For Moira Dela Torre, the theme song of Disney film Mulan means a lot.
According to her, it was the first song of which she learned the entire lyrics and performed before an audience. “It basically launched my love of music,” she said.
“It’s the first-ever song I performed in public, and also the first full song that I learned on my own,” related the 26-year-old singer-songwriter.
Thus she was excited—emotional, even—when she learned Disney tapped her to sing the Philippine version of “Reflection,” which was first sung by another talented Filipino: Lea Salonga for the 1998 animated film. Christina Aguilera also recorded her version which became her debut single when she was 17 years old.
Disney Philippines made the announcement weeks prior to the Philippine premiere of the live-action adaptation of the 1998 film on March 25.
Mulan is based on the Chinese folklore The Ballad of Mulan, which follows the story of Hua Mulan who disguised herself as a man to take her ailing father’s place in the Imperial Chinese Army, harnessing her strength and embracing her true potential.
It’s theme song, “Reflection” has become one of the most popular Disney songs, with 40 official versions worldwide.
The song is about self-doubt and expresses the way an individual (in this case, Mulan) feels about wanting to express herself and show the world who she really is instead of pretending.
During the listening party, Dela Torre became emotional as she recalled the meaning of the song to her before, and how it came at the right in this point of her life.
“I became very emotional because ‘Reflection’ is very special to me,” she shared.
“It’s funny how it speaks about self-doubt and questioning who you see on the mirror every day. That’s basically me, but every time I feel that happening now, I feel braver. This song came back at a perfect time in my life, and I could only be happy and grateful,” enthused Moira.
Disney Philippines will soon release the music video of Moira Dela Torre’s rendition of “Reflection.”
