Filipino contender Lara Pearl Alvarez recently survived from being eliminated in ONE Championship's edition of "The Apprentice," which served as an eye-opener for the former Team Lakay athlete.
"During that moment, I felt like I was fighting for my life, said Alvarez, who was joined by Team Conquest teammates Alvin Ang and project manager Nazee Sajedi in the chopping block. "In my mind, I'm saying I didn't go all the way here to be eliminated this way."
Team Conquest lost its first physical challenge in relay race before failing another task during the marketing pitch in "ONE at Home” Fan Experience.
The three, including an emotional Alvarez, were saved after ONE CEO and founder Chatri Sityodtong bared that the task was a non-elimination challenge.
Alvarez admitted having a hard time voicing out her opinion, after Sityodtong pointed out that she had the most experience in mixed martial arts, which is an integral factor for the items of choice in their "ONE at Home" kit.
READ: Alvarez, Sangalang share biggest takeaways in ONE: The Apprentice
"It's not bad to talk about yourself and what you can do so that people would trust your ability," said the 25-year-old single mother.
"It's a bit of culture shock because here in my country, you would be branded arrogant if you talk too much about yourself and your achievements, but I realize that in the bigger world where there's a mix of culture and views, it 's important to give facts about yourself so that people wouldn't underestimate you."
That said, the former wushu and taekwondo practitioner vowed to be more outspoken and articulate in the next challenges to come in the hopes of avoiding the chopping block, citing her one-year-old son Marcuz David as extra motivation for the reality competition.
Compatriot Louie Sangalang, on the other hand, rose to the occassion after helping Team Valor to victory in the relay race before showcasing his knowledge in the business challenge.
The second episode will feature UFC Hall of Famer and former world champion Georges St-Pierre and jiu-jitsu legend Renzo Gracie.