Setting her sights on becoming a singer way before becoming a housemate in Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 two years ago, Kai Montinola (whose real name is Kaisha Denniel Montinola) is now most recognizable by her fans for her role as Ice in the ABS-CBN action series Roja, where she plays a fearless and caring nursing student named Isabella "Ice" Mercado.
This month also marks Kai’s return to singing on stage as one of the performers in the Ikalawang YUGTO: Buhay at Pag-Ibig benefit concert along with IV OF SPADES, Kolette Madelo, and Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets Season 2 Grand Champions Christian and Arvery at the newly renovated Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on March 27.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Kai admitted she being included in any concert lineup was a big surprise to her when she first found out. “I was shocked because I was told by my manager early on pa before it was announced that I was gonna be in their concert. Kaya naging super excited ako kasi we all know naman na bago lang sila nag-reunite again as a group. Kaya I’m so happy. I’m so grateful to be a part of their lineup for their concert."
Kai shared that she also did not expect to be sharing the stage with one of the OPM bands that she has been admiring since the pandemic.
“I was a fan of IV of Spades without knowing I was a fan of IV of Spades. So parang I listened to their song during the pandemic. Unang-unang ko talagang narinig na kanta from IV of Spades was 'Come Inside of My Heart.' And I didn’t even know that it was OPM pala because it was an English song. It went global on TikTok. Nag-trend siya. Kaya pinapakinggan ko siya without knowing na it was Filipino artists pala yung kumanta ng 'Come Inside of My Heart.' And when I found out that the band was Filipino, I got more (excited), like, oh my gosh, this is kababayan.
"Kaya I looked them up. Matagal-tagal din yun, mga 2022. And now that they’re back with their new song, yung 'Aura,' I listened to it very recently lang kasi bago nga. And I’m glad that they’re back. And I’m also very honored na isa ako sa mga napiling mag-perform para sa concert nila. So, I’m very excited for that,” she said.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Kai Montinola shares her experience working with the cast of 'ROJA'
The benefit concert is the first and only major musical event to be staged at the PICC this year, as the historic convention center will serve as one of the primary venues for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship beginning in the first quarter of 2026. The YUGTO concert highlights today’s contemporary Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and the performers who are closest to the hearts of music lovers.
Tickets for Ikalawang YUGTO are on sale online via Helixpay and via SM Tickets. Buy in person at the ticket booths of SM Cinemas and at selected SM Store Customer Service counters.