Quick Read
- Manny Pacquiao captains Team Philippines in Netflix’s Physical: Asia, facing seven other national teams.
- Physical: Asia challenges athletes in strength, endurance, and teamwork, with a prize of 1 billion Korean won.
- Pacquiao confirmed negotiations for a possible boxing rematch with Floyd Mayweather next year.
- His son Jimuel Pacquiao will make his professional boxing debut on November 29 in California.
- Physical: Asia is considered a ‘new type of Olympics’ celebrating Asian sporting heritage.
Manny Pacquiao’s New Arena: Leading Team Philippines in ‘Physical: Asia’
For decades, Manny Pacquiao’s name has been synonymous with Filipino pride. The eight-division world boxing champion has stepped into countless rings alone, the hopes of a nation resting squarely on his shoulders. But in 2025, Pacquiao traded his solitary walk to the ring for a new kind of entrance: one marked by camaraderie, strategy, and collective national ambition.
On Netflix’s reality survival show Physical: Asia, Pacquiao emerged not just as a competitor but as the captain of a six-member Filipino team. Sporting a suit and sunglasses instead of his trademark robe, he led a group of athletes whose diverse backgrounds echo the multifaceted strength of their country. Mark “Mugen” Striegl, a Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in Sambo and seasoned MMA fighter, brings combat readiness. Ray Jefferson Querubin, known as “Philippines Strongest Man,” adds sheer power. Robyn Lauren Brown’s agility, honed as an Asian Athletics Championships gold medalist in the 400m hurdles, gives the squad a speed advantage. Justin Coveney, a Philippine Volcanoes rugby veteran, is the team’s explosive anchor, while Lara Lorraine Deang Liwanag, a prominent CrossFit competitor, rounds out the team with functional fitness and resilience.
“We’re a complete team,” Pacquiao declared in a virtual press conference. “We have someone strong, someone fast, and we’re good at planning and strategy. We know how to approach each challenge to win.”
The stakes are high. Eight teams from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Turkey, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines compete for a 1 billion Korean won prize—about $700,000—and the honor of national victory. Each team is led by a national icon, from Turkey’s Recep Kara to South Korea’s UFC star Kim Dong-hyun, but Pacquiao’s global reputation as boxing’s only eight-division champion sets him apart. The show’s director, Jang Ho-gi, described the series as a “new type of Olympics,” merging traditional sports with modern endurance and tactical contests.
A Fierce Competition: Survival and National Pride
Physical: Asia’s format is relentless. Challenges like Territorial Conquest and Shipwreck Salvage test not just brute strength but team coordination and strategic planning. In the sand dune scramble, the Filipino squad grappled for position amid shifting sands and fierce competition, echoing the musical chairs drama of narrowing platforms. In Shipwreck Salvage, the teams raced to haul massive cargo across a shipwreck-themed course, pushing their limits in a contest where every second and every kilogram counted.
The pressure is palpable. After four episodes, Team Philippines suffered a setback against Mongolia, losing in a demanding cargo haul. Their survival now hinges on a high-stakes “ball-stealing” deathmatch against Thailand, the outcome of which remains to be seen in upcoming episodes. Pacquiao, familiar with fighting on a knife-edge, acknowledged the intensity: “I know it will be a tough challenge. It’s a tight and competitive field with participants who are equally strong athletes from other countries. It’s definitely going to be exciting.”
The show’s massive scale, built across an area the size of five soccer fields and featuring 1,200 metric tonnes of sand, reflects the ambition behind Asia’s first international spin-off of Physical: 100. Producer Jang Ho-gi explained, “Our goal was to harmonise the diverse histories and cultures of Korea and Asia.” The contest also pays homage to traditional sports like Korea’s ssireum, Mongolia’s wrestling, Turkey’s oil wrestling, and Thailand’s Muay Thai, reinforcing the region’s athletic heritage.
Pacquiao’s Enduring Legacy: Hinting at a Mayweather Rematch
While Pacquiao’s leadership on Physical: Asia showcases his adaptability and mentorship, boxing fans are abuzz with another headline: the potential for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. In a recent press conference, Pacquiao confirmed ongoing negotiations for another bout with his storied rival. “Right now we have a lot of negotiations about my next fight — there’s a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather,” he said. “I’m waiting for the final negotiation.” (AP)
Pacquiao, enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June, briefly emerged from retirement to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title, nearly clinching victory at age 46. His 2015 clash with Mayweather was billed as the “fight of the century,” though Pacquiao later revealed he’d been hampered by a shoulder injury. “I’d love to have another fight, a rematch with Floyd Mayweather,” Pacquiao admitted. “I hope that in the negotiations, we can understand each other and we can negotiate well.”
Mayweather, himself undefeated and a fixture in boxing’s elite, could be facing a busy schedule in 2026, with an exhibition against Mike Tyson also in the works. But for fans, the potential Pacquiao-Mayweather II would not just be a sporting event—it would be a chance to revisit one of boxing’s most debated outcomes, with both fighters chasing legacy as much as victory.
Beyond the Ring: Family and New Challenges
Pacquiao’s journey is more than just about personal accolades. After serving as a Philippine senator from 2016 to 2022, he’s now supporting the next generation. His son, Jimuel Pacquiao, is set to make his professional debut against Brendan Lally in California. “I’m excited, but I’m worried about my son,” Pacquiao said. “He started late … but that is his passion, so I will support him. I’m praying for him for a safe fight.”
Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s own story continues to evolve—whether on the Netflix set, in negotiation rooms, or supporting his family from the sidelines. His ability to pivot between roles, mentor rising athletes, and command attention on global platforms is a testament to his unique blend of resilience and charisma.
The Story Within the Story: National Identity and Personal Drive
Physical: Asia’s format, with its national teams and Olympic-style challenges, brings a new twist to the reality competition genre. For Pacquiao, the experience is a reflection of both his individual willpower and his belief in collective effort. Director Jang Ho-gi underscored this dynamic: “When you have your national flag on your chest, the pride grows so much stronger. It really added tension to the show. There’s so much heart involved … The intensity is going to be on another level.” (Lifestyle Inquirer)
As the show continues and the possibility of a Mayweather rematch looms, Pacquiao’s story is one of constant reinvention. Whether guiding his team through physical trials, weighing the risks of another fight, or cheering for his son’s debut, Pacquiao remains a powerful symbol—of Filipino resilience, sporting excellence, and the universal quest for meaning beyond the scoreboard.
Pacquiao’s enduring appeal lies not only in his athletic achievements, but in his willingness to embrace new challenges and support others in their journey. Whether leading a team in an arena of survival or preparing for a possible rematch with a legendary rival, he continues to redefine what it means to be a champion—both for himself and for those who look to him for inspiration.