Bridging Borders through Music: 10CM and TJ Monterde’s Soulful Fusion of Sound
TJ Monterde and Kwon Jung-yeol or widely known as 10CM shared their life stories, marking the beginning of a new friendship. But have you ever imagined a moment where they’d share the same stage and a song? Wake up—it’s no longer a dream. It’s already happened.
Myths say we’re all connected across the world. Despite cultural differences, language barriers, and the challenges of time and geography, it’s truly amazing how music brings people together.
From the soulful ballads of Manila, crafted by TJ Monterde, to the emotive acoustic vibes of 10CM in Seoul, these two musical worlds collide, creating a powerful track that transcends borders. Together, they weave a story of love, connection, and hope, resonating with listeners across the globe.
How did their musical worlds collide?
Monterde launched his career with the viral hit ‘Ikaw at Ako,’ which established his name in the industry. He continued to release heartfelt songs that resonate deeply with listeners. His music has a unique identity, where his love songs express emotions we often struggle to put into words.
However, his more painful songs also resonate deeply with listeners, piercing through their hearts. With famous tracks like ‘Dating Tayo,’ ‘Hanggang Dito na Lang,’ and ‘Huling Luha,’ he has a unique ability to make you feel the raw emotion in his music. His songs are painful yet comforting, urging you to cry or let out pent-up emotions. That is his magic.
On the other side of the globe, 10CM is a popular South Korean indie singer whose songs resonate not just with Korean listeners but worldwide. His tracks have been featured in hit Korean dramas, including “Spring Snow” from Lovely Runner, “Tell Me It’s Not a Dream” from Queen of Tears, and “But It’s Destiny” from Crash Landing on You.
He shares a power like TJ, using his melody to comfort even without fully understanding the lyrics. His ability to capture emotions perfectly strengthens 10CM’s reputation for creating memorable, touching OSTs.
10CM and TJ’s Friendship
The bond between Monterde and Kwon is like a beautiful harmony that’s impossible to miss. They’ve supported each other’s concerts three times, showing their friendship is rooted in music and respect. Their bond extends beyond the stage, as seen during 10CM’s Closer to You concert in Manila and on Wish Bus, where they shared the spotlight, performing songs like ‘Palagi.’
In an exclusive interview, 10CM was asked to describe TJ in three words. Without hesitation, he called him “handsome, sweet, and a rockstar”—a perfect tribute to TJ’s charm, kindness, and undeniable talent both on and off the stage.
When asked where he’d take TJ if he visited Korea, 10CM smiled and said his recording studio. Since TJ is already familiar with the country, it felt right to show him where his music comes to life—the heart of his creative process.
Behind the Strings: 10CM’s Inspiration
During 10CM’s first concert in the Philippines, Kwon Jung Yeol couldn’t quite believe the magnitude of his own popularity. For him, his fanbase had always been rooted in Korea, where his music first flourished. But stepping onto the stage in Manila, he was struck with the realization that his songs had traveled far beyond borders, touching hearts in places he never imagined. The warmth and love from his Filipino fans was overwhelming—a moment where he truly understood that his music transcended the distance, uniting people across the world.
“I never thought that it would be this special with my Filipino fans when I first started making music, but now I come here often, meet so many fans, and always have fun and good experiences. Even now, I find it hard to believe, but on the other hand, I feel very happy.” 10CM shared during the interview with Village Pipol.
Moreover, 10CM isn’t just an admirer of TJ Monterde’s music — he’s genuinely a fan. By listening to each other’s songs, the two artists found a deeper understanding and connection. Their shared love for music became the bridge that brought them closer, not just as collaborators, but as true friends.
10CM and his love for the Philippines
Aside from TJ, another reason that he keeps on coming back to the Philippines is the warmth of his fans here.
“I think the Philippines is a really great country. And always coming here, and always thinking about it, there’s something amazing about this place. It feels like I always try to capture those beautiful moments whenever I’m staying here.” 10CM shared during the interview.
He also shared a memorable experience of embracing the Filipino tradition of eating with his bare hands. At first, it was a new and exciting experience for him, but he quickly found himself enjoying it. The warmth, laughter, and shared meal made the moment unforgettable, and he couldn’t help but smile at how much fun he had immersing himself in this authentic part of Filipino culture.
One Song, One Heart: 10CM and TJ’s Collaboration
They envisioned a song that would blend their voices in perfect harmony, threaded together by a soothing acoustic melody. Despite the challenges of distance and time zones, they determined to make it happen. Through countless online calls and shared passion, they poured their hearts into the collaboration.
“Actually, creating this song was really difficult. It was really tough through the filming and everything. We put in all our efforts, so we were very excited to release this song as soon as possible. So when we release this song, we are looking forward to all the support and anticipation from our fans,” he shared during the interview.
When asked about the message of the song, both artists described it as a reflection of their friendship—a bond that transcends time and distance.
He also shared that TJ initially planned for the song to feature Korean lyrics, while 10CM would take care of the composition. At first, he was concerned about how their voices would blend and whether the music would flow seamlessly, especially with the challenge of matching the lyrics to the melody.
However, when they finally listened to the finished track, words couldn’t describe the emotions he felt. The song was nothing short of incredible. The melody was perfect, and the way their voices harmonized was beyond what he imagined. It was a moment of pure excitement and pride in their collaboration.
Next Steps for 10CM
On the third and final night of TJ Monterde’s ‘Sarili Nating Mundo’ concert, a special surprise awaited the audience as 10CM made a heartfelt appearance. With a sense of excitement in the air, he graced the stage with one of his most beloved songs, ‘Spring Snow.’
The crowd was enchanted as their voices blended together in perfect harmony, creating a magical moment that left everyone in awe. It was truly a privilege for the fans to witness the beautiful fusion of their talents, making the night even more unforgettable.
In addition to their upcoming song release, 10CM revealed he’s working on a new album due later this year. For him, the heart of his music is its simplicity and emotion, and he’s excited to keep creating acoustic music that resonates with his fans.
When asked about future collaborations, 10CM expressed admiration for Zack Tabudlo and the band Lola Amour.
