After almost a year of touring across the Philippines and abroad, singer-songwriter TJ Monterde is filled with gratitude as the “Sarili Nating Mundo” tour enters its last five stops.
The tour, directed by John Prats, has been a special journey for Monterde, his wife and musical partner KZ Tandingan, and the rest of the team.
“It is super overwhelming. We are down to our last five shows for the year,” Monterde said. “Buong taon, ito ’yung ginawa talaga namin almost every weekend… kung ’di abroad, sa Pilipinas. So, pinagkekwentuhan namin ni KZ na ang daming nangyari this year. Pero si Direk, ayaw niyang pag-usapan kasi nase-sepanx na siya ngayon pa lang.”
Monterde said they make sure to give their best in every show, especially overseas. “As much as we can, siyempre binibigay namin ’yung best talaga, lalo pag outside of the country. Kasi iniisip namin na… ‘Pinaghirapan nila ’tong ticket na ’to eh.’ Kaya kailangan namin ibigay ’yung nararapat na experience for all of them.”
With more than 40 shows staged, each one has brought something unique. “Each and every time, meron talagang nangyayari ng special… every concert,” he said, noting that proposals have become a regular highlight.
Monterde also recalled losing his voice in a Laguna show. “Nung Day One… nawalan ako ng boses. As in total zero,” he shared. “Sobrang in shock ako… ‘Anong gagawin ko?’” Tandingan stepped in during his performance of Harana and took over the final chorus of Palagi. “Doon ko na-appreciate ’yung importance of having a team… tulungan kami talaga nung day na ’yun,” he added.
Tandingan admitted she is also feeling sentimental. “Tinatawa-tawa ko na lang, pero nase-sepanx na din ako. Literal na parang buong taon halos… magkakamukha na nga kami, magkapalit-palit na kami ng mga mukha.” She added, “But overall, I’m personally just really grateful to do this with TJ, Direk John, and the rest of the team.”
Prats also reflected on the tour’s success. “Sabi ko kay TJ after the Araneta show, ‘Pare grabe, mami-miss ko ’to,’” he said. “Sabi niya, ‘Wag kang mag-alala, Direk. Lilibutin pa natin ang mundo.’ So literal na nangyari talaga siya.”
He praised Monterde and Tandingan’s humility despite the demands of the tour. “Grabe ’yung hirap ng tour… And I’m just so grateful na sina KZ and TJ, the stars of the show, ay walang ere.”
The final shows will be held on October 5 in Melbourne, October 11 in Auckland, October 12 in Sydney, October 17 in Perth, and December 2 in Abu Dhabi.
Monterde and Tandingan are also set to return to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for a two-night concert on February 6 and 7, 2026, again directed by Prats.