'"Uy umiiwas HAHAHAHHA"
"Uy she's avoiding her HAHAHAHHA"
"Halatang ayaw kay MMD natatakot si accla."
"She obviously doesn't like MMD, she's threatened"
"Hindi papasok sa Top 10 si Thailand mahina naman lol"
"She's not going to enter Top 10 Thailand is weak lol"
"Strategy yan, kumakapit sa mga latina!"
"It's her strategy to hold on to the latin candidates"
The morning sun shone gently, pulling me into the comments on my Instagram post from last night. I felt a bunch of emotions when I saw Filipino fans had filled up the comments. I felt a bit sad thinking about how I treated Dee the night before. Maybe I was too mean, and at that moment, I started wondering why I always do what the organization says?
My phone popped.
Someone sent me a message..
I immediately opened it when I saw that it's from one of the staffs of MUT.
Oh, it's Justin, my personal assistant and social media manager. She's always been deleting nasty comments to save me from overthinking, but the truth is, I can't shake off the impact of the Filipino comments about my behavior. I thought they didn't see it, but someone recorded us—me stepping away and leaving Dee on the side.
[From: Justin]
"Ann, I understand you don't like being distant with Pins or anyone. Why not have a talk with her and give yourself the chance to have some company with her?"
For a moment, I sensed Justin's concern about fan conflicts and Filipinos taking over my Instagram. I had to consider that if the organization caught me going against their wishes, it might result in reduced support from them. If that were the case, they'd likely be on the side of disapproval.
I answered back
[To Justin]
"Do you realize how the organization would react if I become friends with her, right?"
I'm currently in the room with Laos, wrapping things up because we're heading down for dinner before we go to rehearsals together. Everyone, including the executives, staff, and candidates, will be there. It's the first time we'll all be in one room together.
Justin replied to me in an instant..
[From: Justin]
"I'll inform the organization about it they're already aware of the comments about you. From what I understand, it would be beneficial to be friends with the Philippines since she has a big fan base. It could leave a positive impression on the Filipino community!"
Seriously? Do I really have to be friends with Dee just to make a face? Honestly, I just want to be close with all the candidates, whether they're from Latin countries or not. Even though I've socialized with most of them, the organization keeps a close watch on who I hang out with, and they consistently push for me to be part of the Latin group since we're competing in El Salvador.
It's pretty heartbreaking that a MUT candidate has to go through this. We're kind of under the organization's control, and we find ourselves having to follow their lead most of the time.
Justin sent a message again..
[From: Justin]
"I get it, you despise putting on a fake persona, especially with that sarcastic personality and dark humor of yours. Give it a shot, maybe it'll work out even better for you. Just try to act nice, and if you both can't genuinely get along, you can always step back."
