TJ Monterde gets real about earning less than KZ Tandingan in early marriage

After four sold-out nights at Smart Araneta Coliseum, the couple opens up about trust, teamwork, and wedding invites.

Singer-songwriter TJ Monterde got candid about the early years of his 10-year marriage to KZ Tandingan, recalling a time he felt deeply humbled — when his powerhouse wife was earning more and he could only cover the water and electric bills.

“There came a point,” he said, “when I asked, ‘Talaga ba, Lord? Pang tubig at kuryente na lang ba ako?’ She was paying for the house. She was paying for everything. Is this the only thing I can afford?”

Fast forward to today, and the story has changed. Thanks in large part to the massive success of “Palagi,” TJ is now saving for something bigger. “We’re not giving major gifts yet,” he shared. “Because I want to build her a house. Our dream home. That’s what we’re saving for now.”

Major adjustment for KZ: Allowing TJ to take the lead

KZ, amused and grateful, said one of her biggest adjustments was allowing TJ to take the lead. “I grew up doing everything myself. This is just me. I can do it.”

“Strong, independent woman,” TJ quipped.

“Correct,” KZ said, laughing. “And it’s one of the best decisions, if not the best, to allow TJ to be a co-pilot. I’m just really grateful that he has this kind of heart: ‘I’ll build your house. I’ll build your home.’”

“For a strong, independent woman to entrust everything to you — because she can do it — but for her to say, ‘Okay, I trust you. You take the lead,’ it takes a lot of courage,” TJ added. “I’m thankful she allowed me to do that.”

The couple had just wrapped their sold-out four-day “In Between” concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum; a personal and professional milestone for them both. 

No proposal version of ‘Palagi’ in the lineup

Interestingly, they initially didn’t plan to include “Palagi” in the song lineup. “During Day 1, we didn’t sing the proposal version,” KZ admitted.

“We said that’s part of ‘Sarili Nating Mundo.’ Let’s not do it,” TJ explained. “A lot of people proposed. So we realized, this isn’t just SNM. It’s the song ‘Palagi.’ We need to give it to them.”

By Day 2, they gave in. “From the next day onward, walang mintis,” KZ said. “Even the feeling within us, it’s still there. It doesn’t change. I’m so proud that they’re using our song to take the next step.”

Have they been invited to weddings? “Yes,” TJ said. “And we don’t turn down. They’re additional clients.”

“Remember,” KZ teased, “we’re building a home.”

Audiences need to feel comforted, to feel seen

While “In Between” delivered the Big Dome spectacle, its heart remained personal. “That’s just how we are in real life,” KZ said. “Our supporters relate to us because what we tell is the truth of our lives. From the very beginning, our goal was to remove all the spectacle and have people go home with a bit of inspiration. Even if it’s just to feel comforted, to feel seen.”

“It’s nice to have good music,” TJ added. “But at the end of the day, do you feel it? Were we able to send a message home? We hope we got our message across.”

After four consecutive arena shows, their immediate plan was simple. “Sleep,” TJ said. “We’re sure we won’t have a voice tomorrow. Sleep and voice rest.”

Not for long. “March 1, Davao,” TJ said. “Then the whole of March, US and Canada. Five cities. And more dates will be announced.”

Ten years into marriage, how do they make it work? “Commitment,” TJ answered. “You don’t allow it not to work. We’re so different, but it still works. As long as you commit, give, respect the person, you’ll find your way.”

“Our mindset is always, if there’s a problem, it’s not you versus me,” KZ said. “It’s us versus the problem.”

In quieter moments, love shows up in small ways. TJ makes KZ coffee every day. KZ likes giving gifts. “Simple things. A T-shirt, a jacket. I’ll get home and she’ll say, ‘Hey, I saw this. It suits you.’ When she’s abroad, she always brings something back,” TJ shared.

At “In Between,” they opened with “Simula.” TJ performed “Ikaw at Ako,” “Darating Din,” “Malay Mo,” “Sariling Mundo,” and “Tulad Mo.” KZ powered through “Toyo,” “Walang Hiyang Pag-ibig,” “Halik sa Hangin” and “Sinong Magmamahal Sa ‘kin?” plus fiery takes on Gloc-9’s “Upuan” and Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Their duet of “Palagi” delivered peak kilig and anchored the over three-hour show.

The audience didn’t just watch; they became part of it. Armed with PixMob wristband lights synced to the music, the Smart Araneta Coliseum transformed into a glowing sea of color and emotion. 

It was more than a concert. It was a full-circle moment for TJ, who once joked he could only afford the water and electricity bills and now finds himself lighting up arenas.

 

 

Our supporters relate to us because what we tell is the truth of our lives. From the very beginning, our goal was to remove all the spectacle and have people go home with a bit of inspiration. Even if it’s just to feel comforted, to feel seen.

KZ Tandingan

 

 

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