February 22, 2026 | 12:10pm
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino representation has long been established in the medical drama “The Pitt” with two Filipino nurses and a resident doctor as part of the cast, but it was a pleasant surprise to hear a Visayan lullaby sung in one of its latest episodes.
The second season of “The Pitt” aired last January 8 on HBO Max, and as viewers continued to watch the stories of the medical professionals and their patients at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, Isa Briones sings a familiar tune on the show.
The Visayan lullaby “Ili-Ili, Tulog Anay” was featured on the seventh episode of the show aired last February 19.
Briones plays Dr. Trinity Santos, a character who is both loved and hated in the show. Known for her catty remarks, the resident doctor showed a softer side when she sang the Hiligaynon lullaby to an abandoned baby who was pesistently crying.
Behind the scene
In an interview with Vogue Philippines, Isa shared that the scene was an idea from showrunner and writer Scott Gemmill, who suggested to sing a Filipino lullaby in the show.
Isa called her father, theater stalwart Jon Jon Briones, who suggested for her to sing the Hiligaynon lullaby about a baby being comforted by an older sister or aunt’s voice in absence of the mother’s baby.
“It fit perfectly, especially for the context of this baby being left there. It was a really cool chance to show a softer side and also sprinkle a little culture in there,” Isa said.
Filipino cast members
Apart from Isa, the two other Filipino cast in the show are Amielynn Abellera cast as the Moro nurse Perlah and Kristin Villanueva who plays the other Filipina nurse, Princess.
“The Pitt” picked up best drama citations, including at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards and the 83rd Golden Globe Awards.
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