LOS ANGELES, California — Filipino-American actress Liza Soberano and Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. turned heads as they shared the stage as presenters at the 3rd Annual Gold Gala on Saturday, May 9, 2026 (Sunday, PH time). Held at the historic Music Center in Los Angeles, the event celebrated the most influential Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) in culture, business, and entertainment.
The duo’s appearance comes as anticipation builds for their upcoming big-screen collaboration, the psychological thriller “Forgotten Island.”
Both stars paid homage to their heritage through their high-fashion choices:
- Liza Soberano: The Lisa Frankenstein star wore a custom Filipiniana-inspired gown by a renowned local designer, featuring modern terno sleeves and intricate gold embroidery. Soberano was recently named to the Gold House A100 list, recognizing her as one of the most impactful Asians in global media.
- H.E.R.: The singer-songwriter opted for a bold, structural gold ensemble. During the gala, she was honored with the Gold Legend Award for her contributions to music and her advocacy for Filipino-American representation in the industry.
During a brief red-carpet interview, Soberano and H.E.R. teased their upcoming film, “Forgotten Island,” which wrapped filming in Palawan earlier this year.
- The Plot: The film follows two estranged sisters who discover a dark family secret while stranded on a remote Philippine island.
- H.E.R.’s Acting Debut: While she has appeared in musical films, this marks H.E.R.’s first major dramatic leading role. “Working with Liza has been a masterclass. We’re bringing a story that is uniquely ours but universal in its themes of sisterhood and survival,” the singer remarked.
- Release Date: A teaser trailer is expected to drop at Comic-Con 2026, with a global theatrical release slated for November 2026.
The 2026 Gold Gala theme, “Gold Bridge,” focused on connecting API talent across the globe.
- Honorees: Aside from H.E.R., other notable honorees included the cast of the hit series The White Lotus: Thailand and Olympic gymnast Suni Lee.
- Soberano’s Global Trajectory: Since moving to Los Angeles, Soberano has been a frequent fixture at major Hollywood events. Industry insiders suggest she is currently in talks for a major Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) role, though no official confirmation was provided at the event.
- Cultural Representation: In her presentation speech alongside H.E.R., Soberano emphasized the importance of “authentic storytelling” and thanked Gold House for “giving Filipino voices a seat at the table.”
Following the gala, Soberano is scheduled to fly back to Manila for the Philippine premiere of her indie film The Guest and to fulfill several brand endorsements. She is also rumored to be producing a new limited series focused on pre-colonial Philippine mythology under her own production shingle.
“Standing here with H.E.R. feels like a full-circle moment for us as Fil-Ams. We’re not just here to present awards; we’re here to show the world what our culture can do.” — Liza Soberano