Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 4th Big Placer Kai Montinola made her acting debut as the teenage Grace in the Kapamilya drama series Saving Grace.

During the press conference for the Cinemalaya 2025 entry Child No. 82, Kai reflected on her acting experience in the teleserye.

“My very first acting gig was in cameo in Saving Grace as Grace. Actually, when I was cast to play the bigger, the older Grace, ano lang, ‘yung parang: ‘Kai, dito ka na, come here.’ So, I didn't read the script pa noon when I was cast for Saving Grace until I was on set. So, parang, ‘Okay, dapat ito ka, gawin mo ‘yan,’ she recalled.

However, the reality star admitted that she didn’t expect the depth of emotion required for the scene, nor the pressure that came with filming it.

“Sinabihan ako na ‘mama’ lang sasabihin ko. But hindi ko alam the scene was so dramatic,” she shared. “So, sabi ko, okay lang yan, ‘mama’ lang yan. Pag punta ko na sa set, the director said — kasi everyone (was in a hurry) kasi it was sunset, so everyone was trying to get the shot while the sun was setting — it's limited, we can't do it for so long or tomorrow. It has to be done today.”

Looking back, it was through that experience that the rising actress learned to stay on her toes and become more adaptable on set — something she now applies as she gears up for a larger role in Child No. 82.

“I learned that I must study my character beforehand. Kaya ngayon binigyan na ako ng script and, although it's not the final script, I review it. It is going to be informative for me to know about my character and all, kaya binasa ko na, make sure hindi ‘mama’ yung sasabihin ko. I must study my character talaga before isabak na sa role, ganon,” Kai openly shared.

In Child No. 82, Kai plays the role of Rizza. Her character will play a key part in helping JM Ibarra's Max reach the wake of his estranged father, the action star Boy Kana. The role of Boy Kana will be portrayed by Vhong Navarro.