Fresh from being named a Rule Breaker awardee at the Billboard Philippines Women in Music event, singer-songwriter KZ Tandingan marked the milestone with a heartfelt reflection on her journey in the industry.
On her social media page, Asia's Soul Supreme opened up about how the very traits she was once told to suppress have now become the reason for her recognition.
“Who would have thought I’d one day be recognized for being the artist I was once told to hide.
I was told how to look, how to sound
be soft, but not too soft
powerful, but not too loud
But if there’s one thing I learned after 14 years in this industry, it’s that art was never meant to exist within permission,” KZ wrote.
Being bombarded with industry norms far from her personality, KZ said that she chose to break the rules “to survive” and to carve her own path.
“I choose to break the rules not just for the sake of rebellion
- I choose to break them for survival.
Because for so many of us, especially as women,
the 'rules' were never made with us in mind.
So when we break them
When we take up space,
When we raise our voices,
When we tell the stories we were told to silence,
We are not just making music,
We’re reclaiming it,” KZ added.
She emphasized that stepping outside those boundaries is not really to defy them, but rather to reclaim the space and voice.
“The world doesn’t change by following what already exists. It changes the moment A WOMAN decides she no longer needs permission to be heard. So let’s get excited every time we’re told to follow the rules! because it means we’re standing at the edge of change, ready to break them and build something better,” she expressed.
KZ also expressed gratitude to those who have supported her journey, saying: “Thank you, Billboard Philippines, for this recognition. To my Cornerstone family, thank you po! my parents and siblings, my supporters—my KZers, my ever-supportive husband, TJ (Monterde) thank you! and most of all, to God— Father, Thank You that I get to be who I am because You were the first to break every chain.❤️🔥.”
The recognition was part of the third Billboard Philippines Women in Music event held on March 24, which celebrated female artists and industry figures making waves in the local music scene.
According to Billboard Philippines, KZ “received the Rule Breaker Award in recognition of her tenacity and fearlessness in continually evolving as an artist. Known for refusing to be boxed in by expectations, she continues to redefine what it means to be an artist in the local music scene, pushing boundaries not only in sound but also through her performances, while staying authentic and still setting the bar for others to reach.”
READ: KZ Tandingan shares how TJ Monterde inspires her as an artist
Following the announcement, fellow artists flooded her post with messages of support, including John Prats, Ogie Alcasid, Kakai Bautista, Janine Tenoso, drag queen Brigiding, among others.
“You were put on this earth to never hide ! You have so much to show the world and you have and you will ! Forever! Love you Amal! Proud of you! More to come baby girl!” Kapamilya star Martin Nievera commented.
KZ’s close friend and ASAP singer Jason Dy also expressed, “I’m the proudest ever! I love you dai!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.”
Meanwhile, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid was named Woman of the Year, OPM girl group BINI the Powerhouse awardee, Yeng Constantino received Hitmaker Award, Pinoy folk-rock legend Lolita Cabon received the Icon Award, G22 as Rising Star awardee, KAIA won Listener’s Choice Award, and Ashtine Olviga received People’s Choice Award.