TJ Monterde, KZ Tandingan kick off 'In Between' US-Canada tour after historic Araneta run

MANILA, February 26 ------ Real-life couple and OPM powerhouses TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan are set to bring their music across North America as they officially kick off their “In Between” US and Canada tour this March. During an intimate send-off dinner with family, friends, and their team, the couple reflected on the whirlwind year that was and the even bigger journey ahead.

“Sobrang nakakalula,” KZ admitted, recalling how around the same time last year, they were sending off TJ’s “Sarili Nating Mundo” (SNM) tour, which went on to become one of the most successful and largest tours mounted by an OPM artist. “Akala namin yun na po siya,” she shared. “Pero hindi mo talaga pwedeng i-limit kung ano yung pwedeng gawin ng Panginoon. Because this year, the tour is even bigger. So ngayon, ‘In Between’ naman po yung gagawin namin. We’re very excited, we’re very happy.”

For TJ, the evening was more than just a launch -- it was a celebration. “Aside sa kick-off party namin for ‘In Between,’ it’s also a thanksgiving para sa buong team namin,” he said. “If not the biggest na ginawa namin, hindi ko alam kung ano pa yung pinakamalaki. After the event, hindi namin na-celebrate talaga. Kaya ngayon, nag-celebrate kami with everyone.”

The tour begins in Davao, a city close to both their hearts. “Laging doon ang kick-off namin, bilang hometown ni KZ at ako rin,” TJ said. “Davao kami on March 1, tapos March 3, diretso na kami to Vancouver. US-Canada for the whole of March.” Despite the packed schedule, TJ said the experience feels less like work and more like a shared journey: “Nakakapagod yung maraming shows, pero blessings yun. This whole team makes the work less tiring. Parang kami ay nagbabakasyon. Kaya yes na yes kami sa team na ito.”

While SNM centered on TJ’s musical universe, “In Between” offers something fans have long been asking for. “With SNM, mundo ni TJ yun,” he explained. “Pero ‘In Between,’ like what we did in Araneta, mapapanood ng mga OFWs yung mundo ni KZ. Marami ang nagsasabi noon na bitin sila kay KZ, lalo na ’yung pag kaming dalawa.” In SNM, the couple only shared one song onstage. This time, fans can expect more duets, more banter, and a deeper look into their shared world. “As in masaya,” TJ said. “Kaya excited din kami to do ‘In Between’ sa buong mundo.”

The excitement follows a historic achievement at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the couple became the first married duo to sell out four consecutive shows at the iconic venue. “Unang-una, iba talaga ang pagka-visionary ng aming boss na si Erickson Raymundo,” KZ said. “Nung sinabi nilang magko-concert ulit sa Araneta after a year na nag-concert na at nag-tour pa, sabi namin, ‘May manonood pa po ba?’”

The doubt quickly turned into disbelief as tickets sold out within hours, prompting additional show dates, all of which sold out. TJ recalled the uncertainty: “Nasa gitna pa kami ng SNM noon. Parang kami talaga, ‘May manonood pa ba sa amin?’ Pero tiwala lang talaga sa Cornerstone.” True enough, the faith paid off. Amid the touring frenzy, KZ also recently embraced independence as an artist. With TJ’s encouragement, she stepped into a new chapter and released a deeply personal composition, “Sinong Magmamahal Sa Akin.” “I wrote it for my sister who moved to New Zealand para mabigyan ng magandang future ang pamilya niya,” KZ said.

Inspired by her sister’s strength, the song speaks about being the strong one that others run to, even when you’re not allowed to show weakness. “I’m so grateful kasi after I released the song, it became an anthem,” KZ said. Also present at the send-off was director John Prats, who will helm “In Between.” “Bonding namin ito,” Prats said with a laugh. “Last year, yung 40 shows nila TJ and KZ, ibang klaseng experience yun. Hindi lang basta concert. Every show may kakaibang experience. Excited kami this year kasi ramdam namin na mas may lalim pa.”

Source: news.abs-cbn.com