By John Romme Alba
Who sang the Tagalog version of “Golden”?
Netflix marked this year’s Buwan ng Wika by releasing a Filipino version of the most vocally challenging song from “KPop: Demon Hunters,” which is now the international streaming platform’s “most popular film of all time.”
“KPop: Demon Hunters” is a vibrant, animated musical fantasy that blends the glamor of K-pop with thrilling demon-slaying lore. It follows HUNTRI/X, a world-famous K-pop girl group, Rumi, Mira and Zoey, who maintain a secret life as demon hunters, using their music to battle supernatural threats.
Aside from its storyline, the movie is making waves for its soundtrack, with HUNTRI/X’s singing voices performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI.
Filipino vocal talent got their share of the spotlight as Netflix announced on its official social media accounts the release of the Tagalog version on Spotify.
“Buwan ng Wika is GOLDEN! Pakinggan ang Tagalog version ng ‘Golden’ from KPop: Demon Hunters, available now on Spotify!” the post read.
“Bringing the Filipino version of Golden to life are three theatre artists: Felicity Kyle Napuli as the singing voice of Rumi, Venisse Siy as the singing voice of Mira, and Maronne Cruz as the singing voice of Zoey.”
Felicity has built a career that spans theater, television and film. She began with iconic stage roles like Matilda in “Matilda the Musical,” Young Nala in “The Lion King,” and Beky in “A Little Princess,” earning Gawad Buhay nominations for her work in “Dani Girl” and “Sandosenang Sapatos.”
On screen, she appeared as Tala in “Maria Clara at Ibarra” on GMA 7 and earned international acclaim in “In My Mother’s Skin”, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Meanwhile, Venisse rose to prominence after winning Pinoy K-Pop Star on her third try in 2018, impressing audiences with her rendition of “Sohyang’s Wind Song.” Since then, she has performed at the PhilKor Festival, appeared on ABS-CBN’s “I Can See Your Voice” and released collaborations like “Nang Maitanggi,” and “Sandalan Kita,” steadily building her presence as recording artist.
Maronne, on other hand, brings a distinct voice to Philippine theater as she honed her craft with Ateneo’s Blue Repertory before taking on major stage roles, from Jeanie in “Hair,” and Gabbi in “Sa Wakas” to the lead in “Ako si Josephine.” Her portrayal of Dawn “In Waitress The Musical” highlighted her ability to bring depth to quirky and unconventional characters. She also appeared in the indie film “Mariquina.”
The HUNTRI/X track “Golden” has also taken on new life as top Filipino singers take with their own powerful rendition of the song.
Former Tawag ng Tanghalan contenders Jezza Quioge, Chloe Redondo and TNT’s Grand Champion Elaine Duran recorded their respective versions, highlighting the track’s wide appeal among emerging performers.
Belters Morisette Amon, Katrina Velarde and Klarisse De Guzman also offered their powerful rendition of “Golden,” adding to the lineup of local covers. Meanwhile, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez included Golden in her Super Divas concert at the Araneta Coliseum.
Adding to the wave, Kyla wowed fans with her own rendition of “Golden” ahead of her October comeback concert, while Angeline Quinto and Jona delivered a powerful duet of the song on ABS-CBN’s ASAP, paying tribute to the track from the animated film.
