DAVAO CITY (April 16)– Indigenous performer Elias J. TV faces mounting criticism from local government units and event organizers across Mindanao and Visayas after a sudden increase in talent fees following a managerial change.
Previously, Elias J. TV, known for his performances with the Kalumad Band, had agreements with several organizers for talent fees ranging from ₱75,000 to ₱85,000. However, after signing with a new manager, Beverly Labad-Labad, his rates reportedly surged to ₱200,000 for Mindanao, ₱300,000 for Visayas, and ₱450,000 for Luzon engagements.
Local government units in Mindanao have expressed disappointment over the sudden increase in talent fees by Elias J. TV, a performer formerly associated with the Kalumad Band.
The Barangay Council and Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Marilog Proper, Davao City, canceled a scheduled performance after the agreed-upon fee of ₱85,000 was raised to ₱200,000 by Elias’s new management. A down payment had already been made before this change.
Similarly, the local government of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, faced a comparable situation. They had initially contracted Elias’s former group, Kalumad Band, for ₱75,000 and paid a ₱25,000 down payment. However, upon contacting Elias’s new management, they were informed of the increased fee, which exceeded their budget.
In a social media exchange, Labad-Labad stated, “Hindi responsibilidad ng Elias band kung ano man ang transaction nyo sa Kalumad band pero andto po ang Elias band para sa mga bookings slot po.”
Eduard Duterte, Elias’s former manager, addressed the issue in a Facebook post, assuring clients with prior bookings that he still manages the original group and has coordinated with the new management to honor existing schedules. He emphasized that Elias has officially separated from the Kalumad Band and is now operating under new management.
The abrupt fee increase has left many local organizers scrambling, especially those with limited budgets. Some have been forced to cancel scheduled performances, expressing disappointment over the lack of communication and the financial strain caused by the unexpected changes.
Elias J. TV, a member of the Obu Manuvu tribe from Magpet, North Cotabato, has yet to release an official statement regarding the controversy.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
