For OPM couple TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan, every song performed on stage carries a story—and sometimes, that story doesn’t belong to them. As they prepare to wrap up TJ’s “Sarili Nating Mundo” world tour with its final stops in Australia, New Zealand, and Abu Dhabi, the pair took a moment during a recent press conference to look back at the 35 shows that forever changed how they see their fans—and themselves.

What they shared wasn’t just a list of tour memories. It was a collection of powerful, emotional, and at times, unbelievable stories that prove how far love for music can truly go.

TJ Monterde smiled as he recalled one of the most surprising fan encounters during the tour.
“First to come to mind would be last week,” he began, laughing. “May nagpa-picture sa amin, babae na naka-shorts siya tapos may tattoo siya dito—mukha namin.”

He pointed to his upper thigh, chuckling in disbelief.
“That’s one of the most unique moments so far,” he said. “Nakakatuwa kasi it shows how much our songs and presence mean to people. To see someone carry that kind of tribute, it’s surreal.”

The story drew laughter from the press, but beneath it was a deeper truth—how art can leave a lasting mark, quite literally, on someone’s life.

But the lighter moments are only part of what makes this tour unforgettable. TJ also shared encounters that touched his heart in ways he didn’t expect.

“There are others who will approach us and tell us upfront, ‘You know what, you just saved a 17-year marriage,’” TJ revealed. “May mga ganun. Those are the moments that hit differently.”

He paused, clearly moved. “You realize that the songs you write in your own quiet space can somehow reach someone struggling halfway across the world—and help them hold on.”

It’s that emotional connection, TJ said, that keeps them grounded despite the exhaustion of life on tour.

For KZ Tandingan, the memories that stand out most are the fans’ creativity and determination.
“This is one of those times na parang unique to every stop,” she shared. “Meron silang sari-sarili nilang sign. The more creative, the easier we notice.”

KZ recalled reading one that particularly stayed with her.
“One of the signs said, ‘Mag-pa-picture ka sa akin kasi nagbenta kami ng kambing para lang makabili kami ng VIP ticket.’ That’s dedication. It shows how much people value connection through music.”

The press room erupted with laughter and awe. But KZ’s voice carried pride and disbelief all at once—because that single story represented thousands of fans who go above and beyond just to be part of their journey.

Among the 35 shows they’ve completed, some faces have become familiar—so familiar, in fact, that the couple even created a playful “attendance checklist.”

“There are fans we call o-OA,” KZ laughed. “They’ve watched Sarili Nating Mundo seven times, eight times, and they keep coming back. Every time they attend, we take a photo and check their names off the list.”

Behind the humor lies something profound: a mutual devotion that has grown between the artists and their audience. Each show may have ended after the lights dimmed, but the connection continued long after the curtain closed.

For TJ and KZ, Sarili Nating Mundo has evolved beyond a tour title—it’s become a living testament to how music builds communities, bridges hearts, and sometimes even saves lives.

“After 35 shows, we’re just filled with gratitude,” TJ said. “Every city, every story, every hug reminds us that music is bigger than fame—it’s about shared experiences.”

KZ nodded in agreement. “We’re blessed to have fans who don’t just listen—they live the music with us.”

As they prepare to close this chapter of their world tour, the couple hopes that the love they’ve received will continue to inspire others to hold on—to music, to love, and to the connections that make life meaningful.

After all, it’s in these shared moments—between artist and audience—that their “Sarili Nating Mundo” truly comes alive.