Two of Cebu’s brightest young stars are set to take center stage in the upcoming episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (MMK), as Kai Montinola and Kyle Echarri bring to life the real-life love story of viral content creators Hajie Alejandro and Lenie Aycardo, collectively known online as “Team HaNie.”
Kai Montinola, known for her recent solo projects and billboards across Cebu and Manila, first captured hearts as the Fourth Big Placer in “Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 Edition” in 2024. Since then, she has steadily built her career, and her first leading role in one of Philippine television’s most iconic drama anthologies.
Joining her is fellow Cebuano Kyle Echarri, a multi-talented artist who rose to fame as a semi finalist on “The Voice Kids” in 2015 and later became a familiar face in the acting, modeling and music scene.
Fans of both stars, particularly those from Cebu, are excited to witness their hometown pride translate into heartfelt performances in a national spotlight.
The MMK episode focuses on the 13-year journey of Hajie and Lenie, who rose to fame on TikTok for their stunning transformation videos and make-up artistry collaborations. With over 10 million combined followers on TikTok, the duo became known for creative content like the “Asoka,” “Wednesday Addams” and “Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas” looks — always with Lenie as the muse to Hajie’s makeup wizardry.
But behind the glam was a deeply rooted love story that began in a cosplay event in high school. Hajie then started doing makeup for teachers, sometimes for as little as P150, and later taught Lenie to be his hairstylist. They supported each other through college and eventually tied the knot in a civil wedding in January 2025, where Hajie, fittingly, did Lenie’s bridal makeup.
Early teasers for the MMK episode have already gone viral. One behind-the-scenes video showing Kai and Kyle reading their lines had fans buzzing over their undeniable chemistry. Another clip features the two actors studying Hajie and Lenie’s dynamic while seated beside the real-life couple.
In a particularly powerful scene teased ahead of the premiere, Kai delivers a line that gripped viewers online:
“Kahit paulit-ulit na sa utak ko na bakla ka, di ko mapigilan sarili ko, kinikilig pa rin ako.”
Hajie himself addressed public assumptions about his sexuality during a May 2024 interview with Toni Gonzaga, saying he now takes such comments as a compliment to his artistry and confidence.
MMK, long celebrated for spotlighting inspiring true stories and launching the careers of emerging talents, seems like the perfect vehicle for one Kai Montinola’s major acting projects. And paired with Kyle Echarri, the episode promises not only a heartwarming tale but also a tribute to Cebuano talent.
The “HaNie” love story airs on June 21, 2025 at 8:30 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and ALLTV, with the Director’s Cut available 72 hours earlier on iWantTFC.