As blessings kept pouring in singer-songwriter TJ Monterde’s way, the musician took to Instagram to pen a “special post” for the Concert King Martin Nievera, who was also the front act at his recent “Sarili Nating Mundo” concert.
On Tuesday, a few days after the conclusion of his three-day sold-out concert at the Big Dome, TJ wrote Martin a heartwarming message. The video posted on Instagram was accompanied by a lengthy caption from the “Palagi” singer.
The latter emphasized his long history with the music icon, reminiscing when he was moved to tears.
It was back in 2013 when he began hosting Martin’s mall shows with Polyeast Records. TJ said that he would arrive two hours early at the venue. He would inform people about Martin’s concert moments before it began, announcing, “nandito si Martin Nievera, 5 PM!”
Then, he’d tweak his voice to introduce himself, because he was also the front act.
“I’m so grateful for those days of learning, andami ko natutunan kay sir Martin na naapply ko na rin ngayon, hindi lang sa trabaho kundi kung pano maging mabuting tao. Role model talaga namin siya,” the musician reminisced.
He added how he also got carried away during the third day of the SNM concert series, noting that it was a surprise from the concert king.
“Nung nakita ko na siya sa screen, bumalik lahat ng memories ko ng mga humble beginnings namin. Tapos yung admiration ko para kay Sir Martin, grabe, “Concert King” ka na — yet nag offer ka maging “front act,” he wrote.
“Nakaka amaze lang yung humility niya, at the same time, reminder din sa aming mga bagong artists na kung yung “Concert King” nga ganyan, sino ba kami? We all have to learn from this guy!” he added.
A Full Circle Moment
TJ posted Martin’s speech as the opening act for the concert, along with the endearing message. Before his performance, he told the audience how he saw the OPM singer’s growth as an artist.
Martin recalled when people still used CDs and anticipated album launches in malls, TJ came to all his promos. The latter hosted and performed at the event as the opening act.
“So I thought maybe one day, I could return the favor if, he ever becomes a big star,” the music icon said, as the camera showed TJ in tears backstage.
“Filling up this beautiful venue three nights in a row is not easy, but nobody deserves the success more than my boy, TJ,” he said. “His humility, his hard work and his dreams; and his love and faith in God. And his dedication in love to each and every one of you has brought us all here tonight.”
“So allow me tonight to return the favor to my front act boy and the host of my CD promos, as I am now. For the very first time, I am your front act,” Martin ended, as he took a bow on stage.
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TJ’s recent concert was attended by various personalities and fans, earning him the title of the first local male artist to sell out three consecutive concerts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Following the three sold-out concerts, TJ became the No. 1 played OPM artist on Spotify.
The “Sarili Nating Mundo” concert was staged at the Araneta Coliseum from February 1 to 3.
