As the year 2025 unfolds and continues its journey, award-winning actor Elijah Canlas has already impressively wrapped up eight captivating films, each a unique blend of storytelling and artistry.

In addition to these cinematic accomplishments, he has engaged in a variety of exciting projects across multiple platforms, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft.

With 11 years in showbiz, despite his hectic schedule, Elijah is grateful that he has not yet experienced burnout.

"Thankfully, wala pa tayo roon, and I hope it doesn't come. But I am ready for it," said Elijah as he laughed during a media conference at Cornerstone Entertainment in Quezon City recently. "Marami na rin akong nakausap na artista na nasa burnout phase. Feeling ko kasi yun lang ang ginagawa nila. (I've also talked to a lot of artists who are in the burnout phase. I feel like that's all they do.)

"But I have the opportunity to do great music on the side, if I ever get burned out from acting. Perhaps I could start writing a script or direct it. Yun naman din naman talaga ang education ko: filmmaking.

"Yun talaga ang dream ko since I was young, aside from being an astronaut. Pero dream ko talaga is maging director also. Kung dumating man yun, makakahanap din naman tayo ng paraan. (That's really my dream since I was young, aside from being an astronaut. But my dream is to become a director too. If that ever comes, we'll find a way.)"

"Good problem ang pagiging busy. I'm still grieving from the loss of my brother, so being busy is a great way to cope with that. I don't see burnout happening soon. I love what I do," said Elijah.

The eight movies Elijah has finished are "Raging," "Paging Elise," "EdJop," "Salvageland," "Dagitab," "Sunshine," "Gabi Ng Lagim," and "Water Sports," a short film that secured a spot in the 63rd New York Festival.

Elijah said another movie is coming up, but it will be formally announced soon. "I think it will be presented at the Toronto Film Festival."

The 25-year-old actor is excited about "Salvageland," where he plays the son of actor-politician Richard Gomez. "We're policemen in this movie. One character is jaded while the other one is optimistic."

Elijah said that he was emotional watching the trailer of "EdJop," which is expected to wrap up in October. "I've been working on this film for two years now. It's the longest shoot I have done for a movie, but I think the movie is important to tell. EdJop deserves his story to be told."

Asked how his girlfriend, actress Miles Ocampo, reacted to his tight schedule, Elijah said, " She joked. Sabi niya, 'Naiinis na ako sa'yo. Sobrang busy mo. (I'm getting tired of you. You're too busy.)"

Elijah continued, "But I know she's proud of me. We have the same job and we understand each other. We've been through a lot that has made us stronger. Ano man ang mangyari mahal namin ang isa't isa. Kapag may free time naman, I always make time for her. We watch movies together. We eat together. Kasama siya lagi sa reward. (No matter what happens, we love each other. When I have free time, I always make time for her. We watch movies together. We eat together. She's always with us in the reward.)"

Elijah also emphasized the importance of the feedback he receives from Miles regarding showbiz projects.

"Ever since nililigawan ko pa lang siya, I asked her kung bagay sa akin ang role or should I do it? Pero bias kasi siya. Sasabihin niya lahat kaya ko naman gawin. (Ever since I was just courting her, I asked her if the role was right for me or if I should do it? But she's biased. She'll say I can do anything)," the actor said. "Pero nakakatulong ang feedback niya kasi alam na niya yun because matagal na siya sa industry. Minsan ako naman ang nagsasabi sa kanya kung ano ang bagay sa kanya para huwag lang siya tanggap ng tanggap ng movies or teleseryes. So tulungan talaga kami. May mga ganun kaming usapan eversince. (But her feedback is helpful because she already knows that, because she's been in the industry for a long time. Sometimes I'm the one telling her what's right for her so that she doesn't just accept movies or teleseryes. So it really helps us. We've had conversations like that ever since.)

Elijah acknowledged that his films and projects were quite serious and heavy, which his girlfriend wanted to explore.

In music, Elijah said that he will release an album with 10 songs. "It was supposed to be an EP only. Two years have passed, and we've been busy because I've been doing a lot of television work. So now we have 10 tracks—this is a full album. I don't know if there's anything else to add. It's not a concept album. It's just an introduction to my musical side. There are fun tracks, but I want to pursue a career in hip-hop. I wrote the 10 tracks."

Elijah absolutely deserves a richly earned reward for his remarkable achievement. He shared uplifting and creative ideas for celebrating after a long and challenging day, showcasing a wonderful perspective on life.

"Mababaw lang naman ang kaligayahan ko. Madali lang ako pasayahin. Honestly, I tried to reward myself after a hard day's of work. Kapag may oras pa, hahabol ako sa sine kahit na anong oras pa matapos. Yung hindi ko pa napapanood. I also listen to albums. Sometimes I eat in fancy restaurants. Ganun lang ang trip ko sa buhay. (My happiness is superficial. I'm easy to please. Honestly, I tried to reward myself after a hard day's work. When I have time, I'll catch up on the movies no matter what time it is. The ones I haven't seen yet. I also listen to albums. Sometimes I eat in fancy restaurants. That's just my trip in life)," the actor added.