Published by Meet Me in Cebu | May 19, 2025

From internet personality to national performer, Elias J. TV has become one of the most buzzed-about figures in Filipino entertainment this year. Known for his daring on-stage energy, unapologetic style, and viral videos, Elias rose to fame by simply being himself—loud, fearless, and unforgettable.

So when he was announced as a headliner for the 70th Araw ng Mogbongcogon celebration in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, fans were beyond excited. But the concert never happened—and controversy followed.

Who is Elias J. TV?

Elias Lintucan, popularly known as Elias J. TV, is an artist and content creator from Magpet, Cotabato. He first gained online attention years ago through his blog-style livestreams and social media content, which often featured raw, real-life commentary, music, and cultural pride from Mindanao.

However, it wasn’t until his provocative stage performances with the Kalumad Band that Elias truly exploded in popularity.

Elias at a concert. Photo by Pitik ni Loring, via Elias J TV Facebook page.

The Dance That Made Him Go Viral

While Elias was already a familiar face online, it was his highly controversial and boundary-pushing dance performances that turned him into a viral sensation. His onstage energy and bold moves drew both massive admiration and sharp criticism—instantly making him one of the most talked-about performers in the country.

Whether people watched in shock or awe, they watched. And shared. And followed.

The combination of tribal-reggae music and show-stopping choreography made every Kalumad Band live show an online event. In a social media world flooded with curated content, Elias brought something raw, unexpected, and impossible to ignore.

Kalumad Band: From Local Beats to National Charts

Elias is the frontman of the Kalumad Band, a Mindanao-based group that fuses tribal sounds with reggae and street-style percussion. Together, they released the viral “Ohahay Elias J. TV & Kalumad Band – Live in Kidapawan City” album, which skyrocketed to #2 on Apple Music Philippines.

Their rise was proof that independent, grassroots music could still shake the mainstream.

Photo of Kalumad Band. From Kalumad Band official Facebook page.

Social Media Stardom

Beyond the stage, Elias J. TV became a staple in Filipino internet culture. His Facebook page now boasts over 5.6 million followers, many of whom tune in regularly for his spontaneous livestreams, impromptu music sessions, and unfiltered commentaries on life and society.

Unlike most celebrities, Elias maintained direct, raw communication with fans—further fueling his “people’s performer” status.

The Fame and the Fees

As his star power grew, so did his price tag. Organizers who once booked him for ₱75,000–₱85,000 suddenly found his rates doubling—or tripling:

• ₱200,000 for Mindanao events
• ₱300,000 for Visayas
• ₱450,000 for Luzon

While some saw this as well-deserved success, others—especially local governments and small event organizers—felt caught off guard by the new demands.

The Banaybanay No-Show: What Went Wrong?

In Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, Elias was scheduled to perform as part of the town’s major festival. The barangay had already paid ₱60,000 as a down payment and even booked hotel rooms for Elias and his team.

However, just days before the show, his camp reportedly requested an additional ₱135,000 to cover 30 plane tickets due to last-minute scheduling changes. The barangay, operating within strict budget limits, was unable to accommodate the increase. The concert was then canceled, ticket sales were refunded, and disappointed fans were left with questions.

🛫 Bilar, Bohol: The “Flight Delay” Controversy

Shortly after, Elias’s team cited a “delayed flight” as the reason for missing another performance—this time in Bilar, Bohol. But a viral commentary online challenged that claim.

The critic pointed out that the last flight to Bohol lands by 10 p.m., and Elias’s supposed arrival at midnight raised suspicion. The post mockingly questioned whether he was flying in from somewhere as far as Korea to justify the delay.

Further doubt was cast by the fact that the earliest next flight to Bohol arrives at 6 a.m., making the timeline questionable at best. With no official statement from Elias’s team, public speculation grew.

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⚖️ Garcia-Hernandez LGU Now Considering Legal Action

The controversies didn’t stop there.

In Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol, what was supposed to be a major concert on May 26, 2025 has now been scrapped. The Local Government Unit (LGU) confirmed that the event is canceled and revealed that they are considering legal steps to recover losses.

According to the organizers, the LGU had already paid a reservation fee to lock in Elias’s performance. However, a sudden change in management led to unexpected trouble. The new team refused to honor the agreement, claiming they hadn’t received any payment at all.

The LGU now alleges a breach of contract, citing financial damages and community frustration. A formal investigation and potential legal case are reportedly underway to determine accountability and possibly retrieve public funds.

Photo from Garcia Hernandez official Facebook Page

Recurring Issues With Local Bookings?

Following the incident, reports surfaced from other LGUs, including Marilog (Davao City) and Magsaysay (Davao del Sur), claiming they too experienced difficulties in finalizing bookings with Elias due to rising fees and logistical demands.

Some netizens speculated that Elias chose to prioritize a more lucrative collaboration with singer Jojo Mendrez in Manila instead.

No Official Statement Yet

As of publishing, Elias J. TV has yet to issue an official public explanation about the Banaybanay cancellation or other event issues. While some fans continue to express support, others are calling for better transparency and professionalism in future engagements.
On May 19, 2025, Elias posted a video of himself at Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City.

Looking Forward: A Star Still Rising

Despite the controversy, one thing remains clear: Elias J. TV is one of the most influential and culturally unique artists in the Philippines today.

His music speaks to the soul of Mindanao. His rise—from a local vlogger and street performer to a nationally recognized figure—is an inspiration for artists outside Metro Manila. And while the road to stardom hasn’t been smooth, it’s far from over.

We hope Elias and his team learn from recent setbacks and continue to bring their powerful performances to fans across the country—this time, without the drama.

Photo from Elias J. Tv official Facebook page

💬 What do you think?

Was the missed concert just a scheduling hiccup or something deeper? Should local organizers expect rising stars to change, or should stars remember where they came from?

Let us know in the comments. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @MeetMeInCebu for more insider stories, event scoops, and updates across the Visayas and beyond.