Disney introduces new animated program starring Filipino American characters

Bo Bayani and his father, Bill Bayani will star in 'Firebuds.'

A new TV program for kids will center around Filipino American characters. teaching valuable life lessons about community, tolerance and valuing everyone's heritage.

The new show, Firebuds, will premiere an initial batch of episodes today, Sept. 21, on-demand platforms and Disney+. From Emmy® Award-winning creator and executive producer Craig Gerber (Disney’s Elena of Avalor and Sofia the First), the music-filled series follows a group of friends, all children of first responders, who embark on adventures to help their community and learn what it truly means to be a hero.

The lead voice cast includes Declan Whaley as Bo, Terrence Little Gardenhigh as Flash, Vivian Vencer as Violet, Lily Sanfelippo as Axl, JeCobi Swain as Jayden, and Caleb Paddock as Piston. Lou Diamond Phillips and Yvette Nicole Brown also star as co-fire chiefs, Chief Bill Bayani and Chief Faye Fireson, respectively.

In creating his characters, Gerber wanted to emphasize the diversity of the United States. He especially wanted the Filipino aspect of the show because he felt Filipino Americans are underrepresented in American media. In his creation, Bo is part Filipino and part  Jewish, while Jayden is Black. Violet, who is adopted, has a Japanese and Filipino background.

Declan Whaley will voice Bo Bayani.

It also gave him an opportunity to create a role especially for Lou Diamond Phillips, who was born in the Philippines who worked with Gerber in “Elena of Avalor.” His role as Bo’s father, Chief Bill Bayani, allows him to portray part of his own heritage.

As Bo's father, Phillips had a rare chance to play a Filipino American character and enjoyed seeing part of his heritage portrayed. 

“I’m often surprised by some of the material when I show up to record it,” Phillips told the New York Times. “One of the Christmas specials coming up is especially touching,” he noted, because it features Filipino traditions.

Such cultural references are woven throughout the series. Banzon told the New York Times that she developed an episode in which Bo connects with his seemingly distant immigrant grandfather — based on her own lolo — by making lumpias, or spring rolls.

Whether rescuing a young car that’s stuck in a tree, tracking down lost Dalmatian puppies or helping their neighbors stock up on emergency supplies during a blackout, the Firebuds highlight the importance of teamwork and helping your fellow citizens. Each episode is comprised of two 11-minute stories and features at least one new original song.

The show has many Filipino cultural references and representations, staff writer Krystal Banzon revealed to the Inquirer.

In addition to lead character Bo Bayani and his father Bill Bayani, the show will feature Bo's grandparents, Lola Bellen and Lolo Ben, a retired fire chief, offering bits of the wisdom garnered from respected elders.  

Viewers will also be introduced to a talking jeepney, the Philippines public transit vehicle unique to that country. The jeepney will have a disco ball and a kraoke machine giving the characters a chance to break into song.

The importance of children seeing themselves reflected in media cannot be emphasized enough. Jordan Levinson with "Psychology In Action" says the opposite is true as well. When children see themselves represented as the main characters in books and television shows, the experience boosts self-esteem and self-worth. These representations help children feel seen and understood, which is especially important for children in minority groups or children with disabilities.

“I feel that in children’s programming, there is a huge, beautiful responsibility to show kids the wonderful diversity of the world. I feel fortunate and honored to be a part of bringing the Bayani family and the entire Firebuds world to life," Banzon told The Inquirer.

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