Team Philippines leader Justin Coveney took to social media to pen a moving message after the team was eliminated in episode seven of Netflix’s reality show Physical: Asia.
"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," he posted on his Facebook page.
The rugby player remarked that he hopes that their run on the show highlighted the resilience and spirit of Filipinos.
"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," he stated.
Fans online were quick to react to his post.
"All of you did your best. We are proud of you!" one fan commented.
"You were a true captain who knew how to motivate team Philippines. Thanks to you, they went far beyond anyone's expectations," another fan said.
The Philippines became the third nation eliminated from Physical: Asia, following Thailand and Indonesia. Türkiye was later eliminated in Episode 8.
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, the team’s original captain, announced his departure in episode five due to obligations he needed to attend to.
"Gusto kong magpaumanhin na kailangan kong bumalik sa bansa ko kasi may obligation ako for the country," the boxer said as he bid farewell to the show. "Also, I just want to apologize to my team. Talagang ['yung goal ko was] to show that Team Philippines [had] the capacity and capability. I really wanted to win the challenge and I'm just wondering what we're gonna do for the next challenge."
The boxer expressed how proud he is to be part of team Philippines and represent the country in the show. "I'm happy to be part of this season. As team captain, proud ako na i-represent ang Pilipinas. Ang Team Philippines ay hard warriors. Ang mga Pilipino may kakayahan na magtagumpay... I'm praying for [Team Philippines] na manalo tayo sa championship," he said.
Manny led team Philippines, which included Justin, mixed martial arts champion Mark "Mugen" Striegl, strongman Ray Jefferson Querubin, Olympic athlete Robyn Lauren Brown, and CrossFit champion Lara Liwanag.
Replacing Manny was Justin Hernandez, a Filipino CrossFit athlete.
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."