TJ Monterde/Facebook
After nearly a year of performing across the Philippines and abroad, singer-songwriter TJ Monterde is feeling a whirl of gratitude and nostalgia as the “Sarili Nating Mundo” tour approaches its final five shows.
Joined by his wife and musical partner KZ Tandingan, and under the direction of actor-director John Prats, the tour has become a deeply personal and transformative experience for the entire team.
“It is super overwhelming. We are down to our last five shows for the year,” Monterde said during a press conference. “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 emphasized the effort they put into each performance, especially for overseas audiences.
“As much as we can, siyempre binibigay namin ’yung best talaga, lalo pag outside of the country,” he said. “Kasi iniisip namin na… ‘Pinaghirapan nila ’tong ticket na ’to eh.’ Kaya kailangan namin ibigay ’yung nararapat na experience for all of them.”
With over 40 shows under their belt, Monterde admitted the challenge of keeping each one authentic.
“Each and every time, meron talagang nangyayari ng special… every concert,” he said, noting that marriage proposals have become a recurring highlight, with only one show missing the tradition.
Monterde also shared one of the most unforgettable moments that happened just two weeks ago at a show in Laguna.
“Nung Day One… nawalan ako ng boses. As in total zero,” he recalled. “Sobrang in shock ako… ‘Anong gagawin ko?’”
Despite the setback, Tandingan stepped in during his performance of “Harana,” singing alongside him and eventually taking over the final chorus of “Palagi”, when his voice gave out completely during the second day of the show.
“Doon ko na-appreciate ’yung importance of having a team… tulungan kami talaga nung day na ’yun,” he said.
Tandingan, who has been part of the tour since February, shared similar sentiments. “Tinatawa-tawa ko na lang, pero nase-sepanx na din ako,” she said. “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.”
She also offered a reminder to fellow artists: “Always remind yourself na ang daming tao who are still praying for the opportunity that you already have… So I always remind myself to be grateful.”
rats, who has guided the tour since its inception, also reflected on its unexpected success.
“Sabi ko kay TJ after the Araneta show, ‘Pare grabe, mami-miss ko ’to,’” Prats said. “Sabi niya, ‘Wag kang mag-alala, Direk. Lilibutin pa natin ang mundo.’ So literal na nangyari talaga siya.”
Prats, who took on multiple roles behind the scenes, including lighting and production, praised the humility of the show’s stars. “Grabe ’yung hirap ng tour… And I’m just so grateful na sina KZ and TJ, the stars of the show, ay walang ere,” he said.
The final five shows of the “Sarili Nating Mundo” tour will take place on:
* October 5 – Melbourne, Australia
* October 11 – Auckland, New Zealand
* October 12 – Sydney, Australia
* October 17 – Perth, Australia
* December 2 – Abu Dhabi, UAE
Monterde and Tandingan are also set to return to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for a two-night concert on February 6 and 7, 2026, once again under the direction of Prats.