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Qatar Tribune

OPM royalty reigns supreme in Doha

Darlene Regis Filipino music icons TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan brought love, soul, and unforgettable music to the stage of the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) on July 11, 2025, for their much-anticipated concert, Sarili Nating Mundo (SNM) international tour. The event was produced by Al Marabe Events in partnership with Cornerstone Entertainment, with direction by actor-director John Prats. For a few hours, the Filipino community in Qatar was transported back home, thanks to this power duo who wear their hearts on their sleeves and sing with soul through their Original Pilipino Music (OPM). KZ was excited to finally perform in Qatar alongside her husband after earlier postponements. OPM Power Couple TJ Monterde, the 'King of Hugot,' and KZ Tandingan, 'Asia's Soul Supreme,' captivated a packed audience with their signature blend of heartfelt ballads and genre-defying vocals. The married couple shared the stage for both solo and duet performances, with songs reflecting their love story and musical chemistry. Their duet, especially their viral hit 'Palagi,' drew thunderous applause. As they poured their hearts into the song, another Filipino couple stole the spotlight when a man dropped to one knee and proposed to his partner, turning the performance into a celebration of love on and offstage. KZ catapulted to fame after winning The X Factor Philippines and made history with sold-out shows abroad, while TJ has carved out a niche as a renowned singer-songwriter. Qatar's Filipino Talent in Spotlight As the event's media partner, Sinag Digital Media said, 'It was truly a celebration of Filipino talent and community spirit.' The agency hosted the Online Press Conference at its studios and organised the pre-show segment. The official event hosts, Tasha Betita and Raymond Carasig of Sinag, kept the momentum going onstage, while Felipe Davila Catinoy reported on the long queue of excited fans awaiting entry. Additionally, Sinag's resident trio MYK — Marlon Mercado, YOE Adil, and Kebong Sarmiento—delivered a high-energy 30-minute singing performance as the concert's opening act. This collaboration reflects Sinag's belief: 'We shine brighter together,' as they look forward to more partnerships that celebrate creativity, unity, and cultural pride. Community Event Held at QNCC's Conference Hall, the venue accommodated thousands of fans with high-quality acoustics and elevated seating for an immersive experience. Not only Filipino fans stormed QNCC for the concert, but several expatriates were also spotted. Record-Breaking Concert Qatar concert Media Head Christian Joy 'Ceejay' Dulalia Rombano said the SNM Qatar leg was the first Filipino concert there to synchronize wristbands with the show, creating a visually captivating experience. Ceejay added it was the first event with a dedicated musical and lights director, led by John Prats, enhancing production quality. Notably, the concert featured the first-ever marriage proposal during a Filipino show in Qatar. It also stood out for its emotional storytelling, making it an unforgettable night for all. Show Highlights The night was filled with emotional highs. TJ serenaded fans with his 'Harana' cover and Bisaya song 'Kung Siya Man,' while KZ wowed with genre-bending renditions of classics, including a powerful solo of Adele's 'Rolling in the Deep.' Qatar Leg TJ and KZ arrived in Qatar on July 6, joined by director John Prats and his wife, actress Isabel Oli-Prats. Afterwards, they attended a press meet-and-greet and toured around Qatar. Off-stage, both couples were spotted enjoying some of Qatar's scenic spots, spending quality time together and having memorable date moments in the country's beautiful spots. Ahead of the performance at QNCC, they paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Embassy in Doha. They were warmly received by Philippine Ambassador to Qatar, His Excellency Mardomel Melicor, who expressed gratitude for their contribution in promoting Filipino culture and OPM to both Filipino and non-Filipino communities in Qatar. Global Tour, Local Impact The Qatar leg was part of a world tour that included stops in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Singapore, and the UAE. But this particular show held a special place for the artists and their Filipino fans in the Middle East. 'Sarili Nating Mundo' The tour title, Sarili Nating Mundo (Our Own World), was inspired by a deeply personal song TJ wrote about his early married life with KZ. That song sparked sold-out stadium runs in Manila, including three consecutive nights at Araneta Coliseum, a first for a male Filipino solo artist. An Artist's Take When interviewed by Qatar Tribune, Michael Conjusta shared his thoughts on the TJ Monterde concert. Speaking as an artist, he gave a positive review from his VIP Gold seat. 'Though a bit far, I truly enjoyed it,' he said. 'The view made me feel like I had the whole venue captured.' He praised the venue's international standards, ample parking, and easy public transport access. The show started on time with impressive production. 'The audience loved it, and our front act, MYK Group, was awesome!' TJ and KZ delivered an unforgettable show. 'The production was almost perfect, setting a high standard for future concerts.' A Night to Remember As fans exited QNCC under the warm lights of Doha, many echoed the same sentiment: sulit ang ticket (the ticket was worth it). The SNM Qatar show was more than just a concert—it was a cultural celebration and a tribute to love, music, and the enduring spirit of Filipinos in Qatar and worldwide.