What began as a casual conversation turned deeply emotional when Toni Gonzaga sat down with reggae breakout star Elias Lintucan Jr., popularly known as Elias TV, on her YouTube talk show Toni Talks.

The interview unfolded into a raw and unfiltered account of hardship, faith, and an unlikely rise to fame.

Growing up in Magpet, Cotabato, Elias recalled a childhood marked by poverty and separation. By the age of five, he was already working in the fields to earn food. His father suffered a life-altering accident after being shot in the eye, while his mother spent 17 years abroad as an overseas Filipino worker to support the family.

For years, Elias said his prayers were never about fame but survival—hoping for even a brief escape from poverty so he could help his loved ones.

“Pinagdadasal ko noon palagi sa Diyos na sana ay mabigyan ako ng isang pagkakataon, kahit isang buwan lang na chance sa buhay upang kumita ng pera para maiahon at matulungan ko ang aking pamilya mula sa hirap. Hindi ko akalain na ako ay pagbibigyan, at hindi lang isang buwan, ito, mag-iisang taon na,” ani Elias.

His school years were equally painful, shaped by hunger and quiet endurance.

“Ano eh, ako lang yung walang recess eh. walang recess. tapos kapag mag-recess na, lahat ng mga classmates ko kumakain. ako lang yung hindi. tapos pag tanghalian na po, hindi po ako sasama sa kanilang kumain. kasi sila yung masarap na may ulam eh. sa akin, mais lang po eh. tapos asin yung ulam ko. kaya kapag may puno din akong makita, doon ako aakyat. doon ako kakain sa taas. para hindi nila makita yung kanin ko at saka yung ulam ko.”

Gonzaga expressed amazement at how Elias found success outside the traditional music industry—without a major label or talent competition—relying instead on social media platforms where his sound resonated with millions.

“Grabe ’no? Hindi ka dumaan sa tradisyunal na paraan ng pagsikat bilang vocal artist, through social media lang, sa TikTok, YouTube at Facebook lang, pero naging reggae sensation ka all of a sudden, at minahal ang style mo bilang performer ng napakaraming Pinoy…”

Lighter moments also surfaced during the conversation, including a playful exchange when Gonzaga asked about his ideal looks.

“KUNG MERONG GWAPO NA ITSURA NA GUSTO MO, KANINONG MUKHA?”
“DANIEL PADILLA.”
“NAKU, EH PAANO PA PAG NAGING DANIEL YAN? BAKA LUMABAS NA DILA MO JAN.”

At the heart of Elias’ story, however, remains his faith—a prayer he once whispered repeatedly, now answered beyond his expectations.

“Sabi ko, Lord bigyan mo lang ako kahit isang buwan lang i-ahon mo ako sa kahirapan, para ma i-ahon ko rin yong papa ko at mga pamangkin ko sa kahirapan.”

“Isang buwan lang yong hiningi ko eh pero grabe yong blessing ni Lord binigay niya sa akin mag isang taon na sobra, napaka ganda ng blessing ni Lord sa akin.”

Today, that prayer has carried Elias from the fields of Cotabato to international stages, with one of his global tour stops set this month in Dubai. For the reggae sensation, each performance stands as proof that a single month of hope can grow into a lifetime of purpose.