: It has gained international traction, becoming a finalist for the International Song category at the Music Awards Japan in 2025. Performance Highlights
The duet version is often performed live with high emotional resonance, notably during their concert run at the Araneta Coliseum. It has also been covered by international artists, such as South Korean singer 10CM , who performed it on It’s Showtime .
In the vast and ever-expanding ocean of Pacific music, where the rhythms of the islands meet the cadency of modern hip-hop and R&B, certain tracks arrive not just as songs, but as anthems. "PALAGI" by the dynamic duo TJxKZ is one such track. It is a song that transcends its runtime to become a statement of identity, a celebration of heritage, and a bridge between generations. PALAGI - TJxKZ
The original version of "Palagi" (Tagalog for "Always") was released by TJ Monterde in July 2023. Written as a "reassurance song" for his wife, KZ Tandingan, TJ first performed it during a surprise garden dinner on exactly ten years after they first met. Unlike previous hits written under commercial pressure, TJ revealed he wrote "Palagi" simply for the sake of expression, not knowing it would eventually amass over one billion streams on Spotify. Deep Dive into Lyrics and Meaning
(Tagalog for "Always") stands out as a mature, grounded anthem for long-term love. While the original solo version was already a hit, the TJxKZ Version : It has gained international traction, becoming a
PALAGI Artist: TJxKZ
: The lyrics promise that no matter the challenges or arguments, the couple will always choose each other and return to one another's arms. In the vast and ever-expanding ocean of Pacific
TJxKZ is a collaborative project that brings together some of the most exciting voices in the Pacific music scene. While the "TJ" moniker often evokes thoughts of a singular entity, the project is a confluence of talent, most notably featuring Tenelle and Josh.
—released on August 28, 2024, to celebrate the couple's fourth wedding anniversary—adds a layer of soul-stirring authenticity that only a real-life partnership can provide. More Than a Song: A Promise of Reassurance At its core, "Palagi" is what TJ calls a "reassurance song"
In a historical context, the word has often delineated a binary: the native (Samoan) and the foreigner (Palagi). It has been used to describe cultural disconnects, differences in appearance, and the complex aftermath of colonization. However, in the modern era, and specifically within the realm of the Pacific diaspora, the term has evolved. It now speaks to the duality of identity experienced by many islanders who grow up in countries like New Zealand, Australia, or the United States.
: TJ wrote the song's bridge based on his future hopes for their marriage; he later realized their wedding rings perfectly reflect the promises made in this section.