Singer-songwriter TJ Monterde has opened up about the financial challenges he faced early in his marriage to KZ Tandingan, admitting that his contributions to their household were minimal at the time.
In an interview with Karen Davila for her YouTube channel, Monterde shared how he struggled with his career after getting married, leading to limited financial support for their home. Despite this, he expressed his deep gratitude to KZ for her unwavering support and understanding throughout their journey.
Monterde recalled that shortly after their wedding, his career hit a rough patch, which left him with few work opportunities.
“There was a time, kakakasal pa lang namin, medyo down ako sa career ko noon, wala ako masyadong trabaho,” he admitted.
In an effort to stay visible in the industry, he even asked his management to lower his talent fee just to secure more projects.
“I asked my management to just babaan niyo na lang TF (talent fee) ko, kahit ano. I just want to be visible, I just want to be there. Kahit wala na masyadong TF, mababa lang,” he shared.
Despite his struggles, KZ remained successful and active in the industry. Monterde acknowledged that as the head of the household, he felt the pressure to provide but never once did KZ make him feel inadequate.
“KZ, she’s always been KZ, she’s always been there (sikat). Knowing na I’m the head of the house, ako ‘yung lalaki, I felt like I should be the provider but she never made me feel that way, not even once.”
Monterde also revealed that when they purchased their house, his financial contribution was minimal, which made him feel guilty at times.
“Minsan humihingi ako ng pasensiya. Kasi bumili kami ng bahay, wala akong masyadong ambag sa binili naming bahay. ‘Yung sa akin lang minsan kuryente, tubig, magkano lang ba ‘yon?”
Feeling the weight of his limited contributions, he prayed for the opportunity to be able to fully support their household expenses in the future.
“So parang lagi kong inaano, ‘Lord, paano ba ito pang-kuryente tubig na lang ba ako rito? Paano kaya, Lord? Paano ko kaya maabot na ako naman ‘yung magbabayad ng monthly na malalaki o magbabayad ng kotse?’”
However, KZ always reassured him that things would improve.
“She never made me feel that way. Lagi niyang sinasabi sa akin, ‘Okay lang, darating ‘yung time.’ May tiwala talaga siya sa akin. ‘Darating ‘yung time, sure ako, maaano mo ‘yan, bibili mo ako ng bag, bibili mo ako ng Chanel,’” he recounted.
Despite the financial challenges, Monterde said KZ never left his side, showing unwavering support during his lowest moments.
“I really felt na noong times na kailangan na kailangan ko siya ay nandoon siya. And ‘yung manner niya of handling it, never ako na-insecure.”
Fortunately, the situation has now improved, and Monterde shared that he is finally able to contribute more to their household expenses.
“Parehas na kami. Nakakapag-share na ako, kahit papaano nakakapag-share na ako.”
He credited his faith and perseverance for the positive change.
“Kasi prayer ko ‘yun noon, ‘Lord, sana ako ang makapag-ano kahit monthly lang ng bahay.’ Ang galing ni Lord, ngayon kaya na.”
Monterde expressed his gratitude to KZ for believing in him despite the setbacks.
“I can say I’m blessed with what I have. Thank you for believing in me from the very beginning, and iyo ako palagi.”
Monterde and Tandingan, who got married on August 28, 2020, at The Farm at San Benito, Batangas, have proven that their relationship is built on trust, support, and unconditional love.
