It’s always good to look up to someone with big dreams and just be inspired by them. Gen Zs today have found a new role model in Kai Montinola, who radiates confidence, optimism, and ambition.
But even role models like her draw inspiration from others, and for Kai, it has always been the Pinay Broadway icon Lea Salonga. She remembers her mom, who was a huge Disney fan, introducing her to the "Mulan” when she was a kid. It wasn’t long before Kai was captivated by Lea’s beautiful voice in the movie. “Sabi ko, ‘Wow! Ang nice! Ang ganda ng boses niya!’” she recalls. That moment planted a lofty ambition in her young heart. “Gusto ko maging voice actress no’ng bata pa ako,” she says, admitting that this dream still lingers quietly within her.
At first, she thought the idea of being an international voice actress and performer felt unattainable, something too ambitious for a young girl from Cebu. But knowing that a Filipina has paved the way makes her believe that she, too, could conquer the global stage.
"So, parang, wow, may pag-asa!" she gushes. "Until now, siya pa rin ang inspirasyon ko," Kai says about Lea during her guesting on the Bisaya talk show "Kuan On One," hosted by Melai Cantiveros.
Performing has always been her greatest passion. As a kid, she would play pretend inside their home, imagining herself as a superstar having a show before a massive crowd. And through the years, never once did she consider giving up on this dream.
Kai vividly remembers her first taste of performing, which was on her school’s stage. Those novice performances became an excellent training ground for her, not just in developing her talent but also in building her confidence. “Hindi pa ako masyadong marunong kumanta nu’n, pero pinakanta nila ako,” she recalls fondly. "'Yun din ang pinaka-thankful na moment ko. Of course, bata pa ako nu'n. Pero pinalaki ako ng parents ko na maging confident."
The "Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11" 4th Big Placer credits her adoptive parents for helping her believe in her own capabilities. At an early age, they also instilled in her the importance of finding happiness in whatever she does.
This powerful combination of confidence and joy that comes from the heart yields her unbreakable optimism. So when asked about her fear about officially becoming an artista, Kai says she doesn’t worry much about how things will unfold. However, she admits that sometimes she wonders if she can truly be this positive all the time. She says, "Hanggang kailan ako magiging optimistic? Baka one day ay sumabog na ako. So 'yun lang ang fear ko—myself."
From taking her first steps as a young entertainer in school events and competitions, Kai is now ready to turn the page to a new chapter as a showbiz personality. As the confident and adventurous girl that she is, Kai is open to anything, including working with a love team partner. When asked who she’d like to be paired with among Elijah Canlas, Zaijian Jaranilla, and Juan Karlos Labajo, she chose Juan Karlos because they both hail from Cebu. And she’d definitely be thrilled to try her romcom skills too.
With her beautiful and strong mindset, Kai inspires young girls and fellow teens, showing them that they can achieve anything if they believe in themselves. However, she reminds them that no matter how good or smart they think they are, their parents' wisdom is often greater than they realize. "Trust the process and listen to your parents," she imparts.
At 18, Kai has always worked hard to manifest success in her life—but not just any kind. She wants a success that brings both happiness and fulfillment.