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Kai Montinola on receiving PAFTA’s Youth Icon Award

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Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p><em>Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11</em> alum Kai Montinola took to social media to share her heartfelt message after receiving the Youth Icon of the Year Award at the Philippines Arts, Film, &amp; Television Awards (PAFTA).</p><div> </div><p>On Instagram, Kai said she views the recognition not just as a personal milestone but also as a responsibility.</p><div> </div><p>“I’d like to extend my greetings to the PAFTA Awards for this recognition, and congratulations as well to all the fellow awardees! 🫂,” she wrote.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVDewSaEqkP/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A11988727.5%2C%22ls%22%3A764409.6999999881%2C%22le%22%3A764412.3999999762%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1323" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Kai went on: “Receiving the Youth Icon Award is something I hold with so much gratitude and humility. I accept it not just as a personal achievement, but as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being seen and heard.”</p><div> </div><p>The young Kapamilya actress also expressed her gratitude to the people who have guided her throughout her journey.</p><div> </div><p>“I share this moment with my supporters, Star Magic family. Direk Lauren, Kuya Erik, Kuya Beck, Kuya Ceasar, the rest of my team and with my own family, who continue to guide me, ground me, and believe in me even on the days I doubt myself. This award carries your love and support as much as it carries my name,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVDcwIIERfr/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A11988741.299999982%2C%22ls%22%3A764409.6999999881%2C%22le%22%3A764412.3999999762%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1086" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-7" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>She ended her message, saying: “Maraming salamat po! This inspires me to do better, be better, and give back 💗.”</p><div> </div><p>Kai received the award on Febraury 21 at the Centennial Hall of The Manila Hotel. Also recognized was young actor Andres Muhlach, son of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez.</p><div> </div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772078255521Andres-Kai.png" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">starmagicphils Instagram</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Several Kapamilya artists and programs likewise bagged awards from the local award-giving body. <em>It’s Showtime</em> won Best Noontime Show, <em>FPJ’s Batang Quiapo </em>was named Best Drama Series, <em>ASAP</em> took home the Best Variety Show award, while <em>Pinoy Big Brother 2.0</em> was recognized as Best Reality Show.</p><div> </div><p>Meanwhile, <em>FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</em> lead star Coco Martin was hailed Best Actor, Anne Curtis won Best Female TV Host for <em>It’s Showtime</em>, and Maris Racal received the Breakthrough Performance Award.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DU7pOa8gBfM/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A11988753.399999976%2C%22ls%22%3A764409.6999999881%2C%22le%22%3A764412.3999999762%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="888" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Judy Ann Santos was also honored with the PAFTA Iconic Film Performance Award for her Metro Manila Film Festival entry <em>Espantaho</em>. Kathryn Bernardo was also awarded as Philippines Box Office Star for her film <em>Hello, Love, Again.</em></p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-9" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DU7pP4PAEsB/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A9%2C%22os%22%3A11989532.699999988%2C%22ls%22%3A764409.6999999881%2C%22le%22%3A764412.3999999762%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="888" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-9" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>“Maraming salamat sa Philippine Arts, Film &amp; Television, Inc. (PAFTA) sa pagkilala kay Judy Ann Santos bilang Iconic Film Performance Awardee para sa Espantaho! ❤️ #JudyAnnSantos #Espantaho,” the actress&#x27;s official Instagram account posted.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-10" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVB03THE50j/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A11989594.299999982%2C%22ls%22%3A764409.6999999881%2C%22le%22%3A764412.3999999762%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1023" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-10" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> </div><p>Kai, whose real name is Kaisha Denniel Montinola, rose to fame after finishing as fourth Big Placer on the Kapamilya reality show <em>Pinoy Big Brother</em> Gen 11. She is currently part of the Kapamilya series <em>Roja</em>, alongside Donny Pangilinan and Kyle Echarri, where she plays Ice, one of La Playa Roja’s VIP guests.</p><div> </div>

<p><b>PBB Gen 11 alum Kai Montinola celebrates new feat.</b></p>

PBB Gen 11 alum Kai Montinola celebrates new feat.

Kai Montinola on receiving PAFTA’s Youth Icon Award: 'This inspires me to do better, be better, and give back'

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Kai Montinola on receiving PAFTA’s Youth Icon Award: 'This inspires me to do better, be better, and give back'

Nikka Sabio,

Push Team

Published February 26, 2026 12:00 PM PHT

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Kai Montinola

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PAFTA 2026

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