GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Elijah Canlas writes letter for late brother JM: 'You are far too beautiful for this world'
Elijah Canlas wrote a moving letter for his late brother JM.
The actor’s 17-year-old brother passed away on August 4, as confirmed by their older brother Jerom. A cause of death was not named, but the family said that JM struggled with his mental health.
Alongside photos with JM, Elijah posted a letter on Instagram to honor his little brother.
Elijah started by sharing the story of when he first met JM.
“Our parents told me, ‘Kuya ka na! Alagaan mo kapatid mo.’ I vividly remember walking slowly to your room. You were on the bed sleeping. I was excited but shy. As I laid beside you, I just started to be mesmerized. Kuya na ako,” he said.
Elijah then talked about JM’s artistry and intelligence, saying that he performed in musicals since he was four years old and would win math quiz bees. He also talked about how JM taught himself to play the guitar and piano, that he would write songs, and loves singing, gaming, and technology.
“Growing up, you always outshone kuya and I,” Elijah wrote.
“You weren't really formally trained in acting like us but, oh boy, did you excel whenever you're onstage or on screen (watch ‘Unconditional’ on Netflix to know what I mean). Mapa-Cinemalaya or Virgin Labfest pa iyan,” he added.
Elijah also commended JM for being “the go-to guy for our country's dubbing industry even as your voice changed over time,” and told him how great he was.
The Gawad Urian winner said, “I can go on and on about your achievements and success at your very young age. But most importantly to me, you're the best little brother anyone can ever ask for. I am so so proud of you, JM. Iba ka.”
Elijah added that JM was the kind of person to impress everyone around him and make them feel comfortable.
“Everyone is important to you. You care for everything and everyone. You help and fight for the oppressed every chance you can. You always stand for what is right and just. You have the kindest and warmest heart. Everyone I know whom you've met loves you,” Elijah said.
“You always end up being everyone's favorite. Because you're JM! The most intelligent, selfless, funniest, reliable, talented, and empathetic person. You really are the best of all of us,” he added.
Elijah said that he struggled to write the letter because “I don't think anything will be enough to honor you.”
“I always thought you deserved the best. That you deserved the world. But I realized that you are far too beautiful for this world, JM. We do not deserve you. This world does not deserve you.”
He also told JM that he is understood and missed. Elijah also apologized for his shortcomings, looked back on their moments, and thanked JM for everything.
“I'm so sorry we couldn't take away your pain. The guilt and regrets will forever be with us. Walang hanggang patawad para sa lahat,” he said.
“We're not really affectionate as a family but you never fail to make me feel your love and how proud you are of me,” he added. “I want to thank you for so many more things. I am no one without you. Walang hanggang pasasalamat para sa lahat lahat.”
Elijah then said that they will continue JM’s legacy.
“Babawi kami, JM. We'll continue all your dreams and goals for us and this country. We'll carry on your amazing legacy. We'll continue being kind and being there for whoever's in need. Like you always do. We will live by you through each and every second of every day,” he said.
Before ending his letter, Elijah added a special message for his brother.
“Walang makakatapat o higit sa'yo. Enjoy ka lang diyan! Don't worry about us. No goodbyes. I'll see you later, JM. I love you more than anything. Mahal na mahal ka namin. Mahal na mahal ka ni kuya. Mahal na mahal na mahal na mahal na mahal!”
Elijah also shared links for counseling services as well as hotline numbers for mental health. These include: DOH-NCMH Hotline: 0917-899-8727 or 02-7989-8727; Natasha Goulbourn Foundation Hopeline: 0917-558-4673, 0918-873-4673 and 02-8804-4673; and In Touch Crisis Line: 0917-800-1123, 0922-893-8944 and 02-8893-7603.
JM is best known for appearing in the top films “Kiko Boksingero” and “ANi.” He was also a voice actor and was part of the Tagalog dub of “Coco,” “Stranger Things,” “Home Alone,” “Extraction,” “Little Einsteins,” and many more.
—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News
