MANILA, Philippines - Apprentice Asia contestant Jonathan Yabut said he became more motivated to win the regional competition after fellow Filipino Celina Le Neindre got fired on Wednesday night.
"One man down means more pressure to raise the flag," he told philstar.com.
Le Neindre became the seventh person to be fired from the Asian version of the hit reality television show after her team lost the challenge on designing new uniforms for the Air Asia staff.
"I definitely think the way I dress influenced our designs," Celina said when asked to explain about her group's output.
Unfortunately, choosing a white top for a cabin crew went against them when advisor and Expedia Asia Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Tan pointed out that it was not practical given that the flight stewards serve food and drinks in the cabin.
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In the board room meeting, Alex Bauduin, Celina's teammate and Team Apex manager, told boss Tony Fernandes that Celina deserved to be fired due to her lack of social skills.
A shocked Celina cried as she left the competition, leaving Jonathan as the only Filipino vying for the top job.
"Alex is responsible for approving those designs, at least Celina stepped up because none of the boys did," Jonathan said in Celina's defense.
However, he said he is more motivated now that the pressure to make the Philippines proud rests on his hands. There are only five contestants left in the show from the original 12, and Jonathan has to beat hopefuls from China, India, Indonesia and Singapore to win the coveted title.
"It's now all or nothing for me, I've gone this far and there's no point of losing. I'm claiming it," he said.