Elijah Canlas Explores a Painful Truth in Incognito

The action-packed series Incognito has become more than just a source of adrenaline for viewers; it’s also offering moments of raw emotion, especially with its guest performances. One standout was Elijah Canlas, who played Donato Escalera, the troubled son of a crime boss, during the show’s pilot week. Though his role was brief, it left a strong emotional impact.

In an interview, Elijah shared how the opportunity came unexpectedly. He was doing a look test for another project when Incognito was offered to him. The catch? He had to fly to Palawan the very next day to start filming. It wasn’t an easy decision, especially for someone who likes to prepare deeply for every role. “I panicked a bit at first,” he admitted, but after reading the script, something in the story convinced him to take the leap.

The character of Donato wasn’t just emotionally complex; his storyline ended in tragedy. Donato’s death by suicide was a heavy scene that required sensitivity and care. Elijah said he didn’t take the responsibility lightly. When the producers first pitched him the role, they were upfront about the ending. That made him pause. “I needed to understand how it would be justified, how it would make sense for the character,” he said.

What convinced him, eventually, was the message behind the story. Elijah emphasized that scenes like Donato’s are important to tell, especially when they reflect real issues that many people, particularly the youth, silently face. “It’s not about being triggering,” he explained. “It’s about raising awareness, helping people understand, and hopefully educating others.”

He also reflected on the deeper layers of Donato’s character. While Donato made many questionable choices, Elijah pointed out that not all bad people are simply evil. There’s always a backstory, a struggle, a wound that may not be visible right away. “We should still make space for empathy, growth, and hope,” he shared.

Elijah's openness about portraying mental health issues isn't new. His family founded KULIT: The JM Canlas Organization in memory of his younger brother JM, a former child actor and mental health advocate. Elijah’s performance in Incognito felt like an extension of that advocacy, a chance to shine a light on the darker realities that often go unnoticed.

While Donato’s arc in the series may have been short-lived, the emotional weight of the character and Elijah’s dedication to telling his story with care left a lasting mark.