Filipino world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is leading Team Philippines in the Netflix reality competition Physical: Asia.
In a clip released by Netflix on social media, Manny can beseen entering the studio alongside the rest of the Philippine team: mixed martial arts champion Mark "Mugen" Striegl, rugby player Justin Coveney, strongman Ray Jefferson Querubin, Olympic athlete Robyn Lauren Brown, and CrossFit champion Lara Liwanag.
Participants from other countries including Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, and Australia were visibly surprised and starstruck upon learning that Manny would be joining the show.
In the video, Mannyrecalled his historic accomplishments in boxing. "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 eight different divisions," he shared.
On what encouraged him to join Physical: Asia, Manny remarked: "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."
The boxer also highlighted what he and his team aims to showcase in the show, saying: "Ipakita sa buong mundo na ang Pilipino ay laging palaban and talented."
Fans online were quick to react to the video.
"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," one fan commented.
According to a press release by Netflix, the new season marks the franchise's first-ever international tournament, where elite athletes from eight countries will compete in physically and mentally demanding quests.
Inspired by Korean royal architecture and mythology, the set incorporates elements such as a judge modeled after a Jeoseungsaja (Korean grim reaper) standing under a giant moon, guardians based on Korean folklore, and monumental strength challenges.
Producer Jang Hogi explained the inspiration: "Our goal was to harmonize the diverse histories and cultures of Korea and Asia. We chose Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace (the main hall) as the main motif, a place where foreign envoys were once welcomed, making it the perfect stage to host athletes from across the region."
He went on: "Behind the throne at Geunjeongjeon sits the Ilwolobongdo, a painting of the sun and moon symbolizing royal authority. We placed those celestial motifs within key quests to represent the search for a new sovereign of the Physical series. By weaving in traditional music and instruments, we also wanted to share Korean artistry with the world."