Proof Elijah Canlas has reached icon status at 25

September 10 ------ “It was so surreal. At least, I will now have something to show my parents whenever they ask where I am.” That was Elijah Canlas’ reaction upon seeing The Year of Elijah: Exhibit of a Multimedia Force, a tribute that gathered his work across film, television, theater, and music. Lined up in one space were eight films, three shows, two theater plays, and even his own tracks — basically proof that the 25-year-old is everywhere.

The whole thing wasn’t even his idea. “It was Sir Erickson’s (Raymundo) concept,” he said, referring to his manager at Cornerstone Entertainment Inc. “I thought it was just going to be a sit-down with the media over lunch or merienda. Then, a day before, they told me there’s actually an exhibit. I saw it when I got there, before the press arrived. I appreciated their effort.” From amusement came gratitude. “Thankful that somebody believes in me that much. Seeing all my projects lined up like that — grabe! It was so surreal.”

The exhibit broke down his workload this year. “In Frames” highlighted his films: “Sunshine,” “Salvageland” with Richard Gomez, “Raging,” “Edjop” with Jodi Sta. Maria, GMA Pictures’ “Gabi ng Lagim,” and “The Remotes.” It also teased two shorts: “Is This Desire” and “Water Sports,” already set for the New York Film Festival.

TV was also front and center, from his role as Sofronio Vasquez in “Maalaala Mo Kaya’s” comeback episode, to hosting in “VIBE,” to a still-under-wraps project called “Hello, Heaven.” His chemistry with real-life girlfriend Miles Ocampo can be seen in their music videos, too — Cup of Joe’s hit “Multo” and The Juans’ “Ano Ba Talaga Tayo.” And in “Through the Echoes,” Elijah the musician got his shine with singles “kilala kita,” “asar talo,” “loved song,” and a teaser for “Joseph K.”

For Elijah, the meaning wasn’t in the sheer number of projects but in the validation. “It’s not an everyday thing. Kahit pagod ka, you look around and see the people you’re working with — actors you once just watched, who are now your friends. You’re making something together. That’s a huge honor.” That gratitude shapes his choices. “Of course, I consult my family and management. They already know what my vision is and the legacy I want to leave behind. What matters is telling stories that are important to me — whether personal, social or artistic. Sometimes that means surprising even them, like when I said yes to hosting ‘VIBE.’ I’m open to trying new things.”

That openness means pushing through challenges, too. “Edjop” has taken almost three years, growing with him as he matured. “Raging,” shot in stormy Sibuyan, tested how he could make quiet, slice-of-life scenes engaging. Theater keeps him sharp — most recently in “Dagitab,” where director Geuelan Luarca reminded him of the hardest but simplest lesson: listen and be present. Someday, he hopes to bring these lessons into international collaborations — not just Hollywood, but Asia’s thriving film scene.

What “The Year of Elijah” captured wasn’t just posters and playlists. It showed an artist building his legacy in real time. “It’s nice to see everything lined up like that,” Elijah said. “But at the end of the day, I just pray for more chances to do what I love, for the people I love to stay healthy, and for peace.” For now, the exhibit stands as proof of a career already brimming with meaning, and a promise of more to come. Or, as Elijah himself joked: “At least, I now have something to show my parents whenever they ask where I am.”

Source: inquirer.net