Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Kai Montinola, 19, is mindful of her spending and credits her upbringing for it.
“I save a lot!” Kai shared in an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at the grand opening of Hiessence’s kiosk in SM Aura Premier on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Kai said her disciplined approach to money is something she picked up from her parents, particularly her Mommy Flora.
She explained, “Ako talaga. Matipid talaga ako ng tao. Pinalaki kasi ako ng mom ko na kung di mo kailangan, you don't need to buy it.
"And I always, every time I get my money, hindi ko iniisip na kailangan kong mag-buy. I will only buy when I think I need it.
"And whenever I want something, bihira lang talaga ako magba-buy ng something for myself."
While she doesn’t impose her lifestyle on others, Kai remains firm about how she personally chooses to handle her finances.
"Whatever people wanna do with their money, you go with it," she said.
"But how I manage it talaga is tipid lang talaga. I need to understand na hindi lahat yung materials, nawawala lang naman yun, e.
"And if I really want it and need it, e, di kukunin ko, pero if it's not needed, you won't see me spending my money on that."
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KAI MONTINOLA: EDUCATION AS TOP INVESTMENT
Beyond saving, Kai sees education as an investment.
On April 29, 2026, she marked a major milestone by graduating from senior high school, something she worked hard to achieve despite personal and professional demands.
She said: “I'm so glad na finally natapos ko nang mag-senior high kasi grabe pinaghirapan ko yun before, tas pumasok ko nang bahay tas tinapos ko.
"Dapat matapos ko talaga yung senior high kasi hindi ako makakatulog sa gabi kung alam kong hindi ako naka-graduate."
Kai is also determined to pursue college, regardless of how her showbiz career unfolds.
“So for college naman, I'm definitely gonna do college. Whether mag-artista man ako o hindi. Magka-college talaga ako.
“And my dream kasi before was to be in the medical field that's why I'm a STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] student.
“I wanted to take up nursing, pero now I might take Business Management considering my line of work.
“As an artista, I think makakatulong ang, ang pagiging under the course of Business Management.”
From being “matipid” with her money to staying focused on her studies, Kai proves that even at a young age, she’s already making thoughtful choices—not just for today, but for her future.
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