A simple “Budots” dance by singer KZ Tandingan turned into an inspiring act of generosity after she raised more than ₱100,000 in donations for the victims of the recent earthquakes in Cebu and Davao Oriental during her husband TJ Monterde’s concert in Auckland, New Zealand, last Saturday, October 11.
The heartwarming moment happened during TJ’s ‘Sarili Nating Mundo’ world tour, produced by Cornerstone Concerts and directed by John Prats.
According to KZ, the crowd jokingly requested her to perform the viral Budots dance. She agreed—but only on one condition.
“Sabi ko, mag-donate muna kayo bago ako mag-budots,” KZ shared in a TikTok video.
Director John Prats then flashed a QR code on the screen for digital donations, while others rushed to the front of the stage to give cash contributions. Within minutes, the total reached ₱100,544.26 (converted from New Zealand dollars).
An emotional KZ thanked the overseas Filipinos who gave so selflessly despite being far from home.
“It wasn’t even about the budots anymore. It was about the heart of all the Filipinos who were in that show last night,” she said.
https://www.tiktok.com/@kztandingan/video/7560328863423679751
KZ also couldn’t help but express frustration toward the stark contrast between ordinary workers’ generosity and the greed of those in power.
“Eto pang mga tao na ’to na pinaghihirapan nang todo ’yung pera para lang makaipon, para makapagpadala sa mga mahal nila sa buhay sa Pilipinas… sila pa ’yung sobrang willing magbigay sa mga nangangailangan. Samantalang may mga tao, ang yaman-yaman na, kuha pa rin nang kuha ng pera at hindi pa rin nananagot,” she said.
John Prats also lauded the Filipino community in New Zealand for their compassion, writing on social media: “Grabe lang, kung sino pa ang mga kababayan natin na nagpapakahirap magtrabaho para kumita ng pera, sila pa ang may malasakit.”
The Auckland concert is among the final stops of TJ Monterde’s ‘Sarili Nating Mundo’ World Tour, which concludes in Abu Dhabi on December 2, marking its 40th and final show. The tour has also been nominated for Tour of the Year at the upcoming Filipino Music Awards.
KZ and TJ are set to return home for back-to-back concerts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on February 6 and 7, 2026—once again directed by John Prats.
