He’s probably one of the busiest young actors in the industry now. With eight films starring him, three television shows, two music videos featuring his acting prowess, and two theater plays, along with four self-written tracks echoing through our playlists, a film co-produced under his name, and two more projects yet to be revealed, Elijah Canlas is in full throttle!
From acting on screen, creating music, and sharing the stage as a theater actor, Elijah Canlas continues to prove himself as today’s multimedia force, delivering excellent performances through his multiple projects lined up this year across television, movies, theater, and music.
In the recent media conference held for Elijah, titled “The Year of Elijah: Exhibit of a Multimedia Force,” the projects of the multifaceted artist were displayed in celebration of his artistry and dedication to his craft, including films and shows that are currently in the works, teasing only some behind-the-scenes photos and production details, such as his co-stars, director, writer, and producers, which hints of the exciting and interesting narratives one must watch out for.
Which project, Elijah Canlas thinks, shaped him as an actor?
Back then, it used to be “Kalel, 15.” Because grabe ‘yung immersion na ginawa ko doon. But nowadays, I’m trying to go for a more practical approach when it comes to acting. ‘Yung hindi ako masyadong nahihirapan, hindi ko na binibitbit pauwi, mas madaling kumalas, and mas madaling i-differentiate ‘yung personal and ‘yung work. So, that project was ‘About Us But Not About Us’ for me.
I was preparing for that film for over a month, as in almost everyday mini-memorize ko, inaaral ko, trying to come up with choices. Tapos pagdating sa set, nakita ko si kuya Romnick na just being in the moment. I was asking him, trying to learn from him. Tapos ‘yun ‘yung tina-try kong approach now. Siyempre, meron pa ring preparation aspect, but nowadays, I try not to overthink too much and just trust the process.
How does Elijah Canlas choose his roles?
Honestly, it sometimes starts with filmmakers. Kapag may offer ng project tapos it’s from a director or yung team niya. You know, I’m a fan of movies. I’m a fan of Filipino movies. I’ve been following Filipino cinema since I was young. So, familiar ako sa halos lahat ng mga directors, cinematographers.
So kapag nabalitaan ko kung sino sila, kung hindi ko naman kilala I try to watch their films. Pero kung kilala ko, game agad lalo’t I’m a fan of them.
Second, if it’s like something that I can have fun with. Something na bago, something na hindi ko pa nagagawa. I try not to, pero syempre kailangan ng hanap buhay. So minsan makaka ulit ka talaga ng mga characters, pero I try to make them different talaga each and everyone. I try to curate them that way.
Para worth it yung kapag nagbayad yung audiences ng ticket to watch the movie. Yung worth it yung pinaghirapan ko talaga siya, yung worth it yung mapapanood nila. Yung preparation ko and yung hard work na nilagay ko don. And also, if it’s a story that means something to me either personally or socially or my beliefs. If it aligns with that, it will be something I want to be a part of.
Like may ginawa akong film recently. I’m just a fan of this director, John Torres. He’s an experimental filmmaker. I’ve been following his work since I was in high school. Tapos ngayon gumagawa na siya ng narrative as a gift to his mom. Tapos may casting na siya, actually na-shoot na niya. Pero when I met him, I was like, “You have to put me in it. You know I just want to work with you.”
Tapos did it. He gave me a role. I’ll be it. It’s a short role. But I’m just really grateful and proud to be in a John Torres film. May mga ganun lang po ako minsan. Mga fanboy moments or kaya parang mga passion moments.
The short film Water Sports is going to New York. How does Elijah feel about it?
Yes, I love this movie so much. This is directed by Whammy Alcazaren. He went crazy with this one. I’m so proud to be part of it.
And that time I was doing “Incognito” and “Uninvited.” So, ang hirap niyang isingit sa schedule. Like literally lumilipad ako everyday to Palawan, then I go back that night to Manila to shoot this. Short film siya, pero it took a while to shoot it kasi it’s very OCD. Sobrang ganon siyang klaseng Director.
I love him, pero sabi ko nga medyo hirap mong ka trabaho—like nakakapagod ka katrabaho. Pero mahal kita and mahal ko yung mga gawa mo. And sobrang worth it itong “Water Sports.”
I can’t wait for you to watch it. Malapit siyang lumabas this year ulit. May re-edited version siya and it’s coming out soon. Hindi ko pala pwedeng sabihin kung saang festival pero it’s coming out soon. And I can’t wait for you to watch it.
Kaya nung nalaman ko na nakapasa siya sa New York Film Festival, which is a dream festival of mine to attend—nakaka-proud. I wanted to go pero ang dami ng ganap. I think that’s next week. So parang hindi na po ako nakapunta.
And also this was one of Tito Ricky Davao’s last films. He also works with Whammy. Yan yung mga actors like Tito Ricky. Yan yung mga type of actors na wala talagang ego diba. Like they are going to make short films, kahit saglit lang yung participation nila. It’s all about storytelling. It’s all about the fun of collaboration when it comes to filmmaking.
And genuinely I would say na swerte ako dahil na-eenjoy ko talaga siya. Alam niyo ‘yun. Like may ibang artista kasi yung gusto ko na umuwi—“Sana packed up na” ganon. Parang ako, excited pa ko. Yung parang ine-enjoy ko siya kahit pagod. Hinahanapan ko siya ng silver lining lagi.
So itong watersports. Muka lang akong nakakatawang nasa gitna talaga siya. There has to be a better picture, you know. Pero okay naman, I’m still proud of it and excited akong mapanood niyo.
Meanwhile, the exhibit was divided into sections, highlighting the CNN 2020 Actor of the Year’s presence in different platforms—each exhibiting posters, cover arts, and photographs of his projects’ creation. “In Frames” section showcased his recent and upcoming feature and short films and television shows, such as the award-winning “Sunshine,” “Salvageland” with Richard Gomez, “Raging,” “Edjop” with Jodi Sta. Maria, GMA Pictures’ “Gabi ng Lagim,” and “The Remotes.” It also exhibited his upcoming short film ”Is this Desire” and “Water Sports,” which already secured a spot in the New York Film Festival.
For television shows, the exhibit celebrated his portrayal as Sofronio Vasquez in the pilot episode of “MMK” on its comeback, as well as his dynamic energy as a vibe jock in “VIBE.” “Hello, Heaven” was also presented in this section, while the storyline and his role are yet to be revealed. Moreover, it featured his role in the music video of Cup of Joe’s hit song “Multo,” as well as The Juans’ “Ano Ba Talaga Tayo,” which he both played with Miles Ocampo.
Adding to his artistic expression were his music projects as a rising hip-hop artist and songwriter, using “elijah” as his name. “Through the Echoes” section exhibited cover arts of his debut single “kilala kita,” along with other tracks such as “asar talo,” and “loved song,” which he wrote for Miles. Among the highlights of this section was the monochromatic cover art of “Joseph K,” which he just teased on his social media account.
As Elijah Canlas continues to be present in film, television, theater, and music, he consistently proves his capacity as a multimedia force, delivering performances and exhibiting his artistry, warmly welcomed by his fans, supporters, and enthusiasts on the platforms where his presence is felt.
Watch our coverage from the media conference below:
Additional transcription by Raymart Nieves