Lara Liwanag shares the bonding moments she had with SEA Games gold medalist EJ Obiena and Cignal correspondent Alyssa Valdez, while reuniting with Physical: Asia friends Robyn Brown and James Rusameekae during the last day of athletics.
It's the SEA Games x Physical: Asia crossover we love to see.
The last day of athletics in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games turned out to be one big fun bonding moment between Philippine athletes and the stars of hit Netflix show Physical: Asia.
CrossFit star Lara Liwanag shared that she flew to Thailand to support Physical: Asia teammate and trackster Robyn Brown who competed in three athletics events of the Southeast Asian Games.
"It felt amazing. Honestly, the moment she said she was coming, I felt really excited. It's been great," Brown told One Sports.
Robyn clinched silver in the women's 400m hurdles, bronze in the 4x400m mixed relay, and another bronze in the 4x400m relay.
"Super happy kasi alam ko yung kapasidad niya at alam kong magaling siya talaga," Liwanag said of Brown.
Of course, who else would meet them in Bangkok but Thailand's own James Rusameekae?
Liwanag said they were just fulfilling promises to support each other after filming.
"We planned to watch Robyn’s race together, and we are happy to support her. We are keeping our promises from when we filmed the series. It feels like family, and I am glad to have a genuine friendship with James," Liwanag shared.
But what especially tickled Liwanag was how Philippine sports stars, such as four-time SEA Games pole vault gold medalist EJ Obiena as well as volleyball star and Cignal correspondent Alyssa Valdez allowed themselves to be lifted.
"I didn't expect them to allow me to lift them. Sobrang saya ko noong pumayag sila na buhatin ko sila. Parang na-feel ko na nasa isang team kami as athletes, meron fun and respect sa isa’t isa," Lara gushed.
Apparently, Obiena and Valdez were also fans of Liwanag and Robyn's clutch moment during the death match in Physical: Asia.
"Robyn and I talked about the three-second clutch game we played during the death match quest in Physical: Asia. We noticed that Alyssa and EJ were also aware of that moment, which shows we were able to inspire many people. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to do that!" she said.
Liwanag and Brown also spoke about the different physiques and skills of the female athletes showcased in the show.
"I think it's beautiful to say, I feel like every woman is different. Representing and showing that is very important, especially in this day and age," Brown shared.
"As long as may strategy and teamwork and chemistry, pwede kayong manalo kahit malakas yung ibang countries," Liwanag chimed.
The show has certainly changed their life.
"Sobrang daming suporta from the Philippines. Parang magmukhang isang family lahat, the way na sumuporta sila samin, kahit 'di nila kami kilala, parnag as one kami as family na lalaro for them," the CrossFitter said.
"Definitely, all as one. It's been overwhelming. I think it changed our life pretty much," Brown chuckled.
They also shared the lessons they learned from the experience.
"Just be ready for anything," Lara said. "Don't give up easily, do your best. Make sure na all effort. Puso, laban para sa Pilipinas."
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup.
Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.