In an industry long shaped by love teams and on-screen chemistry, Kai Montinola is offering a new perspective on the love team culture in the Philippines.
Speaking in an interview on Hot Takes, the Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 fourth big placer reflected on decades-long culture in the local showbiz industry, acknowledging its power while also challenging the idea that it is the only path to success.
For Kai, there is no denying the appeal and effectiveness of love teams when it comes to building a fan base. She recognizes how audiences are naturally drawn to the intrigue and emotional connection that these pairings bring.
“I think it's undeniable that having a love team can really get you there, can get you a solid spot in fame and a solid support system. Kasi 'yun yung gusto ng tao eh, yung parang ‘Ah, may connection sila, baka may ide-develop pa. So [tututukan ko sila] baka meron pang mangyayari in the future for them.' That's why it's so enticing, it's so mysterious. Therefore, they want to be a fan of those.”
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“Fame, it will come when it comes to you. Hindi dahil love team kayo kaya kayo popular. It must be something, it happened for a reason. I don't think it's the fastest way pero it is the most efficient way to build a foundation for people to get into you,” she continued.
Beyond popularity, the Roja star also touched on a more personal and often debated concern about whether being part of a love team can limit an artist’s growth. For her, the answer lies not in the system, but in the artist navigating it.
“Again, this depends on the artist. Because if you let your love team revolve around your artistry, then people will see you just for your love team. Unless you make the effort to actually show your individuality as an artist, then you can say that hindi ka nakukulong sa love team. I'm not, super like, knowledgeable about all the love teams in the Philippines, but I grew up to specific love teams that I think were very much just within each other... Like they were paired up together for everything... And 'yun lang, 'yun din kasi yung epekto ng ganun eh. Siyempre, if you go out with this person sa lahat ng events mo, may ganun talaga na epekto sa tao na whether you like it or not, makakabit talaga yung pangalan niyo sa isa't isa.”
She further emphasized that while public perception can be difficult to control, self-awareness and creative independence remain within an artist’s hands.
“And whether that's in your control or not, if that's the case, people will really see it like that. And in my opinion naman I don't think love teams will hinder any sort of self-growth kasi I for one am engaging in love teams and partnerships with other artists. However, I don’t think I’ve lost my sense of self. I think I’m still Kai, I still do the things I want to do on my own. And it depends on the artist talaga kung ano yung choice nila sa [pagkakaroon ng] love-team.”
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As the conversation shifted to the evolving digital landscape, Kai observed a gradual but noticeable change in how audiences engage with artists today. While love teams remain strong, there is a growing openness toward individuality and creative exploration.
“I think we’re getting there. I believe that we’re getting there because ang dami ko kasing nakikita at nao-observe na sinasabi ng mga tao na, ‘Okay lang 'yan, it’s better naman that the artist can explore to other artists din’. Pero kagat na kagat pa rin nila yung mga love team na was already established. So parang I feel like this generation and the following generations are getting to that. I don’t think it’s totally gone na. There really is that culture pa din and that parang controlling na dapat sila lang talaga.”
She added that this shift also reflects a deeper understanding of relationships, both on and off screen, especially among younger viewers.
“I get where that passion is coming from. However, I think we’re slowly understanding that that’s not how real people work in real life. That’s not a real relationship. And I think people nowadays are starting to realize how beautiful reality is as well. And I think I’m seeing that in films na nga eh, parang suddenly the two main characters don’t end up together anymore.”
Ultimately, Kai clarified her stance into a clear and direct conclusion, saying that being part of a love team does not guarantee success in the showbiz industry while also noting that there is no shame in supporting one, especially that Filipinos “love to love.”
“Simple question, simple answer: No. I think it’s just the culture that we grew up to, that’s why we think it is necessary. However, if 'di pa 'to nasasabi, ako na magsasabi: hindi siya necessary. Yes, it is efficient, but it is not necessary. I don't think it's a bad thing though. There's no shame in being in a love team. There's no shame in supporting a love team. We love 'love' as Filipinos.”
Beyond her words, Kai herself stands as proof of this individuality. While open to collaborations, she is steadily building her own name across different fields, thriving in modeling, acting, and singing.