Singer-songwriter TJ Monterde recently revealed on May 6 that he almost quit his singing career and considered opening a business instead.

His crisis began after the pandemic, when concerts and shows started to open up again. Yet, he found his career stagnant.

“Parang walang nangyayari. Kasi pumi-pick up na ‘yung mga shows tapos wala akong kahit na ano. Tapos ‘yung mga kanta ko wala masiyadong nangyayari,” Monterde lamented after his sold-out ‘Sariling Mundo’ concert at the New Frontier Theater, his first major concert after 12 years in the industry.

He even doubted that his show would succeed. The singer-songwriter, passionate about coffee, considered opening a coffee shop instead of continuing his music career.

“Passion ko ang coffee, coffee business ako. Plano [ko] na lang mag-business,” he said.

However, things turned around after he decided to persist in his career. Monterde’s perseverance paid off: a sold-out concert and a surprise extension of what was supposed to be a one-day event.

“Two nights. Two nights sold out. I never imagined this to happen. Parang like sabi ko nga kanina, there was a time 2022 titigil na ako eh,” expressed the singer.

Even after finishing his concert, Monterde was still on cloud nine, overjoyed that his two-day concert was fully booked in less than 24 hours.

“I’m still…hindi ko maintindihan. Overwhelmed pa ako. Hindi ko ma-explain ang feeling. I’m still super overwhelmed sa mga nangyayari.”

His ‘Sariling Mundo’ concert was directed by John Prats, with special guests Moira dela Torre, Arthur Nery, and South Korean singer 10CM.