Elijah Canlas fulfills promise to late brother JM to attend Olivia Rodrigo concert

Elijah Canlas attended the Philippine concert of Olivia Rodrigo as an ode to his late brother JM, who was a big fan of the Filipino-American popstar.

On Instagram Stories, the actor and musician took a snap of JM's ID picture with the Philippine Arena as the backdrop, along with a moving message dedicated to his late sibling.

"JM was so obsessed with Olivia – he literally had his own corner of Olivia merch at home," Elijah wrote.

"He even made me watch the Disney shows she starred in, that's also why I know most of her songs," he added. "He would sing and play them a lot in the car."

Elijah also said JM made him promise to take him to her concert someday.

"Oo na, magaling na Olivia mo, JM. Miss kita!" he said.

"Kahit mag-isa lang ako kanina at may konting buhos ng luha, ramdam kitang sumasabay sa bawat kanta, nakangiting tumatalon, at tunay na maligaya," he added. "Hope you had fun."

JM passed away in August 2023. He was 17. The cause of his death was not disclosed, but his family said he struggled with his mental health.

In August, Elijah wrote a letter for JM on his death anniversary, saying, "It already feels like forever."

"Lagi't lagi kitang naiisip at namimiss. Araw-araw parin kitang kinakausap. Araw-araw parin kitang hinahanap," he said.

The Philippines has several mental health hotlines and services. 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.