TJ Monterde looks back at rejections, reveals he almost quit music before his rise to success

May 23 ------ Before achieving widespread recognition, TJ Monterde faced significant challenges, including numerous rejections and financial difficulties that one point led him to consider giving up on his music career. “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the OPM singer admitted experiencing rejections was painful. “Marami pero—masakit siya, ‘yung mga rejections siyempre,” he said, sharing he would often receive the usual "we'll get back to you" response.  

A particularly heartbreaking experience involved securing a September gig two months prior to the schedule. He remembered being very excited about the opportunity; he had no other work to look forward to at the time. “Everyday, practice ako. Pagdating ng mga one week before, biglang hindi natuloy kasi may kinuhang bigger artist kesa sa ‘kin. So [that's] one of the heartbreaks sa mga una na. Hindi ka puwedeng sobrang madaling ma-hurt,” TJ said. 

He also struggled financially, sharing he would take on side gigs to make ends meet. “As much as I can, nagvo-voice overs ako sa commercials. ‘Yun ‘yung ginagawa ko. I do voice-overs for radio and TV commercials. Nag-ho-host ako ng events kung kaya ko,” he said. His dad would even check up on him and ask how he’s doing. “There was this time na wala na talaga kaming pera. As in, wala na,” TJ said, recalling a time when he asked his friend, Makoy, if he had enough money for just dinner, as his own money from his father wouldn’t arrive until the next day. Makoy managed to scrape together just enough money to buy them buy-one-take-one burgers. “Habang naglalakad kami papunta do’n sa circle, nakatingin ako sa daan hoping that I’d find like P10 or P20 na ‘Lord sana may P10 ditong makita ako para man lang may pang-soft drinks kami,’” TJ said. 

This made TJ question his path, wondering if what he was doing with his life was right and if he should just return home. “Pero wala eh. There’s just—every time, lagi Niyang sinasabi sa ‘kin na tuloy mo lang, may pupuntahan ka. There’s always a small voice. I hear it,” he said. 

TJ released his first single, “Ikaw at Ako,” in 2012 and the rest is history. Among his other hit songs are “Dating Tayo” and “Palagi” with his wife, KZ Tandingan. In February, he had a three-night concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Perhaps TJ's story on perseverance and faith is one we need as we try to finish the week with flying colors. 

Source: gmanetwork.com