Singer-songwriter TJ Monterde opened up about his purpose in making music and the personal mission that fuels him as an artist.

"From the very beginning gusto ko lang talaga makapag-inspire ng mga tao at makapag-impact sa mga listeners through the songs that I make," he said in an interview with Bernadette Sembrano in her latest YouTube vlog.

Known for his raw and sincere songwriting, TJ remarked that he always focuses on staying true to himself as a musician.

"Kaya every time na meron akong interview, may bago akong music na ire-release, sabihin nila anong bago sa songs ko, sasabihin ko na as much as I would want to tell you na I have a new sound or may bagong TJ, may bago kayong maririnig, I'd rather stick to my core na honest and raw songwriting, as far as I know."

He went on: "And I try na maging honest talaga sa mga songs ko kasi I believe na if you are honest and authentic with what you write, iyon 'yung magre-resonate eh. You can't fake a good song, 'yung mararamdaman talaga na song," he said.

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TJ highlighted that one of his tracks that captures this approach is "Palagi," a fan-favorite for its simplicity and emotional clarity.

"Tulad nung 'Palagi,' as in sobrang straight forward ng song na 'yun. Sobrang bilis ko lang nasulat 'yung song na 'yun, wala pa isang oras, sobrang honest lang nun, pero 'yung impact niya, kasi totoo 'yun. As in totoo talaga ang song na 'yun, ang bilis lang 'yun. Buhos lang talaga 'yun, overflow of emotions," he remarked.

TJ recalled a powerful moment during his concert at the Araneta Coliseum that affirmed the purpose behind his music.

"Nung nag-concert kami sa Araneta... May nagpa-picture sa akin nung meet and greet. Tapos after niya magpa-picture umalis na siya tapos bumalik siya ulit sa akin. Sabi niya, 'TJ, I just have to tell you, you just saved a 17-year marriage,' gumanon siya sa akin," he said.

"Tapos ako I was like oh my gosh. Dun ako nabibigyan ng pat on the back. Tama ang ginagawa mo, you are doing a great job in life or sa passion na pinili mo."