'Physical: Asia' participants get starstruck by Manny Pacquiao
Around GMA
Around GMA
14k civilians pass PNP entrance exams, 2,9k cops qualify for promotion Farm to Table: (December 21, 2025) LIVE Content creator Arshie Larga reveals his biggest investment in 2025Article Inside Page
Showbiz News
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is set to showcase Filipino strength and spirit as he leads Team Philippines in Netflix's international reality competition 'Physical: Asia'
Filipino boxing icon and world champion Manny Pacquiao is set to bring his fighting spirit to a new arena, this time as the leader of Team Philippines in Netflix's upcoming reality competition Physical: Asia.
In a newly released clip, Pacquiao is seen entering the studio with his powerhouse team: MMA champion Mark “Mugen” Striegl, rugby player Justin Coveney, strongman Ray Jefferson Querubin, Olympic athlete Robyn Lauren Brown, and CrossFit champion Lara Liwanag.
Contestants from other nations, including Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, and Australia, were visibly thrilled and starstruck by his unexpected appearance. The excitement in the room was palpable as the global sports legend made his entrance.
Reflecting on his remarkable career, Pacquiao shared, “I became a champion first at 112 pounds in flyweight. After flyweight, super bantamweight, featherweight, junior lightweight, and then lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight, and then at 154 pounds junior middleweight. I became a champion in eight different divisions.”
When asked what encouraged him to join Physical: Asia, the boxing legend said, “I'm still passionate about boxing, that's why I'm still accepting fights. Timing naman na nagsabi sila na may Physical: Asia, sabi ko, 'Sige, why not?' My body is still strong so I can still fight.”
Pacquiao also highlighted what he and his team hope to showcase in the competition: “Ipakita sa buong mundo na ang Pilipino ay laging palaban and talented.”
Fans were quick to flood social media with excitement over the reveal. One viewer commented, “I liked how all the participants from the other countries showed respect and excitement to meet Manny during the intro. They couldn't contain their happiness when they met him.”
According to Netflix, this new season marks the franchise's first-ever international tournament, where elite athletes from eight countries will battle through intense physical and mental challenges, a fitting stage for Pacquiao and Team Philippines to display the grit and heart of true champions.
MEET PHYSICAL: ASIA TEAMS
