TRIGGER WARNING: Depression
Isang linggo matapos ihatid sa kanyang huling hantungan ang mga labi ng pumanaw na aktor na si JM Canlas, isang mahaba, madamdamin, at tagos sa pusong mensahe ang ibinahagi ng kuya niyang si Elijah Canlas sa social media.
Si JM ang bunso sa tatlong magkakapatid. Ang panganay nila ay si Jerom Canlas, na kagaya nila ay isa ring aktor.
Read: Elijah Canlas breaks down in tears at younger brother JM Canlas' inurnment
Pumanaw si JM sa edad na 17 noong Huwebes ng umaga, August 3, 2023.
Read: Former child actor JM Canlas, youngest brother of Elijah Canlas, dies at 17
Sa kanyang post Linggo ng gabi, August 13, 2023, nagbalik-tanaw si Elijah nang una niyang masilayan at maging "kuya" ni JM.
Pag-aalala ni JM, “I remember the first time I saw you, JM. Mom had chicken pox when she gave birth to you that’s why kuya Jerom and I weren’t able to meet you as soon as possible.
“But I was there when mom and dad first brought you home. They had to run some quick errands so they left you with me and the maid at home.
“I was home early since I was still in preschool. Our parents told me, ‘Kuya ka na! Alagaan mo kapatid mo.’ I vividly remember walking slowly to your room. You were on the bed sleeping. I was excited but shy.
“As I laid beside you, I just started to be mesmerized. Kuya na ako. Ayaw kong mainitan ka so I turned the fan up. That accidentally woke you up but you didn’t really cry yet. You just looked at me. Perhaps waiting for me to introduce myself. So I did.
“I kept talking to you like you would understand me. You were just staring at me until our parents arrived.”
TALENTED JM
Sa paglaki raw ni JM, natuklasan nila kung gaano katalentado ang kanilang bunsong kapatid.
Lahat daw kasi ng mga bagay na ginagawa nito ay talagang ginagalingan niya, sa pag-arte man o sa pag-aaral.
Pagpapatuloy ni Elijah, “Growing up, you always outshone kuya and I. At 4 years old, you already joined us onstage performing in school musicals. You’re everyone’s baby boy.
“You’d also compete in Math quiz bees and win. You starred in Team Yey!—giving joy and inspiration to your generation.
"You weren’t really formally trained in acting like us but, oh boy, did you excel whenever you’re onstage or onscreen (watch Unconditional on Netflix to know what I mean).
"Mapa-Cinemalaya or Virgin Labfest pa iyan. You also remained to be the go-to guy for our country’s dubbing industry even as your voice changed over time (he dubbed Coco, Stranger Things, Home Alone, Extraction, Litlle Einsteins, among many more).
“I remember being in awe as I watched you dub that Wednesday show recently and telling you how great you are at what you do.
“You taught yourself how to play guitar and the piano. You wrote songs and you played it for us.
“We’d be jamming together as a family on your Facebook live because you love singing.
“You always had a knack with gaming and technology. We’d always run to you whenever we needed help with that techie stuff.
“I can go on and on about your achievements and success at your very young age. But most importantly to me, you’re the best ittle brother anyone can ever ask for.
“I am so so proud of you, JM. Iba ka.”
“WE CALL YOU KULIT…”
Ayon pa kay Elijah, habang lumalaki ang kapatid, tinawag nila itong “Kulit” dahil nagsasalita ito nang tuluy-tuloy at takbo nang takbo.
Maayos daw nakikisama si JM sa lahat ng taong kanyang ipinakilala rito kahit anupaman ang kanilang SOGIE o sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Saad ni Elijah, “We call you Kulit because you talked and moved nonstop when you were younger.
“You always know how to make us smile and laugh up until you grew older. You manage to make all the people I introduce to you feel comfortable and impressed—no matter what their SOGIE is; no matter how old or young.
“Everyone is important to you. You care for everything and everyone. You help and fight for the oppressed every chance you can. You always stand for what is right and just.
“You have the kindest and warmest heart. Everyone I know whom you’ve met loves you.
“You always end up being everyone’s favorite. Because you’re JM! The most intelligent, selfless, funniest, reliable, talented, and empathetic person. You really are the best of all of us.”
“STRUGGLING TO WRITE…”
Sa puntong ito, inamin ni Elijah na nahihirapan na siyang magsulat dahil palagay niya ay hindi sapat ang mga salitang kanyang babanggitin upang bigyang halaga ang maikling buhay ni JM.
Hindi raw deserved ng mundong ito ang isang kagaya ni JM.
Nami-miss daw nila nang husto ang pumanaw na kapatid at humihingi siya ng kapatawaran dito.
“I’ve been struggling to write ‘cause I don’t think anything will be enough to honor you. I always thought you deserved the best. That you deserved the world.
“But I realized that you are far too beautiful for this world, JM. We do not deserve you. This world does not deserve you. Don’t worry about us. None of us are mad.
“We understand you completely. We just miss you, kulit. I miss you so fucking much. Forgive kuya Jelo for all his shortcomings.
“I’m so sorry we couldn’t take away your pain. The guilt and regrets will forever be with us. Walang hanggang patawad para sa lahat.
“Thank you for all the times you’d help and take care of our family, for all the times you’d treat me food, teach me stuff I didn’t know, all the car rides, all the film and music suggestions, all the times we’d play games or sports, all the times you’d take photos of me and you’d let me take photos of your pogi face, all the jokes, all the good times and bad, all the lambing, hugs, and kisses.
“We’re not really affectionate as a family but you never fail to make me feel your love and how proud you are of me.
“I want to thank you for so many more things. I am no one without you. Walang hanggang pasasalamat para sa lahat lahat.
"We have an infinite amount of memories to remember you by. Babawi kami, JM.
“We’ll continue all your dreams and goals for us and this country. We’ll carry on your amazing legacy. We’ll continue being kind and being there for whoever’s in need. Like you always do.
“We will live by you through each and every second of everyday. Walang makakatapat o higit sa’yo. Enjoy ka lang diyan! Don’t worry about us. No goodbyes.
“I’ll see you later, JM. I love you more than anything. Mahal na mahal ka namin. Mahal na mahal ka ni kuya. Mahal na mahal na mahal na mahal!
“Habang buhay. Habambuhay.”
Sa ngayon, plano ng pamilya ni Elijah na sumailalim sa isang grief counseling.
Read: JM Canlas family, planong sumailalim sa grief counseling
Para sa mga problemang may kaugnayan sa mental health, makipag-ugnayan sa mga sumusunod:
- DOH-NCMH Hotline: 0917-899-8727 or 02-7989-8727
- Natasha Goulbourn Foundation Hopeline: 0917-558-4673, 0918-873-4673 and 02-8804-4673
- In Touch Crisis Line: 0917-800-1123, 0922-893-8944 and 02-8893-7603
- Request for FREE legal or psychological counseling services at http://bit.ly/SulongRequestForm
- For free or donation-based counseling: UGAT SandaLine: https://www.facebook.com/contactUGATSandaLine
- UGAT Foundation Inc.: ugatfoundationinc@gmail.com and https://www.facebook.com/ugatfoundationinc