Kapuso Pop princess Zephanie is on cloud nine after she was chosen to sing the Filipino version of "This Wish," the theme song of Walt Disney's newest animated film, "Wish," which is currently being shown worldwide.

In an exclusive Zoom call last Wednesday, Zephanie was grateful for her experience as part of Disney's 100th anniversary celebration.

"It's an honor to be chosen to sing the Filipino version of the theme song, which is 'Aking Hiling.' It has always been a dream of mine to have a project with Disney. Last year, I was part of the Disney PH launch with other celebrities, so exactly one month this year nangyari po itong Disney 'Wish.' I'm very grateful, and I waited for this one, and it's finally here at naririnig na ng mga tao. I feel blessed," she said.

(It's an honor to be chosen to sing the Filipino version of the theme song, which is 'Aking Hiling.' It has always been a dream of mine to have a project with Disney. Last year, I was part of the Disney PH launch with other celebrities, so exactly one month this year, this Disney 'Wish' happened. I'm very grateful, and I waited for this one, and it's finally here, and people are hearing it. I feel blessed.)

Fans praised Zephanie's latest song, calling it perfect, uplifting, and inspiring.

"Nakakatuwa na malaman na ganun ang reaction ng mga tao sa special blessing na ito na dumating sa akin. Isa sa mga worry ko noon isang magiging reaction ng mga tao sa interpretation ko ng song. Pero dahil sa positive feedback, it inspires me more na maging always at my best at mangarap ng malaki," said she.

(It's exciting to hear people's reactions to this special blessing that came to me. One of my worries was their reaction to my interpretation. But positive feedback inspires me to always be at my best and dream big.)

A member of Sparkle's GMA Artist Center, Kapuso Network's talent management arm, Zephanie has already performed in stages and arenas locally and abroad, released a commercially successful full-length album, endorsed big brands, graced the covers of magazines, and became the Grand Champion of Idol Philippines.

Disney movies were a staple of Zephanie's childhood, with her and her siblings often singing along to the songs. Their favorites are The Princess and the Frog and Frozen. "We know a lot of songs from Disney movies and memorize namin yung ibang kanta."

Zephanie has previously recorded theme songs for teleseryes, but this marks her debut in recording a theme song for Disney.

"Kahit ngayon kapag nakakakita ako ng mga pinakamakinang na stars sa sky, hindi ko po mapigilan yun mag-wish ako pero for me, I consider it as a prayer. It's like wishing on a star. Until now I still do.

(Even now, when I see the brightest star in the sky, I can't stop wishing, but I consider it a prayer for me. It's like wishing on a star. Until now, I still do.)

"Marami na rin po akong mga hiling na natupad na at natutupad. Isa na po roon ay yung maging kilalang singer. Isa na rin po ito sa mga paraan ko na mag-give back at ibigay sa family ko yung comfortable life na pinapangarap din namin. Itong Disney project na rin. This whole musical journey is a dream come true," Zephanie also said.

(I have many wishes that have been fulfilled and are being fulfilled. One of them is to become a famous singer. This is also one of my ways to give back and give my family the comfortable life we also dream of. This Disney project, too. This whole musical journey is a dream come true.)

Asked about her current wishes, Zephanie said: "Peace for everyone. Lalo na sa lahat ng pinagdaanan natin sa mundo. Laging may mabigay so sana lahat tayo makaranas ng peace and receive the love we all deserve. And hit records."

Zephanie, 20, also shared her favorite line from the song.

"I feel like the whole song speaks so much to me. Nakakarelate po talaga ako sa song. Kung may favorite part po ako ng song siguro yung chorus part. 'Puso ko tapang lang ang dadalhin.' kasi sa bawa't pinagdaraanan ko sa buhay laging andyan ang pagsubok. 

(The whole song speaks so much to me. I can really relate to the song. If I have a favorite part of the song, it's the chorus part. 'My heart only takes courage.' In everything I go through, there is always a test.)

"Hindi talaga nawawala ang mga challenge sa buhay. Kung walang tapang sa puso mo, feeling ko mas magiging challenging. siya harapin. Yun ang gusto ko lang i-remind sa sarili ko na dapat lagi kang may tapang. Kapag pinagsama mo yung puso at tapang, kayang-kaya mo kahit ano ang dumating sa buhay," she said.

(Challenges in life never disappear. If you don't have courage in your heart, it will be more challenging to face it. That's why I want to remind myself that I should always have courage. When you combine your heart and courage, you can handle whatever life throws your way.)

Set in the magical kingdom of Rosas, where wishes come true, “Wish” tells the story of Asha (Ariana DeBose), a young girl looking to become the apprentice to Rosas’ ruler King Magnifico (Chris Pine). After discovering the truth about Rosas, she makes a powerful wish and meets a ball of energy named Star. With Star and her goat Valentino, Asha sets out on a quest to save the kingdom and everyone’s wishes. 

“Wish” features the voices of Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino. The film is helmed by director Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, and produced by Peter Del Vecho, Juan Pablo Reyes, and Lancaster Jones. Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore wrote the screenplay. The film also features seven original songs written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice, plus a score by composer Dave Metzger.

Filipino viewers can also listen to the special Filipino version of the film’s main song (“This Wish”) with “Aking Hiling”, performed by Zephanie. You can listen to the song on Spotify and watch the official music video coming soon to YouTube.

A nationwide music caravan with Wish 107.5 was held at SM City Clark last Nov. 22. The same music caravan will go to Ayala Malls Central Bloc and SM Seaside Cebu on Nov. 25.