MANILA, Philippines – Monika Sta Maria, the country’s remaining representative in Asia’s Next Top Model, spoke up about the confrontation she had on the show with another candidate, Gani from Indonesia. (READ: Meet the 3 PH contestants of ‘Asia’s Next Top Model 3’)

In an interview with reporters at the press conference of the show on Wednesday, June 10, Monika said she did not know that Gani had an issue with her at all.

“To be honest, I didn’t know what was going on. All I knew was, I was there, trying to be a model and then here came someone confronting me,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“And so after that confrontation, I knew it was a misunderstanding because I didn’t do anything. And so I talked to her.I wrote her a letter because she did not want to talk to me for some reason.

“And so when she finally talked to me, we decided we had to be open to each other. When there’s no communication, she can draw conclusions and be upset about something that may not be true.  

“So we agreed to communicate more with each other because we have no choice, we live in the same house. We have to make it work. I told her, communicate what you’re thinking,” Monika said.

In an episode of the show, Gani confronted Monika after seeing some peanut butter mixed in the yogurt. The Indonesian contestant was blaming Monika, who was supposedly the last to eat the peanut butter.

Gani got upset with Monika even more when the latter reportedly made a joke that an Indonesian would never win the competition.

At the press conference, Monika said she was grateful that she had the other Philippines representatives, Amanda and Francheska, during those times. (Filipino model Amanda Chan eliminated from ‘Asia’s Next Top Model 3’)

“I really needed them (Amanda and Franchesca) in my life. That’s how I am. When I am in uncomfortable situations, I need somebody close to me, so I can cope. It and it came to the point, Chesca was not there anymore, and I was closest to her.

“It really hurt me when she got eliminated because I always ran to her: ‘Why is this happening, Chesca?’ She was there to comfort me, and it was difficult for me when she got eliminated,” Monika said.

Despite what she went through, Monika said she had no regrets about joining the show. 

“At first, it was stressful in the model house. I realized it’s also a reality TV show and not just modeling where they tested my personality. I was told I was more like a beauty queen, so I regretted it. Maybe my personality is not for reality TV. But what can I do, this is me? But towards the end, I just pushed it – modeling, and I’ll show them I can do this.” – Rappler.com