Elias J: From rubber tree tapping to performing on the global stage

GMA Network

5 hours ago

Elias Lintucan Jr., more popularly known as Elias J, is a happy-go-lucky 25-year-old young man from Magpet, Cotabato who suddenly rose to fame for his famous dance moves and singing, which he initially posted on Facebook and now on YouTube.
His official Facebook page, Elias J TV, has 6.1 million followers as of press time.
Now he has not only toured and performed all over the Philippines but is also getting offers to travel in the US for a series of shows.
The son of Nenita and Elias Lintucan Sr., Elias grew up waking up early before the crack of dawn to help his father tap rubber trees to get the latex, then off he goes to school after his rubber tapping.
"That was my job every day," revealed the charming Elias when we interviewed him virtually. Speaking in Tagalog, Elias shared, "Tinutulungan ko ang Papa ko araw araw. Pagkatapos papasok na ako. (I help my Papa every day. After work, I then go to school.)
The municipality of Magpet, where Elias comes from, has a population of only 52,800 according to the 2020 census. It is mostly agricultural and a forestland area where the soil is suitable for crops like rubber, coffee, cacao, black pepper and bananas.
Despite the hard life, Elias maintains a positive attitude. Asked where he got that positive attitude, Elias revealed that he got it from his grandparents. "My Lolo and Lola told me that wherever I am in life, I should not think that I am up there already. Always stay grounded. Don't forget where you came from. Always be humble. Respect others."
The former rubber tree tapper-turned-performer revealed that he got inspiration for his dance moves from cutting the rubber tree. He shows us his moves during the virtual interview. "Kunwari ito yung puno, hawak mo yung puno dito at yung kutsilyo sa isang kamay. Uumpisahan mo sa taas tapos pababa. Duon ko lang nakuha yung moves ko. (For example, if you are holding the tree this way with one hand, and you have the knife in the other hand, you start cutting from the top, and then you go all the way down. So, I was just inspired by that and got my dance moves from that.)
Elias, who also sings and plays the guitar, confessed that he was inspired by his father, who loves to sing while working. "Sinundan ko lang siya (I just followed him.)"
Right now, Elias also composes but admits he is more of a dancer than a singer. But he did teach himself how to play the guitar. "I just watched my Papa and my uncle play the guitar, and I just practiced on my own."
His music, which is described by many as reggae and street style percussion, has been embraced by many. With his Kalumad Band, they were able to release the "Ohahay Elias J. TV & Kalumad Band – Live in Kidapawan City" album and it went to number two on Apple Music Philippines.
Contributed photo
Most of his band members are from Cotabato as well. "Mga kaibigan ko din sila; mga katribo ko. (They are all my friends; my tribe.)" He admitted that they have been friends for a long time. "Gusto lang naming magpasaya ng tao (We just want to make people happy.) and I think it has been a success."
As for his journey from Magpet, Cotabato, and hopefully to the world stage with his Kalumad Band, Elias enthused, "Gusto kong kasama ko ang banda ko sa buong mundo. Gusto ko silang dalhin para mapaligaya namin ang mga tao sa buong mundo. (I want to bring my bandmates all over the world. I want to bring them so we can make people happy everywhere.)"
His fame and success came faster after he posted on Facebook his daily life, then his dance moves, and singing. Soon, he gained a lot of followers.
Now his videos are all over YouTube as well.
Asked why he wanted to be famous, Elias said, "Gusto ko kasing maging inspirasyon sa ibang mga bata. Gusto ko silang maging proud sa isang katutubo nila, isang katribo nila. At hindi na nila ikahihiya ang tribo nila. (I want to be an inspiration to the youth. I want them to be proud of their roots, their tribe. I don't want them to be embarrassed by their tribe anymore.) I want to represent them and be an inspiration."
Elias, who took up Criminology, admitted that he simply took the course because there were no professionals in his family. "Sa pamilya kasi namin, walang mga professional, o mga nakatapos pero hindi naman nakapagtrabaho. At saka, walang pulis sa lugar namin, puro teachers. (There are no professionals in our family, or they studied but never worked. Plus, there are no police in our area, only teachers."
The truth is, he added, he wanted to be a seaman. "Kaya lang, takot ako sa hampas ng tubig kaya nag-aral na lang ako magpulis. At saka yung kaibigan ko si Ryan sabi niya sa akin, mabuti raw mag-aral kaming dalawa magpulis para magkasama kami. Kaya ako nag-aral magpulis. Kaso mo, hindi nga natuloy dahil nagsimula na akong makilala sa Facebook. (I am scared of the waves, so I studied how to be a police officer. Also, my friend Ryan told me that it is better for us to study to be a police officer so we will be together. Unfortunately, I didn't become a police officer because I already started to become popular in Facebook.)"
But is he happy about his decision and what he is doing now?
"Yes," he quickly replied. "Ito ang tibok ng puso ko at ito ang pinakamasayang gawain. (This is what I love to do, and this is the most fun job.) I love what I do."
He revealed that when he is performing on stage, he gets strength and inspiration from people who are smiling and are happy to see him perform. "Mas ganado ako pagnakakita ako ng mga taong nakangiti. Lumalakas ang loob ko. Nawawala ang aking hiya. (I am more inspired when I see smiling faces in the audience. I gain more confidence. I lose my shyness.)"
So how does he handle his sudden fame and success?
Smiling, Elias humbly answered, "Hindi pa naman po ako talagang sikat. (I am not really that famous.)" He laughed.
Turning serious, he disclosed, "Pinababayaan ko na lang yung mga bashers at tinutuloy ko ang aking panaginip. Walang nagbabago. Katulad pa din ako ng dati. (I don't mind the bashers, and I just continue to focus on my dream. Nothing has changed. I am still the same person.)"
Because of his hard work as a performer, Elias was able to bring his mother, Nenita, back home from Bahrain, where she was working as a housekeeper. "Pinauwi ko na siya at kawawa naman. (I asked her to go back home because I feel sorry for her.)
Now his mother is reunited with his father in Magpet, Cotabato.
At 25, Elias is already a family man. He has a live-in partner, Abigail Cariquitan, and a four-year-old son with her, Apollo.
Does he see his son turning into a performer as well?
He gave a big smile and laughed, "Probably. Nadidinig ko siyang kumanta. (I hear him singing.) But I will not force him to be one. He can be whatever he wants. I will just support him."
To the young Cotabato kids from Magpet who want to follow in his footsteps, Elias advised, "Kailangan may respeto ka sa sarili, sa nakakatanda sa iyo. (You need to respect yourself and your elders.) Be humble always. Follow your heart."
And when he does realize his dream of being able to perform on the global stage, what would be next for him, we asked.
Calmly, Elias said, "Maayos na hanapbuhay at tahimik na pamumuhay. Duon na lang sa bukid magtrabaho. Ganon lang ang pangarap ko. Kung saan man ako dalhin ng panahon. (I just want a good livelihood and a peaceful life. I can stay in the province and work. That's my dream wherever life takes me.) —MGP, GMA Integrated News