In life, there is no greater collaboration than the dynamic of marriage.
Marriage itself is like a song of its own — composed of its own fine-tuned melodies that translate into a harmony of elements that’s akin to what makes a relationship work. And if there’s a duo who would know all about both themes, it would be TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan.
While both parties have forged their own respective career paths and established their own set of sounds, their worlds came together for the release of a special rendition to TJ’s chart-topping hit single, “Palagi.” As a reimagining of sorts, their duet version of the track was more than just a song, but a testament to their relationship that exemplifies a perfect harmony of their individual artistry and their shared love.
What started out as an Instagram livestream showcase soon evolved into a fully-recorded song released in late August last year, and was met with widespread acclaim (even claiming the No. 1 spot on Billboard Philippines’ Top Philippine Songs chart) — uniting fans across generations and musical preferences. Yet for TJ and KZ, however, it was far more personal.
Photographed by Karl King Aguña.
On KZ: UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON sweater; VANDRO CASIWAN skirt and trousers; ADIDAS footwear. On TJ: UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON sweater and shorts.
“A lot of people wondered about a possible duet version of this song,” TJ reflects. “But the only condition I had was that if I would do a duet, it had to be with her — because this song is about her. And now, it’s so nice since we’re sharing this song together.”
Before their paths intertwined professionally, both TJ and KZ lived in two very different musical worlds. TJ, an acoustic balladeer from Cagayan de Oro, built a career on heartfelt melodies and poetic lyrics. KZ, on the other hand, was a force of nature. After winning The X Factor Philippines in 2012, she emerged as “Asia’s Soul Supreme,” known for her fearless experimentation with the genres of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Yet together, what they’ve created places an emphasis on a genuine set of emotions rather than one distinct genre.
“Even though we’re married, we are two different artists. We approach our sounds very differently. So to find the sweet spot in those two worlds, it was a really big challenge — especially for me. Because ‘Palagi’ was already a really big song at that time. And I was so scared to touch it because I told [TJ] that I didn’t want it to sound like we just forced it to happen,” says KZ. “Even if I’m the one who will ride the song, it’s also very important to me that it had to represent both of us and the underlying story of the song. That’s how challenging it was.”
“Even though we’re married, we are two different artists. We approach our sounds very differently. So to find the sweet spot in those two worlds, it was a really big challenge.”
– KZ Tandingan
Although the original version of “Palagi” was a simple yet poignant ode to enduring love (with TJ himself describing it as something that encapsulates “young love”), he also views this brand-new rendition as a song that has “already been through something” thanks to its lived-in qualities, and a symbol that emphasizes “We’re still here, together.”
From what anyone has seen, the result was nothing short of magical. KZ’s soul-inflected riffs and phrasing elevated the song’s emotional depth, while TJ’s steady acoustic backdrop anchored it in with warmth and familiarity. Their voices, though distinct, merged effortlessly — creating a rendition that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
“I feel like I was there to add depth and texture to the moments that matter the most. In taking this role, I should be the one who supports whatever I do, and there were parts of the song that I needed to change to fit my range. It’s TJ’s original key. So, when I play it as is, either the voice is too low, or when I play it in a higher octave, it’s too much like a grand finals performance,” KZ notes with a playful tune.
“I took it really seriously and I wanted to be careful. I didn’t want to overdo it but at the same time, I wanted my addition to be something that meant something new to the song.”
TJ also mentions how upon hearing the first draft from the studio, it was already pitch-perfect in terms of execution. “When I heard it the first time, upon the first pass, I [already] said, ‘That’s perfect.’ We didn’t repeat it nor did we need to. It didn’t surprise me but my expectations were like, this is exactly what I wanted to hear. And that’s what you heard on the final recording,” he proudly says.
The success of their beloved duet wasn’t just about musical synergy — it was also a reflection of their real-life dynamic. As a married couple, TJ and KZ have always been open about their journey, from their whirlwind courtship to their intimate wedding during the pandemic in 2020. Their relationship, much like their music, is built on mutual respect and an unshakeable sense of partnership.
“I think the key component of what made this work was respect talaga (definitely). You allow each other to shine, and of course, you get to find that mutual ground where both of you shine and nakikita ng isa’t isa na nag-grow (witness one another grow). And I think yung nire-represent ng duet (what the duet represents) [is] how these two very different people can meet in the middle and make it work like it was meant to be all along,” mentions KZ.
Still, the duo notes that their inspiration for one another carries over beyond what they have been able to accomplish with the song. Their methodology, whether it’s in their songwriting process or approach to live performances, is an amalgamation of their sway on one another.
Photographed by Karl King Aguña.
On KZ: JOSEPH PALMA jacket and jeans. On TJ: MARTIN UY jeans; LEVI’S ® PHILIPPINES jacket.
“Every time I perform with her, it excites me. But at the same time, parang nacha-challenge ako (I get challenged),” says TJ. “I consider myself more of a songwriter, so sa kanya ako nagpapatulong para makahanap ng magandang direction for a song, or kahit para makahanap kung anong run ang pwedeng gawin sa mga kanta ko.”
(“I consider myself more of a songwriter, so it’s often with her wherein I ask for help in order to find a good direction for a song, or even when finding a run that I could use and apply with my songs.”)
With his penned compositions, he notes how he’s the type of songwriter to find inspiration for his work –– even if it means he has to get in the zone. “‘Yung kantang nag-resonate sa maraming tao (A song that resonates with a lot of people), like ‘Palagi,’ it’s something that you can’t get from your brain kasi (because). For me, if you want to write something that really resonates with a lot of people, it’s something that has to be felt authentically.”
In channeling such authenticity, TJ mentions that he finds himself drawn to finding experiences — whether it be sensory or through reliving stories from his peers or his own past. “What I [often] do, I try to call people, talk to friends, or sometimes open our cabinets in this room. I smell a certain perfume, or I read ‘yung mga letters namin ni KZ dati, (me and KZ’s old letters from the past), sometimes revisiting old videos — all of which brings me back to a certain time. Because I try to find something that can make me feel.”
He recalls a recent instance during their trip to Korea over the holidays, wherein the two of them returned to the very spot where KZ became his girlfriend. “When we got there, all those feelings from long ago came back again. Like I couldn’t believe we were here ten years ago. So that sparked something again, and I went straight to write down my notes because I didn’t have an instrument [with me]. I wrote everything I wanted to say and felt because it’s those moments with her that inspired me to write something new,” TJ continues.
On the other hand, KZ notes how TJ’s mere presence has changed her approach to her craft — including how she views it, and how she has moved forward with her artistry. “For me, TJ always makes everything easier. I’m very much into the tiny details of every performance and every arrangement, so sometimes I overthink everything — yet TJ is the one who reminds me to just allow life to happen in front of you.”
“Sobrang strength ni TJ ‘yung he is very in touch with his emotions. He allows all his senses to be open, to be receptive to all the inspiration na nasa paligid niya. Kaya, andami niyang nakukuhang mga bagay na pwedeng maging inspiration sa sulat niya. Kasi ganun siyang klaseng tao.”
(“TJ’s biggest strength is that he is very in touch with his emotions. He allows all his senses to be open, to be receptive to all the inspiration that’s in his surrounding areas. That’s why he’s able to take away a lot of inspiration with the songs that he writes. Because that’s exactly the type of person he is.”)
Photographed by Karl King Aguña.
On KZ: JOSEPH PALMA jacket and jeans. On TJ: MARTIN UY jeans; LEVI’S ® PHILIPPINES jacket.
“He always finds the silver lining in all those situations, which, [as cheesy as it sounds,] is what I need every single day of my life. So, despite how different we are as people and artists, it makes sense that we balance each other out.”
KZ then tells me all about how TJ got her out of her creative rut, citing how he’s allowed her to step out of her comfort zone, both in terms of her genre and songwriting styles. “For the longest time, I didn’t get to release a song and I felt like I was stuck. But it was TJ who helped me.”
“Sabi niya (He said), ‘Why don’t you write something completely left field [from] whatever you want to write? Just for you to hit restart and be jolted creatively first.’ Because back then, I was overloaded,” she narrates. ”Then I wrote [“Toyo”] out of desperation. It started out as an exercise for me to write something and then he encouraged me to release it — and I’m still laughing because I think it’s the first time that I’ve written something like this!”
Although the duo could go on and on about the significant impact they’ve made on one another, what fascinates the couple is how quickly their duet became a sensation. Fans flooded social media with heartfelt reactions, calling it “the love song of the decade” and praising its ability to bridge generations.
“I still get surprised when someone messages me about how much our song has affected them.”
– TJ Monterde
“This is something I never imagined. I’ve been in this industry for about 13 years, but I still get surprised when someone messages me about how much our song has affected them,” TJ muses. “Like three days ago, we were in a restaurant in QC, and someone suddenly came up to us, saying, ‘I’m really sorry to bother you, but your song helped me and my girlfriend a lot.’ Like it was their theme song daw (they said). So seeing it resonate with people na ganun (like that), that’s my happiness. I’ll always be happy with that.”
Given its surge in popularity amongst the masses, their collaboration has led to more opportunities for them to collaborate with one another, whether it’s in TJ’s upcoming Sariling Mundo concert series, or even their upcoming world tour around the United States and Canada.
“I’m so grateful every time we fly out for a gig, and that we get to do back-to-back shows as KZ and TJ. We’re so in awe of what’s happening. But the fact that you get to do it side by side with your husband — that you get to travel the world, meet people, do the thing that you love the most, with the person that you love the most — it feels like an extension of our honeymoon,” she jokes.
TJ acknowledges the joy in sharing the stage together, but he still notes his awe when watching her perform alone. “Whenever she does her sets, I don’t stay backstage. I’m just there watching in the corner, because the experience you get from her is different every single time. And that’s how I learn so much from her, as in literal Coach KZ talaga siya sa buhay ko (she’s literally Coach KZ in my life),” he playfully shares.
For both of them, the journey of creating this brand new rendition of “Palagi” has only deepened their bond. The experience has taught them to listen more, compromise better, and appreciate the beauty in each other’s differences.
Photographed by Karl King Aguña.
On KZ: FATIMA BELTRAN blazer and trousers; H&M bra top and boots. On TJ: ULYSSES CARAGAYAN blazer and trousers.
“It’s funny how a song can teach you so much,” TJ reflects. “It’s taught me na I want to focus more not just on my career, but maybe future highlights in life. Parang kung ano mang pwede pang mangyari sa buhay namin — katulad ng mga anniversaries to come, or kailan magkakaroon kami ng family namin. That’s a highlight because that’s where I’ll draw inspiration from, then I can write more.”
(“It’s taught me that I want to focus more not just on my career, but maybe future highlights in life. Like whatever we could do in our lives –– such as more anniversaries to come, or when the day comes that we start our own family. That’s a highlight because that’s where I’ll draw inspiration from, then I can write more.”)
With how their collaboration has inspired them to dream bigger, they’ve hinted at more projects in store for one another in the future, such as a new album from KZ and several more songs from TJ. But for now, they’re content to enjoy the ride, grateful for the music — and the love — that brought them here.
“Overall, I’m just really grateful for the entire journey and I’m excited for whatever the future has in store for me and TJ,” says KZ.
As the final notes of “Palagi” fade into the night, TJ and KZ share a knowing smile — and a mutual acknowledgment that the power of their love is what emphasizes the power of their collaboration. For them, the song is more than just a melody — it’s a shared promise. A promise to keep singing, keep creating, and keep loving one another, always.
Because in the end, that’s what “Palagi” is all about: a love that endures, in music and in life.
A version of this story originally appeared on Billboard Philippines’ February 2025 Issue.
Photographed by Karl King Aguña. Creative and Fashion Direction by Daryl Chang. Art Direction by Nicole Almero. Styling by Daryl Chang, assisted by Kurt Abonal & Connie Ulep. Hair by Jaymar Lahaylahay (TJ & KZ). Makeup by Hernan Soriano (TJ). Makeup by Janica Cleto (KZ). Photography assisted by Rojan Maguyon & Ruby Pedregosa. Produced by Mikaela Cruz.
