orchestra while also syncing with the movie playing on the big screen. “It’s not a joke,” Magdangal explains. “It’s these types of performances that really test you, but at the same time, they also make you so excited, and they push you in a good direction toward who you want to be as an artist.”
A Disney Homecoming
This isn’t Salvador’s first time channeling the courageous and magical Moana. In 2016, when Salvador was only 18, she was chosen to sing the character’s signature song, “How Far I’ll Go,” for the film’s Philippine release. “It’s been 10 years since I did the cover for Moana. So parang ito na rin yung celebration ko of my 10th anniversary, na makakabalik ako as Moana,” she says.
When asked if anything had changed in her life over the last 10 years that might recontextualize Moana’s “journey song” for her a decade later, she says she’s looking forward to finding out once she gets on stage. “I was a lot younger back then. We’ll see,” Salvador adds.
Magdangal is no stranger to Disney, either. While Salvador was lending her voice to Moana a decade ago, Magdangal was working at Hong Kong Disneyland as a performer, playing different roles in the park’s many live shows. Earlier this year, he also sung alongside Disney Legend Lea Salonga during the amusement park’s 20th anniversary celebration. Now, he gets a chance to play another popular character under the Disney banner. “It’s full circle to be able to perform another character,” Magdangal says. “It’s just always a privilege and an honor. Disney’s always been so good to me.”
A Symphony of the Sea
The concert will feature the film’s acclaimed score and songs performed live by the Filharmonika Orchestra and vocalists, with music by Grammy-winning composer Mark Mancina, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Polynesian composer and performer Opetaia Foa‘i.
Salvador herself cannot wait to perform “How Far I’ll Go” once more. “Every time I sing that song, I feel like I connect with it so much. When people ask me, ‘What’s the song of your life?’ I always answer ‘How Far I’ll Go’ because I really resonate with it,” shares the actress-singer. “And every time I sing it, it just takes me to a certain place. I just pour my whole heart out.”
At the helm will be Gerard Salonga, with whom both Salvador and Magdangal are excited to work with. Magdangal notes that this is his first time being part of a live film concert, but says he isn’t nervous about working with Maestro Gerard. “You know that you’re in good hands,” he exclaims. “It’s a 78-piece orchestra. There’s pressure, but at the same time, excitement.”
Salvador adds that while she has performed with an orchestra before, it was a very different setting from the one she’ll step into in October. “I did a Disney concert way back, and I did it with the orchestra then, but now it’s my first time singing and syncing with the movie. So I don’t know what to expect, how that’s going to feel, but I can just imagine,” she explains. Magdangal jokingly adds, “I hope I won’t be distracted watching the movie!”
Set Sail for a Journey Worth Taking
As anticipation builds for a weekend of music and adventure, Film Concerts PH is giving a lucky few audience members and fans the chance to meet the artists bringing the beloved story to life. Six winners per show will be selected at random for an exclusive Meet & Greet with Salvador, Magdangal, and Gerard Salonga following each performance.
To join, fans simply need to purchase at least four tickets, regardless of ticket tier, before the raffle closes. Those who have already purchased their tickets are also eligible, with no additional registration required. All qualified ticket purchases will be automatically entered into the raffle. The raffle will run until September 27, 2026, with winners announced on September 28, 2026.
Fans are also encouraged to join the magic themselves by coming in costume, cheering for their favorite moments, and clapping along as the story unfolds on the big screen. Salvador is excited to perform Moana’s songs in front of a crowd and have audiences experience the Disney magic with her. “I feel like the magic of Disney is really within the songs,” she says. “I wish I could be an audience member to be able to watch the film with the live orchestra! It’s different when you’re watching people sing live. You feel every emotion. I’m sure the magic will be on a different level.”
Magdangal, on the other hand, amusingly channels Maui in his answer. “I want them to feel ‘you’re welcome’ for this whole experience,” he jokes. But in truth, he hopes the audience leaves with smiles on their faces. “I want them to feel the magic of the movie and of the music,” he explains. “It’s Disney come to life.”
Sail for Motunui and experience Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert on October 3 and 4, 2026, at The Theatre at Solaire. The production is presented by Film Concerts PH and features score and music by composers Mark Mancina, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Polynesian Music Composer and Performer, Opetaia Foa‘I, performed Live-to-Film by the Filharmonika Orchestra, conducted by Gerard Salonga with vocals from Janella Salvador and Gian Magdangal.
Tickets are now available via Premier.TicketWorld.com.ph and participating outlets nationwide.
Upcoming productions from Film Concerts PH include:
- UNDERTALE: The Determination Symphony on October 17 & 18, 2026 at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Makati
- Jujutsu Kaisen in Concert on November 28 & 29, 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater
- Home Alone in Concert on December 19 & 20, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire
- Attack on Titan: Symphony from Paradis on August 28 & 29, 2027 at The Theatre at Solaire