Elijah Canlas Joins CORNERSTONE Entertainment

From hit digital series to several TV shows and film, Elijah Canlas has proven his worth. With the young actor's very promising career that's still continously growing, he now joins Cornerstone Entertainment to manage his career form hereon.

For those who don't know, he starred with Kokoy de Santos in the worldwide hit BL series Gameboys. Aside from that, he also was in Direk Perci Intalan's "Unconditional', Direk Jun Lana's "KALEL, 15" and Jason Paul Laxamana's "He Who is Without Sin" among others. He's already won accolades left and right and soon will be doing "Keys to the Heart", a Philippine adaptation to the hit Korean series which will be done together with Zanjoe Marudo under Reality MM Studios. This will be directed by Kerwin Go who did Mina Anud in 2019. Elijah will also reprise the role of Paciano in historical piece "GomBurZa".  

He's going to be with other world class artists in the Cornerstone Entertainment group and plans are surely head way for more films, shows for Elijah. Hopefully this will mean more opportunities for the talented guy because he's definitely worked hard for it.

See you soon and congratulations Elijah!

Kokoy De Santos Chooses Who To Love in OH MANDO!

We spent this evening talking to the Director and actors of the upcoming series OH MANDO! which stars current King of BL Kokoy De Santos and hot guy Alex Diaz and lovely Barbie Imperial. This series will be shown tomorrow on the iWantTFC platform and if you haven't downloaded that yet, please do so you can watch this series which was shot before the lockdown happened in Manila.

During the blogcon, Barbie was asked about the challenges she had to go through during the pandemic and she says "The most challenging part was being away from my family and what's important is that I am keeping my job so I can earn for my family too. Until now I have family in Albay and Catanduanes, I am afraid of knowing what happened to them. It's different now, I don't think I would be able to go back home for Christmas because of the way things are. I don't even know if permits are needed, I'm a bit happy now though because my Mom and my brother are here with me." awww that's nice to know.

Barbie was also asked about what she has learned doing this role and if she had to choose a person to love in real life... and she says "For me, I don't mind if you're straight or not, as long as they respect me, I'm a bit bakla in real life and people don't know that. I am very open, I grew up in the streets, as long as I'm not being looked down upon I am okay. As long as that person likes you, love has no gender."

Alex was asked about what he learned from his character and he says "Oh Mando means love is love is love. It has brought us to a place where we always think about what other people would say, and for me, I have gotten to a point where I don't care anymore as long as I'm not stepping on anybody's toes, I'm fine. We just have to make sure we love as much as we can."

 Kokoy says "I know love has no gender, romantic or not, you can't stop that because we all are human. Don't stop yourself from doing that. I have always wished for projects like these, something that has a twist, a romcom, so I did try out for it. This is so satisfying to do as an actor, to work with them all, I am so thankful for that. This is a family related series, my decisions also have them in mind so I would never do something that wouldn't benefit them."

Here's what happened during the blogcon, so make sure you do download the iWant TFC app and get your subscription going. This would be so nice to watch starting tomorrow!

GAMEBOYS' Elijah Canlas: In the shoes of Cai Lazaro

Elijah taking a dip.

(Photo credits: Photo is from Elijah Canlas' IG post, not mine)

Kokoy De Santos and Elijah Canlas have done several films already and this digital Filipino BL (boys love) series have made everyone stick to their phones, tablets and PC's over several months, obsessed with the show called GAMEBOYS. 

It's timely, current, and discusses tons of issues so people have been able to relate to it. Aside from that, their story continues to blossom, putting spins to run of the mill hetero kind of relationships and opens a whole world of possibilities on LOVE. It doesn't go without hitches of course because along the way, friends, exes, comebacks, always had to ruin things for them. Fret not, as they will keep you at the edge of your seats and give you more reasons to see if CaiReel (Cairo and Gavreel) will eventually end up together. We all want that to happen.

I have already asked Kokoy De Santos about the show and this time, we're asking Elijah Canlas about his embodiment of Cairo Lazaro. He is the gamer who fell in the hands of Gavreel played by Kokoy De Santos. Will he get charmed and tell the truth about his feelings? Or will he be holding back and suffer in the end? 

I had the chance to interview you for your film Kalel,15, a very daring role. How did you get picked for Gameboys?

I don’t really know why Direk Jun and Perci picked me exactly but I’ve been blessed enough to be a part of The IdeaFirst family ever since late-2018. I’m also grateful for the trust the whole team has given me.

Have you worked with Kokoy before? How is he as a person?

Yup. I’ve worked with Kokoy before for Petersen Vargas’ Some Nights I Feel Like Walking. He’s definitely fun to be around with. He’s not far off from Gavreel’s personality also but I’d say he’s much more than that.

Who is Cairo for you?

Cairo is definitely one of the hardest roles I’ve had to portray. Me and Cairo have a love and hate relationship. But I’ve grown to love and appreciate him more now. I

always work hard and strive for a performance that justifies representation the best I can. There’s always immense pressure in portraying a character who is dear to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Who in Cai’s eyes is Gavreel? Who/what is he to you? Do you think Kokoy is doing a good job portraying Gav?

Gavreel is the most pleasant surprise in Cairo’s life. Though annoying and aggressive, Cairo appreciates the company and attention Gavreel gives him. He’s never felt a connection as deep as what he’s getting with Gav. He may deny it, but Gav brings light to his life. That sometimes scares him. There is no one else to play Gavreel other than Kokoy, no doubt. He delivers a performance that would instantly give you butterflies in your stomach with every line.

What do you think made Gav fall in love with Cai?

I think it’s Cairo’s mysteriousness. You never know what he’s thinking. I would say that Cairo has this innocence that makes him seem charming. And just like what Terrence said (during Ep5), Gav loves the challenge of courting a guy who’s hard to get.

Do you think Gav is sexy? Do you think Cai is sexy? In what way? (Rate for 1-10, indicate the sexiest part of your body)

Gav is.... sexy... I guess. Next question! Cai can be sexy sometimes. When he pushes his hair back, and gives you that intimidating look. (10/10 they’re my lips, people usually say they’re so kissable.)

Would you want your own Pearl? Why?

Definitely! We all need a supportive friend who genuinely cares for our well-being and the state of the country.

The show made so many people emotional in your latest episode, you guys are so effective in portraying your roles, where would you like to take Cai’s character? Would you want them to end up together (Are you also rooting for them?)? Why?

I would want Cai to be more decisive and mature. And eventually go to outer space (he kids).

Of course, I want Cai and Gav to end up together! Who doesn’t want a happy ending for these two!

Speaking as Cai, would you love someone like Gav?

To be honest.... maybe... I don’t know!

Did this show change your perspective about love? Was it different prior to starting this show? What’s your message to the fans ofthe show?

This show hasn’t changed my perspective at all. I’ve always been a firm believer of people having the right to love in all ways. It’s sad how our brothers and sisters from

the LGBTQIA+ community continue to face stigma and discrimination to this day and still don’t have the rights they deserve. Everyone should have the right to love.

This is why I’m proud to be a part of this show because it helps in normalizing stories like these. Because there’s no difference between Gameboys and every conventional romantic story out there. They’re all stories about love.

Thank you to everyone who’s been watching and supporting Gameboys! You guys make everything worth it, and we really appreciate it. We have a long way to go! I have so much love for each and everyone of you and I hope we’re able to entertain you despite all the chaos that’s been happening in the world today. Always stay safe and stay sane! Hope to meet all of you soon!

They will be showing Episode 7 this Friday, 8pm at the official The IdeaFirst Company YouTube channel. Make sure to be there to witness what will happen between Gavreel and Cairo's story, he might just admit he loves Gav in front of his ex. Perhaps, you'll see a happy ending as Elijah always wanted too. 

Again, I would like to thank MediaXchange and The IdeaFirst Company for accommodating my request to interview these guys. Thank you also to Kokoy and Elijah for being so nice, hats off to you for not only being so smart answering my questions, hope to see you soon!

PS Fans are going bonkers with Kokoy admitting a relationship with Elijah on CNN, but he said CHARENG. These guys are so funny!

Hope I'd be able to talk to Adrianna So aka Pearl and ask about her upcoming series. She just admitted doing a GL on Twitter, this is interesting!

Get To Know GAMEBOYS' Kokoy De Santos

(Photo credits: Courtesy of Kokoy De Santos' IG post)

If you haven't seen their show, you must be living under a rock. They've been really popular all over social media, and getting hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube earmarks the success of the series called GAMEBOYS. It's a home grown Pinoy BL series (Boys Love) which was done while everyone was under ECQ. It kept everyone glued to their phones, PC's and laptops, so I was really interested about how they personally felt about playing their characters. 

GAMEBOYS lead stars Elijah Canlas and Kokoy De Santos really piqued the interest of viewers as each episode unfold at 8pm every Friday at the IdeaFirst Company's official YouTube channel and they've confirmed that it will end on Episode 10. I sent Kokoy De Santos some questions so you could get to know them more. It was very interesting to see how he answered them.

How did you get involved with GAMEBOYS?

Nagsimula po ang lahat nung tinawagan ako ng The Idea First Company, inoffer nila sakin yung project, kwinento nila sakin yung role, and i just fell in love with it!

(It started with a call from The IdeaFirst Company who offered me this project, they told me about the role and I just fell in love with it!)

Can you tell us a little bit about your filming process?

Nakakapanibago, nag-shoot kami sa kanya-kanyang tahanan. Challenging, nakakapagod pero sobrang rewarding. Just enjoying the process!

(It was all new to me because we had to shoot scenes at home. It was challenging, tiring at times, but super rewarding. I am just enjoying the process!)

How did you guys make this all possible?

Sa tulong po ng aming Direktor at ang buong Production, syempre kasama din ang aming mga pamilya.

(With the help of our Director, the whole production, and our family)

This show is breaking ground on so many issues, what made you say yes to it?

Mas nandoon lang po ako sa positive side, always! Sobrang happy ako kasi madami po ang nakaka-appreciate ng aming series.

(I am just on the positive side of things, always! I am so happy that there are a lot of people who appreciate our series)

Do you enjoy doing Gavreel’s character? Who is he to you?

Sobra.. kasi marami kaming pagkakapareho po ni Gavreel. As in!

(A lot. Because Gavreel and I have so much in common)

Do you think Gav is sexy?

Funny is the new sexy?I guess? Hahaha!

Do you think Cai is sexy?

Of course! Yun lang! Naman po.

(Of course! That's it!)

In what way? (Rate for 1-10, indicate the sexiest part of your body)

Lips? 5 po? Sakto lang.

(My lips, it's a 5. Just enough)

How much of him are you in real life?

Hmmm. Sobra po. Marami talaga kaming pagkakapareho.

(Hmmm. We really have a lot in common.)

Did you know Elijah prior to doing this project?

Yes nagkasama nadin kami sa isang proyekto. At magkaibigan talaga kami.

(Yes we had a previous project. We are friends in real life)

What was your firstimpression of him?

Tahimik. Pero magaling na aktor kasi talaga tong si Elijah eh.

(Very meek. But Elijah is really a good actor.)

Do you think he’s doing a good job playing Cairo?

Naman! Hindi po mag-wowork lahat ng to, kung hindi din dahil sa kaniya.

(Of course! This wouldn't have worked if it weren't for him.)

If you were Gav, what would be the characteristics of your ideal guy?

Cute, matalino at maginoo pero medyo bastos.

(Cute, intelligent, gentlemanly but a little naughty.)

What’s your impression of Pearl’s character?

Cute!!!! Super cute talaga niya. Sobrang bagay si Adrianna sa role!

(Cute!!!! She is super cute! Adrianna was really fit for the role!)

Adrianna So has been lauded for her performance in this show, how important is she to Gav?

Hindi lang siya kay Gav importante, sa lahat ng characters. Kasi siya ang nagiging tulay namin ni Baby Cairo.

(She was not just important for Have, but for all the characters. It's because she was the bridge between me and my Baby Cairo.)

If you had one wish for Gav’s character, what would it be and why?

Wala nakong hihilingin pa, tingin ko. Tamang tama na yung timpla.

(I couldn't ask for anything more. I think he's just right.)

Fans are eager to see you end up together, cliche as it sounds, I want to ask you, has this show changed your perspective about love? What’s your message to

the fans ofthe show?

"Tingin ko hindi nagbago yung pananaw ko sa love, mas lalo lang akong naniwala na ang LOVE ay malaking part satin bilang mga tao, para maging proud, masaya, malaya at mabuhay."

"Gusto ko lang po magsalamat sa walang sawang suporta ninyo sa amin. Mahal ko kayong lahat!"

(I think my point of view about love didn't change, it made me believe even more and how big it is for us as humans. To be proud, to be happy, to live freely!)

(I would just like to thank you all for your support. I love you all!)

It was so nice and refreshing to hear him answer as Gav, no wonder a lot of people love Kokoy's character in the series. There are still a few more episodes left, I know you are excited for Part 7 this Friday, make sure you're there at 8pm. For fans of Adrianna So, I'll try to make arrangements to interview her perhaps on a later date!

Aside from this interview, we also talked to Elijah Canlas. Make sure you read that too in our next post! Stay tuned! 

PS. Thank you so much to MediaXChange and The IdeaFirst Company for helping us connect with Kokoy and Elijah! You guys rock!

 

Pinoy BL Series GAMEBOYS Succeeds During Pandemic

GCQ was so rough for all of us but there seems to be an emergence of Filipino BL series and this one made the pandemic time a little bearable as IdeaFirst Company released a show called GAMEBOYS on YouTube. They are the same people behind Die Beautiful, Ang Dalawang Mrs Reyes, Ang Babaeng Allergic Sa WiFi and might I say, they’ve been successful in terms of almost 2 Million views in YouTube, almost the same on Tiktok and the other fan accounts who just couldn’t handle the the romantic quirks this show presents. 

In a way, this is the first BL series and we’re beginning to see the Filipino mindset change before our eyes, especially when specific characters of it start to mimic real life personalities. Kokoy Santos and Elijah Canlas stars in this series and yes, they’ve got nods from previous films they did in the international arena, in some way, it wasn’t surprising to see them do good in this project. Recently, their best friend Pearl played by Adrianna So also got a piece of the spotlight as her character will begin having her own series, but I’m telling you the kilig is in all their recent episodes, go watch it just for that. 

Ivan Payawal the director made sure you feel how to be in their shoes, to make you see how two guys could fall in love, treat each other as angels, and see things from their perspective. GAMEBOYS is being released in YouTube every Friday at 8PM. Make sure you subscribe to the IdeaFirst YouTube channel to get notified of its release.