Palagi (song)
| "Palagi" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by TJ Monterde | ||||
| from the album Sariling Mundo | ||||
| Language | Tagalog | |||
| English title | Always | |||
| Released | July 6, 2023 | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Length | 3:38 | |||
| Label | N/A | |||
| Songwriter(s) | TJ Monterde | |||
| Producer(s) |
| |||
| TJ Monterde singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Palagi" on YouTube | ||||
Palagi (lit. 'Always' in Tagalog) is a song by Filipino singer-songwriter TJ Monterde. It was released as a digital pre-single for his third album Sariling Mundo on July 6, 2023. Written by TJ Monterde and produced by Monterde and Chino David, it is a pop track in which TJ wrote for his wife KZ Tandingan, expressing it as a reassurance song.[1] The duet version featuring KZ Tandingan was released on August 28, 2024.[2]
It received overwhelming positive reviews, with most of them praising the lyrics and emotional impact. "Palagi" was nominated at the 9th Wish Music Awards, and won. The duet version, was also nominated and won at 6th VP Choice Awards. Commercially, "Palagi" peaked at number one on the Billboard Top Philippine Songs and number two on the Philippines Hot 100 charts. The duet version also topped the Billboard Top Philippine Songs and Philippines Hot 100 Year-End charts.
Background and release
After the release of his single "Plano", TJ released his next single, "Palagi" including his previous single and his wedding version on July 6, 2023.[3]
In April 2024, TJ Monterde has announced his new third album titled Sariling Mundo. The album features eight tracks, including the song "Palagi" and four unreleased songs. It was released on April 25, 2024[4]
Composition
"Palagi" is three minutes and thirty-eight seconds long.[5] Written by TJ Monterde and produced by Monterde and Chino David of Hale, the pop track is a sweet serenade with lyrics that promise commitment, as Monterde sings that they will always return to each other's arms despite any challenges or obstacles.[2]
In March 2024, TJ revealed that he wrote the track without any pressure to produce a hit song, stating that he simply wrote because he wrote. He didn't have a barometer to determine if the song could surpass his other songs, and he let go of the pressure to write.[1] TJ also revealed that "Palagi" is a song he wrote for his wife KZ Tandingan, expressing it as a reassurance song. The song was first performed at a surprise garden dinner he prepared.[1]
Duet version
| "Palagi (TJxKZ Version)" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Song by TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan | |
| Language | Tagalog |
| Released | August 28, 2024 |
| Recorded | 2024 |
| Genre | Pop |
| Length | 4:01 |
| Label | N/A |
| Songwriter(s) | Titus John Monterde |
| Producer(s) | Titus John Monterde |
| Music video | |
| "Palagi (TJxKZ Version)" on YouTube | |
On August 27, 2024, Monterde announced the re-release of his successful track "Palagi" featuring his wife, KZ Tandingan, following the release of "Palagi – Wedding Version" and his solo concert at the New Frontier Theater on August 21.[2]
A duet version titled "Palagi (TJxKZ Version)" was released on the following day, coinciding with the couple's fourth wedding anniversary.[2]
According to Tandingan, she identifies the duet version as a "challenge" due to her and her husband's different styles of music.[6] Tandingan initially hesitated about recording a duet with TJ due to expectations of a new song. After consulting TJ, she realized she could only release a duet version due to TJ's constant presence. Despite being fragile, Tandingan took the challenge and discussed her ideas with TJ.[6]
In an article from Inquirer.net, KZ expressed surprise at the song's success and expressed gratitude to those who consistently supported her.[7]
Credits and personnel
Credits are adapted from Apple Music.[5]
- TJ Monterde - vocals, songwriter, producer[a]
- John Apura - guitar
- Chino David - producer
- Albert Tamayo - mixing engineer
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myx Music Awards 2024 | 2024 | Mellow Video of the Year | Nominated | [8] |
| 9th Wish 107.5 Music Awards | Wish Pop Song of the Year | Won | [9] | |
| VP Choice Awards | 2025 | OPM Song of the Year | Won | [10][b] |
Charts
Weekly charts
| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Philippines (IFPI)[11] | 3 |
| Philippines (Top Philippine Songs)[12] | 1 |
| Philippines (Philippines Hot 100)[13] | 2 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (2024) | Position |
|---|---|
| Philippines (Philippines Hot 100)[14] | 1 |
| Philippines (Top Philippine Songs)[15] | 1 |
Notes
References
- ^ a b c Toff, C. (March 22, 2024). "TJ Monterde shares story behind hit song 'Palagi': 'It's a song of reassurance for KZ'". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on June 22, 2025. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Saenz, Rome (August 27, 2024). "TJ Monterde And KZ Tandingan To Release Collaborative Version Of 'Palagi'". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on August 27, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ "Palagi – Song by TJ Monterde". Apple Music. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- ^ "TJ Monterde invites us to his world with new album 'Sariling Mundo'". Cornerstone Entertainment. April 20, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ a b "Palagi – Song by TJ Monterde – Apple Music (Credits)". Apple Music (PH). Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ a b "Why KZ Tandingan accepted TJ Monterde's offer to sing 'Palagi'". ABS-CBN. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ "KZ Tandingan thankful for viral success of 'Palagi' duet version with TJ Monterde". Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 28, 2024. Archived from the original on September 29, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ Jessica Ann Evangelista (September 28, 2024). "BINI, SB19 among nominees in comebacking MYX Music Awards". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
- ^ Angan, Kara (January 16, 2024). "Here Are The Winners Of The 9th Wish Music Awards". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on June 20, 2025. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ "Pipol's Choice: Full List of Winners of the 6th VP Choice Awards". Village Pipol. Archived from the original on May 31, 2025. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ "The Official Southeast Asia Charts – This Week's Official Philippines Chart Top 20 from 02/14/2025 to 02/20/2025". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved August 6, 2025. [Select 2025 Week 8]
- ^ "Top Philippine Songs – Week of October 26, 2024". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines Hot 100 – Week of September 14, 2024". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on September 12, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines Hot 100 – Year of 2024". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on December 20, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ "Top Philippine Songs – Year of 2024". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on December 20, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.