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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Elijah Canlas on portraying autistic character: 'This is a dream role of mine'

Elijah Canlas on portraying autistic character: 'This is a dream role of mine'

Published Nov 8, 2023 04:00 pm

At A Glance

  • Now streaming on Netflix, the Filipino adaptation of "Keys to the Heart" also stars BAFTA-nominee Dolly de Leon, Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee, and Kapamilya actor Zanjoe Marudo.
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Elijah Canlas as Jayjay on the film "Keys to the Heart'' (Image courtesy of Netlix) 

Elijah Canlas was known for his versatility in acting in both mainstream and indie scenes. In his recent project, the Filipino adaptation of the 2018 South Korean dramedy "Keys to the Heart," Elijah portrays the role of a child inside the spectrum.

Now streaming on Netflix, the Filipino adaptation of "Keys to the Heart" also stars BAFTA-nominee Dolly de Leon, Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee, and Kapamilya actor Zanjoe Marudo.

During an exclusive roundtable interview with Elijah last Oct. 3, the actor shared that portraying the role of Jayjay has been his dream role.

"Honestly, to be transparent, this is a dream role of mine, something that is physically and mentally challenging to portray. Going into it, medyo nag research ako para may ideas ako on how to do it. I even watched the original, and then we did some immersions here in the Philippines," Elijah said.

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Elijah Canlas as Jayjay, Dolly de Leon as Sylvia and Zanjoe Marudo as Joma on the film 'Keys to the Heart' ((Image courtesy of Netlix) 

(Honestly, to be transparent, this is a dream role of mine, something that is physically and mentally challenging to portray. Going into it, I did some research to have ideas on how to do it. I even watched the original, and then we did some immersions here in the Philippines)

After weeks of attending seminars and immersing with kids on the spectrum, Eljah hopes that this film will help Filipinos break the stigma regarding autism.

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Elijah Canlas as Jayjay, and Zanjoe Marudo as Joma on the film "Keys to the Heart" ((Image courtesy of Netlix) 

"Iba-ibang level yung nameet ko sa spectrum but they were all such as beautiful and kind human beings, kaya nagiba talaga yung perspective ko sa kanila and I hope mawala na yung stigma dito sa Philippines about people on the spectrum," He added.

(The ones I met on the spectrum were at different levels but they were all such as beautiful and kind human beings, so my perspective on them really changed and I hope the stigma here in the Philippines about people on the spectrum will disappear.)

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Dolly de Leon as Sylvia and Zanjoe Marudo as Joma on the film "Keys to the Heart" ((Image courtesy of Netlix) 

On Michelle, the beauty queen shared that this film has a special place in her heart since she has two siblings on the spectrum.

"It's been one of my goals as an actress to be part of a film that promotes inclusivity. This really highlights how talented these individuals are and how much potential they have," Michelle said.

She also added that the movie became a reminder of why she advocates for autism awareness, and it's also one of the reasons why she decided to compete in Miss Universe.

"Advocating for autism awareness is a fulfilled life for me. I have two siblings from the autism spectrum, one older, one younger. We can start so much better conversation about autism and spread so much awareness and education," Michelle added.

"Keys to the Heart" is a film directed by Kerwin Go. It tells the story of Joma (Zanjoe Marudo), a troubled and lonely boxer who struggles to adapt to a new life with his long-lost mother, Sylvia (Dolly De Leon), and his autistic pianist brother, Jayjay (Elijah Canlas).

Related Tags

NetflixPhilippines Michelle Dee Elijah Canlas
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