TJ Monterde proves that success comes to those who wait

June 28 ------ Success comes to those who wait, take risks and take action. This is evident in the journey of singer-songwriter TJ Monterde, who faced numerous struggles before achieving his success.

In 2011, TJ left Cagayan de Oro for Manila with his notebook full of songs and dreams. He composed Ikaw at Ako that same year, which went viral after he uploaded it on YouTube in 2012. “I rented a very small space in Mandaluyong for P5,000 a month and started going to different record labels, hoping to gain their trust (in my talent) and get signed (as a recording artist),” began TJ when he recently guested on GMA’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” TJ continued, “There was this time when I went to PolyEast Records on Quezon Ave., and then I auditioned by singing Ikaw at Ako. They told me that they were looking for the voice behind the song after hearing it online. So, they gave me a deal, and that started my singing career.”

However, before securing the recording deal, TJ faced significant challenges making a living in the city. He and his guitarist friend Makoy, who later moved to Manila with him, shared a small, rented space that included only a roll-up bed, a borrowed TV set, a foldable chair, a kettle and a rice cooker. To reach auditions, TJ relied on the MRT, LRT, jeepneys and tricycles.

Rejections were plentiful, he reflected. There was even one who scheduled him for a gig only to learn three months later that another performer had taken his spot. “I prepared for that, but a week before the gig, hindi natuloy. So, there were heartbreaks, but in this industry, you should never get hurt easily.” TJ continued attending auditions. He did voice-overs for radio and TV commercials and hosted events to cover his monthly bills. His dad sent a food allowance every month. “My dad would always remind me that I can go back (to the province) anytime. Unti-unti kinaya naman through God’s grace.”

One unforgettable experience for TJ was when he and Makoy were left with so little money that it was not enough to buy them a decent meal for dinner. “Makoy’s money was just enough to buy us Buy 1 Take 1 burgers at Maysilo Circle in Mandaluyong, where we stayed. While we were walking, I wished I could find P10 or P20 on the pavement. I said, ‘Lord, sana may makita ako dito para man lang may pang-softdrinks kami.’ That was also the point when I told myself, ‘Tama pa ba itong ginagawa ko sa buhay ko? Uuwi na lang kaya ako sa amin.’ But every time I have that thought, there’s always this small voice in my head telling me to, ‘Just continue, you’re on the right path.’”

True enough. TJ wrote another song in 2014 titled Dating Tayo and had it released two years later. The singer-songwriter said that it was one of those songs he didn’t expect to be a hit. “So, to those songwriters out there, I advise you to write what you want to write because this song (Dating Tayo) is one of those songs that I didn’t expect to make it to the top. Parang, sige sali n’yo lang, okay lang na pang dagdag filler. But then it turned out to be one of my biggest songs,” said TJ, who also revealed that it was in 2015 when love bloomed between him and KZ Tandingan. They got married in 2020.

TJ’s breakthrough moment came last year when his heartfelt composition Palagi appealed to many, resulting in its rise to the top of various local music charts. “Palagi was one of those songs that I felt really down while I was writing it. And I never expected that song to become popular. That’s what I tell songwriters: To just write what your heart wants you to write, because you never know. The next song could be your million-dollar song.”

From humble beginnings and moments of doubt, there’s no question that TJ has successfully transitioned into a celebrated singer-songwriter whose music profoundly touches listeners.

Source: philstar.com