TJ Monterde

Last updated

TJ Monterde
TJ Monterde (2025).jpg
Monterde in 2025
Background information
Birth nameTitus John Dabuan Monterde
Born (1989-12-30) December 30, 1989 (age 35)
Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2012–present
Labels PolyEast Records (2012–2021)
Independent
(2022–present)
Spouse
(m. 2020)

Titus John Dabuan "TJ" Monterde (born December 30, 1989) is a Filipino singer-songwriter. He gained recognition in 2011 through his viral YouTube videos, where he shared his original compositions, reaching a wide audience and receiving positive feedback online. His song "Ikaw at Ako" became his signature hit and was featured in the YouTube viral short film My Super Fan Girl.

Contents

In 2024, Monterde gained mainstream popularity again with his single, "Palagi, which was released back in 2023, and has topped the Billboard Top Philippine Songs and Philippines Hot 100 year-end charts of 2024. He also received an award from Billboard Philippines for his song "Palagi" as the number one song of 2024.

Early life and education

Monterde began his career at the age of 16 in 2006 as a radio jockey in Cagayan de Oro, initially guesting on his father’s local radio show before moving on to a regular radio slot. By 18, he became a television host for ABS-CBN's regional magazine program MagTV . [1]

He graduated from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan with a degree in Development Communication. By 2010, his profile had grown as a multimedia entertainer, appearing on local television and performing at various events across Mindanao. [1]

Career

2012–2023: Early success

In 2012, Monterde uploaded his original composition titled "Ikaw at Ako" on YouTube, and later he signed on Galaxy Records, a subsidiary of PolyEast Records, in which his composition "Ikaw at Ako" released as a debut single. [1] [2] Two years later, Monterde released his following singles, "Tulad Mo" and "Dating Tayo", which became one of the top music charts on Myx and Billboard Philippines . [3]

In June 2017, Monterde held his first major concert titled "Ikaw at Ako" at Music Museum in San Juan. [4] Later that month, he released his extended play, titled "Kahit Kunwari", including his single, "Mahika". [5]

In July 2019, he released his single, "Karera" (lit.'Race'), for his inspiration of his girlfriend, KZ Tandingan. [6] On 2020, "Karera" was nominated at the 33rd Awit Awards and won for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist. [7]

In May 2020, he released "Puhon" (transl.Someday), a song he wrote in Cebuano. He said that this was a part of his personal advocacy to introduce Visayan pop to the world. [8] Three months later, Monterde and Tandingan married on August 28, and had collaborated two months later with the single, titled "Simula" (lit.'Beginning'). [9]

By late July of 2021, he and his wife, KZ Tandingan, released their Cebuano-language songs, titled "Inday" (lit.'Girl') and "Dodong" (lit.'Boy'), respectively. [10] His song, "Inday", was nominated for Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year at 7th Wish 107.5 Music Awards in 2022. [11] On October, he and South Korean singer, Yelo, collaborated and released their new single, titled "Little Things". [12]

2023–2024: "Palagi", and "Sariling Mundo" solo concert

In July 2023, Monterde released "Palagi" (lit.'Always'), a song dedicated to his wife, KZ Tandingan. [13] In September 2024, "Palagi" peaked at number two on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 chart, following its debut at number six on July. [14] On October 26, "Palagi" topped the Billboard Top Philippine Songs chart, also debuting at number six. [15]

In April 2024, after the success of his single, "Palagi", Monterde announced his next album, titled "Sariling Mundo" (lit.'Own World'), and has also announced that he would be holding his solo concert, titled with the same name at New Frontier Theatre at Quezon City in May. Nearly a day after the announcement, the tickets were sold out within 24 hours, and also announced its second day of the concert. The second day also sold out within three hours. [16]

On August 27, Monterde announced on Instagram that he is set to re-release his track "Palagi", featuring his wife KZ Tandingan. The following day, the track has released, titled with the same name, adding "TJxKZ Version", to coincide with the couple's fourth wedding anniversary. [17]

In September, Monterde announced that he would be holding his concert at Canada on October and Novemeber. [18] The following month, he also announced his solo concert, titled "Sariling Mundo At The Big Dome" in 2025. [19]

2025–present: "Sarili Nating Mundo" concert and further success

In January 2025, Monterde shared his disbelief and heartfelt gratitude following the sold-out success of his three-night "Sariling Mundo At The Big Dome" concert at the Araneta Coliseum. [20] Later that month, Monterde would be holding a concert at SMX Convention Center in Davao City on March. [21]

"Sarili Nating Mundo at the Big Dome" had its stops at Dubai, Singapore, Cebu City and Taiwan, and later on to more cities in the Philippines until September. [22]

In February 3, during Monterde's concert at Araneta Coliseum, Billboard Philippines awarded him and Tandingan for "Palagi" as the number one song of 2024. [23] On February 17, Aurora Music Festival announced that Monterde would perform in the first day of the music festival's 2025 iteration, which was held on May 3 and May 4 in Clark, Pampanga. [24]

On March, Dunkin' Donuts announced an endorsement deal with Monterde and Tandingan, and became the brand's ambassadors, forming the title "Ang Palagi". [25]

In May 6, he and South Korean singer, 10cm 's Kwon Jung-yeol, collaborated and released two singles, titled "Silver" and "After 3", after performing one of the singles during "Sarili Nating Mundo" concert in February 4. [26] [27] Later that month, Monterde and his wife, Tandingan, hosted their first fan-meet, titled "Never Been Sweeter" at Mall of Asia Arena. [28] [29] Three months later, the couple is set to have another fan meet in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino at Cebu on November 8. [30]

In June 6, Monterde was featured in James Reid 's third album jgh with their country and R&B single "Pahinga" (lit.'Rest'). [31] At the same month, he announced that he would be holding another day for the Baguio leg of his "Sarili Nating Mundo" concert during his fan meeting due to sold-out tickets on the first day. [29]

Monterde's former label, PolyEast Records, has announced to release Monterde's music in vinyl record. On July 2, the record label has released the vinyl. [32]

On August 21, Monterde released his single, titled "Unang Halik" (lit.'First Kiss'), after performing the song as an unreleased track during his kick-off at his "Sarili Nating Mundo At The Big Dome" in Araneta Coliseum. [33]

Personal life

Monterde married fellow singer KZ Tandingan on August 28, 2020. [34] The couple married again for the second time on August 28, 2023. [35]

Discography

Studio album

List of albums, with selected details
TitleAlbum details
Ikaw At Ako
Ikaw At Ako (Instrumental version)
Sariling Mundo
  • Released: April 25, 2024
  • Label: Independent
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
Sariling Mundo (Live at New Frontier Theater)
  • Released: August 16, 2024
  • Label: Independent
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
Sarili Nating Mundo (Live at the Big Dome)
  • Released: May 2, 2025
  • Label: Independent
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays

List of extended plays
TitleAlbum details
TJ Monterde
  • Released: June 16, 2014
  • Label: PolyEast Records
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
TJ Monterde (Instrumental version)
  • Released: June 16, 2014
  • Label: PolyEast Records
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
Kahit Kunwari
  • Released: June 16, 2017
  • Label: PolyEast Records
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Singles

TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbumRef.
PHL
[36]
PHL Top
[37]
PHL Songs
[38]
"Us"2014***Unang Sikat (The Next Generation Hitmakers)
"Us" (with Muriel)
"Tulad Mo"Non-album singles
"Mahika"Kahit Kunwari
"Litrato Ngayong Pasko"Non-album singles
"Imahinasyon"TJ Monterde
"Litrato Ngayong Pasko (Live)"2018Non-album singles
"Tahanan"2019
"Karera" [6]
"Malay Mo"
"Hanggang Dito Na Lang"2020
"Puhon" [39]
"Dakila Ka, Bayani Ka" (with various artists) [40]
"Simula" (with KZ Tandingan) [9]
"Inday"2021 [10]
"Little Things" (with YELO) [12]
"Walong Bilyon"2022
"Walong Bilyon (Wedding Version)"
"Sigurado" [41]
"Plano"2023Sariling Mundo [42]
"Palagi"215 [43] [42]
"Nowhere"2024 [42]
"Palagi (TJxKZ Version)"41Non-album singles [44]
"Darating Din" [45]
"Silver" (with 10CM)2025 [26]
"After 3" (with 10CM)
"Pahinga" (with James Reid)jgh (Deluxe) [31]
"Unang Halik"Non-album single [33]
"—" denotes a single that did not chart.

"*" denotes that chart did not exist at the time of the song's release.

Other charted songs

List of other charted songs, showing selected chart positions, and associated albums
TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
PHL
[46]
PHL Top [47]
"Dating Tayo"2014188TJ Monterde
"Ikaw At Ako"4319Ikaw At Ako
"Mahika"20176124Kahit Kunwari

Concerts

Awards and nominations

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, award category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nomination
AwardYear [a] CategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef.
Awit Awards 2020Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist"Karera"Won [7]
Favorite Male ArtistTJ MonterdeWon
2021Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist"Puhon"Nominated [50]
Best Regional Recording
Best Collaboration"Simula"
(with KZ Tandingan)
Best Ballad Recording
6th Wish 107.5 Music Awards Pop Performance of the Year"Puhon"Nominated [51]
7th Wish 107.5 Music Awards 2022Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year"Inday"Nominated [11]
Myx Music Awards 2024 2024Mellow Video of the Year"Palagi"Nominated [52]
Wish Music Awards Wish Artist of the YearTJ MonterdeNominated [53]
Wish Pop Song of the Year"Palagi"Won
2025Wish Artist of the YearTJ MonterdeNominated [54]
Wish Pop Song of the Year"Sariling Mundo"Nominated
VP Choice AwardsOPM Song of the Year"Palagi (TJxKZ Version)"Won [55]

Notes

  1. Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "TJ Monterde: New acoustic pop balladeer". The Philippine Star . June 2, 2014. Archived from the original on January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  2. "About TJ Monterde". PolyEast Records. April 23, 2018. Archived from the original on July 8, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  3. Policarpio, Allan (July 11, 2017). "TJ Monterde—the face behind two Billboard PH Top 20 hits". Inquirer . Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  4. "Ikaw at Ako Concert: TJ Monterde live at the Music Museum". Philippine Concerts. May 18, 2017. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  5. Losorata, Yugel (June 13, 2017). "Strong fan base helps TJ's career". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  6. 1 2 Llanes, Rommel (July 30, 2019). "TJ Monterde nakagawa ng kanta dahil sa wedding questions sa kanila ni KZ Tandingan" [TJ Monterde made a song because of questions on wedding with KZ Tandingan]. Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Tagalog). Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  7. 1 2 "Full List: Winners, Awit Awards 2020". Rappler . August 29, 2020. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  8. Policarpio, Allan (July 3, 2020). "KZ and fiancé TJ set to introduce 'magic' of Vispop regional music". The Philippine Daily Inquirer . Archived from the original on December 16, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  9. 1 2 Donato, Jerry (November 10, 2020). "TJ and KZ seal it with a kiss and a song". The Philippine Star . Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  10. 1 2 Llemit, Kathleen (August 7, 2021). "KZ Tandingan, TJ Monterde release songs for each other on the same day". The Philippine Star . Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  11. 1 2 "Moira, SB19 win big in 7th Wish Music Awards". ABS-CBN . Retrieved June 11, 2025.
  12. 1 2 Severo, Jan Milo (October 30, 2021). "TJ Monterde collaborates with Korean singer YELO for 'Little Things'". The Philippine Star . Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  13. Toff, C. (March 22, 2024). "TJ Monterde shares story behind hit song 'Palagi': 'It's a song of reassurance for KZ'". ABS-CBN . Archived from the original on June 22, 2025. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
  14. Go, Mayks (September 11, 2024). "TJ Monterde's "Palagi" Rises To No. 2 On The Billboard Philippines Hot 100". Billboard Philippines . Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  15. Basbas, Franchesca Judine (October 26, 2024). "TJ Monterde Rises To No. 1 Of The Top Philippine Songs Chart With 'Palagi'". Billboard Philippines . Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  16. "TJ Monterde invites us to his world with new album 'Sariling Mundo'". Cornerstone Entertainment. April 20, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  17. Saenz, Rome (August 27, 2024). "TJ Monterde And KZ Tandingan To Release Collaborative Version Of 'Palagi'". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on August 27, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  18. Go, Mayks (September 27, 2024). "TJ Monterde To Hold 'Sariling Mundo' Canada Tour With KZ Tandingan". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on February 12, 2025. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  19. Saulog, Gabriel (October 24, 2024). "TJ Monterde Announces 'Sariling Mundo At The Big Dome' Concert For 2025". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on November 6, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  20. "TJ Monterde on 3-night sold-out concert: 'I can't wrap my head around it'". ABS-CBN News . January 5, 2025. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  21. Go, Mayks (January 16, 2025). "TJ Monterde To Bring 'Sarili Nating Mundo' Concert Series To Davao This March 2025". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on January 16, 2025. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  22. Almario, Manuel (July 11, 2025). "Filipino powerhouses TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan set to wow Dubai in sold-out Coca-Cola Arena concert". Gulf News . Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  23. Saenz, Rome (February 3, 2025). "Billboard Philippines Honors TJ Monterde And KZ Tandingan For No. 1 Song Of 2024". Billboard Philippines . Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  24. "Aurora Music Festival 2025: Lineup, ticket prices". Rappler . February 17, 2025. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  25. Severo, Jan Milo (March 28, 2025). "'Ang Palagi': TJ Monterde, KZ Tandingan ink new endorsement deal". The Philippine Star . Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  26. 1 2 Sabio, Nikki (May 17, 2025). "TJ Monterde recalls how he became friends with South Korean indie artist 10CM: 'FROM FANBOY TO CHINGU'". ABS-CBN . Retrieved August 23, 2025.
  27. Cruz, Hazel Jane (February 4, 2025). "TJ Monterde, 10CM perform their newest song 'Silver' in 'sarili nating mundo' concert". GMA Network . Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  28. "'Manifested': TJ Monterde, KZ Tandingan's 2018 dream fan meet finally comes true". Interaskyon (The Philippine Star). June 2, 2025. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  29. 1 2 Mallorca, Hannah (June 14, 2025). "TJ Monterde adds another date to Baguio leg of 'Sarili Nating Mundo' tour". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Archived from the original on July 1, 2025. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  30. "TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan bring fan meet concert to Cebu". The Manila Times . August 15, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  31. 1 2 "James Reid wraps up his 'jgh' era with TJ Monterde collab 'Pahinga'". ABS-CBN . June 6, 2025. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
  32. Saulog, Gabriel (July 1, 2025). "Polyeast Records Is Releasing A TJ Monterde Compilation Album On Vinyl". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on July 1, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  33. 1 2 Saenz, Rome (August 12, 2025). "TJ Monterde Debuts New Single "Unang Halik"". Billboard Philippines . Retrieved August 23, 2025.
  34. "'I found love and happiness through music': TJ Monterde expressed during his visit to Australia". SBS Filipino. Special Broadcasting Service. November 19, 2023. Archived from the original on November 19, 2023. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  35. "Look: KZ Tandingan, TJ Monterde tie knot in 2nd wedding ceremony". Rappler . August 31, 2023. Archived from the original on April 4, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
  36. Peak chart positions for:
  37. Peak chart positions for:
  38. Peak chart positions for:
  39. Wang, Nickie (July 6, 2020). "A song TJ Monterde composed while watching the sunset". Manila Standard . Archived from the original on June 9, 2025.
  40. "Michael V joins singers, musicians in tribute song for COVID-19 frontliners". GMA Network . April 17, 2020. Archived from the original on May 25, 2020. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  41. Brosas, Alex (November 29, 2022). "TJ Monterde sings song that KZ Tandingan didn't want others to hear — his wedding vow". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  42. 1 2 3 "TJ Monterde invites us to his world with new album 'Sariling Mundo'". Cornerstone Entertainment. April 20, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  43. Toff, C. (March 22, 2024). "TJ Monterde shares story behind hit song 'Palagi': 'It's a song of reassurance for KZ'". ABS-CBN . Archived from the original on June 22, 2025. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
  44. Saenz, Rome (August 27, 2024). "TJ Monterde And KZ Tandingan To Release Collaborative Version Of 'Palagi'". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on August 27, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
  45. "Darating Din – Song by TJ Monterde". Apple Music . Retrieved August 23, 2025.
  46. "Philippines Hot 100 (Week of February 22, 2025)". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on June 27, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  47. "Top Philippine Songs (Week of February 22, 2025)". Billboard Philippines . February 22, 2025. Archived from the original on February 22, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  48. "TJ Monterde gears up for solo concert in May". ABS-CBN News . May 2, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  49. "TJ Monterde wraps up 3-night sold-out solo Araneta Coliseum concert". ABS-CBN News. February 4, 2025. Archived from the original on May 8, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  50. "LIST: Awit Awards 2021 winners". ABS-CBN . November 29, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  51. Idris, A. Azim (January 18, 2021). "Gloc-9, Zild Benitez, Ben&Ben, SB19 win big at sixth Wish Music Awards". NME . Archived from the original on June 9, 2025. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  52. Jessica Ann Evangelista (September 28, 2024). "BINI, SB19 among nominees in comebacking MYX Music Awards". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  53. Angan, Kara (January 16, 2024). "Here Are The Winners Of The 9th Wish Music Awards". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on June 20, 2025. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  54. Saulog, Gabriel (January 19, 2025). "Here Are The Winners For The 10th Wish Music Awards: SB19, BINI, Dionela, and More". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on June 11, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  55. Dela Cruz, Abby (May 31, 2025). "Pipol's Choice: Full List of Winners of the 6th VP Choice Awards". Village Pipol. Archived from the original on May 31, 2025. Retrieved May 31, 2025.