How well did Liza Soberano really fare on her first voice acting stint? Let a 20-year voice acting veteran tell you.
As praises towards Netflix’s recently released Trese surged in, so did an equally large deluge of disapproving comments towards Liza Soberano and the voice she lent for the series’ Filipino dub. Apparently, many were unimpressed as Liza’s voice acting to them sounded flat, monotonous, and poorly represented that hardy Filipino diction, even going as far as saying that her urbane tone might have fit the English dub better.
One such soul that didn’t think so, however, was veteran voice actor Inka Magnaye, who made her thoughts over Liza’s dub known on her Twitter page. Through a series of tweets, Magnaye made a case for the actress’ Trese stint by sharing her honest observations and saying that Liza’s voice was “perfect,” but could still do with constructive comments.
Ok Liza Soberano ISNT monotonous. She has dynamics in her delivery. However, she DOES tend to deliver her lines in almost the exact same cadence, and people confuse that with monotony.
— Inka (@inkamagnaye) June 13, 2021
how things were while they were recording so I’m just speculating. Anyways, these are just my thoughts!
— Inka (@inkamagnaye) June 13, 2021
Apart from deflating claims that Liza’s voice acting was monotonous, Magnaye also stated that the dub could have been better if the latter was guided inside the recording booth better, seeing as Liza is an actress by craft and not a voice actress per se.
Magnaye, who has other two decades of voice acting under her belt, also commended Filipino-American Shay Mitchell’s English dub. Comparing the delivery of the two languages, she added that Liza could have employed the same style, but only if she got enough practice along the way.
As a bonus, Magnaye even did a trial dub of Liza’s lines in the series.
I did a quick Trese dub on Tiktok! I just posted it, it’s very raw so don’t expect much lol
— Inka (@inkamagnaye) June 15, 2021
I really think my voice sounds too mature for the character, which is why I said I liked Liza Soberano’s voice quality for the role.
Watch it and lmk what you think!
Finally, Magnaye hailed her fellow voice actors who lent their voice to the groundbreaking series. She then voiced out her desire for future animated projects to cast more experienced voice actors since “it’s their realm” and it’s a way of showing support for true Filipino talent. This isn’t, however, a call to replace the current cast of Trese, but simply to support the craft of local voice artists.
Ang dami nang films and tv shows in the Philippines, but when it comes to animation, we barely have projects na nga like this where our MANY WONDERFUL PINOY VOICE ARTISTS CAN SHINE, binibigay pa sa film actors.
— Inka (@inkamagnaye) June 15, 2021
Support ALL Filipino talent. I promise you, WE ARE WORTH IT.
My sentiments about Trese are my genuine opinions.
— Inka (@inkamagnaye) June 15, 2021
People need to realize that you can critique kindly. You can still be supportive. You don’t have to be mean to be honest. And you don’t have to attack when you disagree.
Also, last tweet about this Trese thing.
— Inka (@inkamagnaye) June 15, 2021
I do NOT want to replace any of the current cast of VAs on the show ?? they all did SPLENDIDLY and I am SO PROUD.
If I get invited to join the cast, I would like it to be a completely new character ??
Okay, thank you!!
Magnaye hails from a family of voice artists. Her mother, Lindy Magnaye, had been the voice artist of Philippine Airlines for several years, while her aunt, Neneng Magnaye-Arceo, was the voice behind the iconic MTRCB advisory we hear before every TV show and movie. Her brother, Renzo, is also a radio host on 99.5 Play FM, where Inka previously worked as a DJ herself for eight years.
We are a family of voice actors!
— Inka (@inkamagnaye) January 2, 2021
Here’s me asking them how they would say some lines. Wait til the end—I always get a kick out of my brother @renzosaurus’ old man voice lol pic.twitter.com/2dMCVntxSM
Trese, Netflix’s first original animated show, is based on a crime-horror comic book by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo. It’s set in Manila and deals with the ghastliest creatures from Philippine folklore who live in hiding among humans. Featuring the voice of Liza Soberano for the Filipino dub, the show premiered last Friday, June 11, and has been topping Netflix’s most-watched chart since. Voice actor Inka Magnaye defends Liza Soberano’s ‘monotonous’ Trese dub