Janella Salvador Thankful to Sing PH Version of Moana Theme Song ‘How Far I’ll Go’

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OPM Pop Sweetheart Janella Salvador proved music runs through her blood as she slayed her Philippine version of “How Far I’ll Go,” the lead song of the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film, “Moana.”

The 18-year-old star, daughter of acclaimed theater actress and “Miss Saigon” veteran Jenine Desiderio, was one of the five artists from Southeast Asia to cover the soundtrack in their respective local languages. The other singers include Indonesia’s Maudy Ayunda, Malaysia’s AydaJebat, Thailand’s Myra Molloy and Vietnam’s MinhNhu.

When a thankful Janella boarded the Wish 107.5 Bus last November 25, Friday, she shared how she felt upon receiving the news. “I feel like I’m dreaming right now, and [in fact], it hasn’t completely really sunk into me.”

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“How Far I’ll Go,” a bouncy, motivational track penned by award-winning “Hamilton” composer Lin Manuel-Miranda, was originally recorded by Alessia Cara. It was also sang by Auli’i Cravalho, the voice behind the animated film’s main character, Moana.

The song’s soaring chorus and inspirational lyrics resonate the persona of Moana — “a young woman who leaves her South Pacific island to restore her people’s ancient role as master voyagers.”

Janella’s cover of the song marks the third time that she worked with Disney. In 2015, she was invited to sing the “Happily Ever After,” the 10th anniversary theme song of Hongkong Disneyland. She also channeled  Rapunzel and “Frozen”’s Anna during the show, “Disney in Concert: Tale as Old as Time,” in November 2016.