“What’s up Araneta?” In a move that stunned fans and commuters alike, Filipino actor and musician elijah delivered an unforgettable performance atop a jeepney at the bustling Araneta, Cubao Bus Terminal on Saturday, June 15. The surprise event featured his debut track Kilala Kita, his latest track asar talo, and a sneak peek at some unreleased songs entitled Joseph K, Orasan Mo Na, and Loved Song, creating a lively scene of music, energy, and community spirit.
A Unique Venue for a Unique Artist
The Araneta, Cubao Bus Terminal, typically a hub for transit, was transformed into an impromptu concert venue as elijah took to the roof of a traditional jeepney – a quintessential symbol of Filipino culture. This unique stage choice allowed elijah to showcase his support for the #NoPUVPhaseout campaign, which advocates for the preservation and modernization of traditional public utility vehicles (PUVs) rather than their complete phaseout, emphasizing their cultural and practical importance to Filipino society.
Social media buzzed with live updates, photos, and videos, as attendees shared their excitement. The hashtags #ElijahJeepneyTakeover and #ElijahAsarTalo trended locally, highlighting the event’s immediate impact.
On top of that, elijah extended his gratitude to the community by distributing 300 free ride stubs to passengers. Each stub featured a QR code that, when scanned, allowed people to download “asar talo.” This gesture not only provided a practical benefit to the daily commuters but also created a lasting connection with his audience.
After the performance, elijah continued to embrace the jeepney theme by conducting an exclusive interview with the media inside the vehicle. This intimate setting allowed for a candid conversation about his inspirations, the significance of his surprise performance, and his thoughts on music in general.
A Core Memory
The surprises didn’t end there. elijah selected a few lucky fans to join him in a moving jeepney for a karaoke session. As the jeepney navigated through the streets from Cubao to Timog Avenue, elijah and his fans sang along to his songs and vibed to popular hits such as Pantropiko by BINI, Bagsakan by Parokya ni Edgar, Nasty by Tinashe, among others, creating an unforgettable bonding experience and core memory for everyone to look back on.
As elijah continues to rise in the music scene, his unexpected jeepney performance at Araneta, Cubao Bus Terminal stands as a testament to his innovative spirit and deep connection with his roots. Eagerly awaiting his next moves, the anticipation is sky high for more groundbreaking music, performances, and advocacies—on and off a jeepney.
For now, the echoes of that Saturday performance remain, reminding everyone that music can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.