TJ Monterde, binalikan ang panahong halos bitawan na ang pangarap nila ni KZ

• TJ Monterde gifted wife KZ Tandingan their dream lot for their future home last month
• TJ recalled struggling with his career and finances, particularly during the pandemic
• KZ supported TJ when he considered giving up music and even became their primary provider
• TJ said writing “Palagi” helped revive his confidence and eventually allowed him to provide for their family

Singer-songwriter TJ Monterde recently opened up about one of the most difficult periods of his career and the remarkable turnaround that eventually allowed him to fulfill a major dream with his wife, KZ Tandingan.

During his conversation with Kara David for i-Listen, TJ shared that he gifted KZ their dream lot last month, where they plan to build their dream home. The milestone carried deeper meaning for the singer-songwriter because it came after a period when he questioned whether he could still succeed in music and provide for their household.

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TJ described his career as a “slow burn,” recalling how one of his early hits, “Tulad Mo,” came out in 2015. At the time, he was already courting KZ, while some people questioned whether he was only using her popularity to advance his own career.

"So 'yon 'yung mga times na napapaisip na ako, parang, huwag na lang kaya. 'Yun na 'yung unti-unti nang pumapasok sa head ko na baka hindi for me."

By 2020, TJ said he had reached a point where he was ready to give up music and even considered opening a coffee shop. He told KZ that she could continue pursuing music while he looked for another path.

Instead of allowing him to lose faith in himself, KZ reassured him.

"Kung wala ka nang tiwala sa sarili mo, may tiwala ako sa 'yo. Sabi niya, 'Ako muna magsu-support kung kailangan.'"

During the pandemic, KZ became the family's primary provider as her career was doing better than TJ's. He said he did not feel insecure about the situation and instead found other ways to support his wife, including preparing her clothes, cooking and driving her to and from her shows.

"For some weird reason, wala akong insecurity. Kasi grabe i-handle ni KZ 'yung situation, na parang walang kahit isang sumbat."

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TJ eventually surrendered his career to God and wrote “Palagi” without expecting it to become a major hit. The song was initially meant as a personal celebration of his milestone with KZ.

After KZ encouraged him to record it, “Palagi” gained widespread popularity and restored his confidence in his songwriting.

"Nagkaka-invite na ako. Eh independent na 'ko no'n, so nakikita ko na 'yung kumbaga income nung songs. And somehow 'yun na rin 'yung nagagamit ko sa amin ni KZ, kumbaga."

TJ also recalled a time when KZ had paid the downpayment for their house and car while he could only contribute to their utility bills.

Three years later, his circumstances had dramatically changed. He was finally able to buy the land they had dreamed of owning and promised KZ that he would build their dream home there.

"And ngayon, never did I imagine kaya kong bilhin 'yung lupang 'yon sa dream place namin at itatayo namin 'yung dream home namin do'n. And, promise ko sa kanya, ako ang magpapatayo ng dream home na 'yon para sa kanya."

TJ Monterde or Titus John Dabuan Monterde (born December 30, 1989, in Cagayan de Oro) earned a Development Communication degree from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan before moving to Manila to sign with PolyEast Records. Beyond his solo discography, he is married to fellow singer-songwriter KZ Tandingan, with whom he has released notable duet singles like "Can't Wait to Say I Do" and "Simula".

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In another report, TJ Monterde looked back on his early beginnings as a songwriter, revealing that he started creating songs when he was only 13. He explained that his music often develops naturally, with melodies and lyrics sometimes emerging together as he works. TJ also recalled how a single word eventually became the starting point for his hit song “Palagi.” Even after years of writing music, he admitted that the process still leaves him emotional and amazed whenever an idea turns into a finished song.

Meanwhile, TJ Monterde joined KZ Tandingan and John Prats in grieving the unexpected loss of their close friend and guitarist, Makoy Portado. KZ remembered how she and Makoy moved to Manila 15 years ago while pursuing their dreams in the music industry. TJ expressed his gratitude for the friendship they shared and said he wants his future children to know about Makoy and the important place he held in their lives. John, meanwhile, admitted that he could not imagine how they would return to performing or continue their gigs without their longtime musical companion.

Source: KAMI.com.gh