What was supposed to be a festive performance by the Elias J. TV Band at the 70th Araw ng Mogbongcogon in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental has been scrapped due to ballooning travel expenses—specifically, ₱135,000 worth of plane tickets for 30 band members.
In an official Facebook post, the Barangay Mogbongcogon Council explained that while they had already paid ₱60,000 (30% of the ₱200,000 talent fee) and secured accommodations for the band, an eleventh-hour change in travel plans forced the group to request airfare support.
The band reportedly informed the council of another event in Manila prior to the Davao performance, necessitating flights rather than land travel.
The council clarified that absorbing the cost of 30 plane tickets was “beyond our budget and cannot be accommodated.”
As a result, the performance was cancelled and full refunds were offered to those who had already purchased tickets to the event.
This incident is the latest in a growing number of event cancellations tied to Elias J. TV’s sudden increase in talent fees, following a change in management according to a report from NewslinePH. Now under the helm of Beverly Labad-Labad, Elias’s rates reportedly jumped from ₱75,000–₱85,000 to ₱200,000 for Mindanao, ₱300,000 for Visayas, and ₱450,000 for Luzon engagements.
Earlier, local officials in Marilog, Davao City, and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, expressed dismay over similar issues, where existing agreements were allegedly disregarded and fees were raised mid-negotiation. Former manager Eduard Duterte assured clients that prior contracts with Kalumad Band, Elias’s former group, would still be honored under his coordination.
Despite the mounting criticisms, Elias J. TV, an indigenous artist from the Obu Manuvu tribe, has not issued an official response.
Elias J. TV band has yet to answer the issue. LionhearTV is open for his side.
