The journey for Team Philippines in Physical: Asia may have been short and sweet, but there was no shortage of moments to remember as the Filipinos showed out in front of the rest in the world, not just their physical strength but also their heart to keep on pushing together no matter what the odds.
From the iconic entrance featuring team captain Manny Pacquiao, to the togetherness showed in the death match against Thailand, Team Philippines represented the country well, with elite athletes Mark “Mugen” Striegl, Lara Liwanag, Robyn Brown, Justin Coveney, Justin Hernandez, and Ray Querubin.
Before the final three episodes of Physical: Asia premiere, we take a look back at some of the moments that showed “Filipino pride” in all its might.
Pacquiao’s rockstar entrance
Leave it to Team Philippines to begin their campaign with a bang.
Dazzling with boxing’s only eight-division world champion, the Filipinos had arguably the best entrance when they were introduced to the show.
With Pacquiao oozing confidence with his sunglasses, the Philippines showed off their swag from the get-go, and everyone had their eyes on them.
Even competitors like Thai ONE champion Superbon, whom they would face off in fierce events in the episodes, couldn’t help but fawn over the boxing Hall of Famer.
Who wouldn’t? Pacquiao showed just how much he’s still got left in the tank.
Not every 40-something can put three sacks in his back and literally carry his team in elite competition. Legendary. ‘Nuff said.
Lara & Robyn’s death-defying clutch performance
Team Philippines wasn’t just about appearances — and female athletes Lara Liwanag and Robyn Brown proved just that when it mattered the most.
Engaged in a death match with Thailand, Liwanag and Brown both came up big in ball possession.
Liwanag’s last ditch effort in the dying seconds of the challenge helped Team Philippines stay alive. The CrossFitter used all her might to move all three athletes — including her teammate Brown — to get the ball on the Philippines’ side and keep them in the competition.
Meanwhile, with everything on the line, Brown was willing to do whatever it takes to keep the Philippines alive in Physical: Asia. The track and field athlete found herself submerged in dirty water for most of the death match, with her grip unwavering in the ball to help Liwanag keep herself focused on willing them to the Philippines’ side.
Having represented the Philippines in multiple occasions in their journey as athletes, both Filipinas were unwilling to give up an inch to their foes — a sacrifice that kept Team Philippines going in the highly competitive affair.
"Thank you for cheering us on, it’s been a wild go around, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way," Brown wrote.
"From every challenge to every victory, I gave my all — for my team, for our flag, and for everyone who believed in me," Liwanag posted. "I’m deeply thankful to the Lord for the strength and grace He’s given me throughout this entire experience. Everything happened according to His plan, and I wouldn’t have made it without His guidance."
"Maraming salamat to everyone who cheered, prayed, and sent messages of encouragement. You reminded me that this journey wasn’t just about physical strength. It was about faith, heart, and resilience.
This may be the end of the competition, but it’s also the beginning of something greater. The lessons, the gratitude, and the purpose continue."
Mugen’s hangman endurance
Talk about making it look easy, and you’ll find Striegl’s iconic performance in the hanging endurance challenge, where he crushed the competition in a nearly three-hour waiting game.
Even as the other competitors struggled, Striegl was calm and collected, especially when things got even harder when they were asked to let go of one of the rings as the competition dragged on.
Save for a scare when he was tanged in the ropes, it was a runaway victory for Striegl.
It didn’t just show off the sambo and mixed martial artist's tremendous strength, but it also nabbed the Philippines crucial points in the competition.
The visual didn’t hurt either — with Striegl’s image of holding on to the rings among the most visible on social media since the show aired. James Rusameekae of Thailand was right: Wow!
Excellence and eye candy? Yes please!
"What a rollercoaster and absolute adventure. It was an honor and privilege to represent the country and I’m so grateful to everyone who supported our team," Striegl wrote.
"To my teammates, you’re the best. I hope we showed the Filipino fighting spirit to the very fullest. Laban Pilipinas!!"
Strongman’s best
The Philippines may have struggled in the shipwreck challenge, but it wasn’t because of a lack of trying.
Though it left the Philippines fighting for its life, strongman Querubin made sure to give his all for the team in the challenge, even though it was physically straining for him.
With his body used to short bursts of power, lifting crates over incline and sand, it was difficult for the strongman to get into his rhythm, and he needed the help of his teammates, which slowed down the process further.
But in the end, it was still Querubin pushing himself to the limit — as much as his body would allow.
For the longest time, “Laban Pilipinas” has been the battle cry, and fight he did in those moments, even if the result didn’t turn in the Philippines’ favor.
"It's a great honor to represent our country in Netflix: Physical Asia. We've learned a lot during this competition, understanding our own strengths and weaknesses while building a strong team. We have witnessed blood, tears, pain, and success. The real power of a team isn’t in muscles — it’s in unity. Team Philippines, Laban Pilipinas!" he posted.
Tossing up hope
Hernandez stepped up to the plate, when he was called upon by Team Philippines to make up for Pacquiao leaving the show midway.
Despite appearing in the show for a shorter time than the others, there wasn’t any lack of effort from the Filipino CrossFitter.
In fact, he was tasked with the most difficult challenge when he was with the team — having to fend for himself in the sack throw against equally capable competitors with Team Philippines’ life in the line in the latest batch of episodes.
Hernandez gave his all in a lengthy competition against South Korea’s Amotti in a battle to keep the Filipinos in contention.
Even if he did ultimately fall short of taking the victory, there wasn’t any rock left unturned as he seized his moment with Team Philippines.
Next man up
Hernandez may have been the substitute for Pacquiao, but it was another Justin that took the reins as a leader.
Fil-Aussie Justin Coveney filled in the gaps mentally when he took over the role of team captain following Pacquiao’s exit, and he did so at a crossroads where Team Philippines needed to give it their all in the hopes of keeping themselves in the competition.
Even if his stint as team captain was short lived following the Philippines’ elimination in Episode 7, there was something special in the way that the rugby player rallied his team after falling against South Korea in the sack throw.
When others may have pointed fingers, Coveney helped his team recover quickly and accept their fates.
At the end of the day, Coveney and his teammates were able to show the best version of Filipino athletes that they could in their capacity.
And coining a strategy the “Jeepney Blitz”? Can’t get any more Filipino than that!
"Captaining the very first Team Philippines in the first ever Physical: Asia following in the footsteps of Manny Pacquiao will always be a badge of honor I’ll carry with pride," Coveney wrote.
"Leading a team of five incredible athletes, I hope we showed the world the true Filipino strength: never giving up, even in the hardest moments, and always showing up with heart.
This isn’t the end… we’ve only just paved the way."
What was your favorite Team Philippines moment in Physical: Asia?
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.