It was a special reunion for some members of Physical: Asia’s Team Philippines as athletes Mark “Mugen” Striegl, Lara Liwanag, and Justin Coveney paid a visit to boxing legend and fellow Philippine representative Manny Pacquiao.
On her social media page, CrossFit athlete Lara expressed her gratitude after visiting the boxing icon at one of his homes in the country.
“I am truly humbled to spend time with such a legend. Thank you for welcoming us and allowing us to visit you; it was an extraordinary experience to be in the presence of boxing's only eight-division world champion. Please continue to inspire people. May God bless you even more. @mannypacquiao 🇵🇭👊,” Lara said.
Lara also shared a lighthearted video where she was seen lifting Manny, joking in the caption: “Legend @mannypacquiao is too cool 😎😮💨 Thank you, boss! 🫡.”
Mixed martial arts champion Mark likewise shared photos with Manny, stating: “Captain and living legend 👊❤️.”
He also posted snaps of Manny’s boxing memorabilia displayed inside his Manila home.
Mark later joined Manny and Lara for his viral “squat” TikTok challenge, captioning the clip: “Three is a party 😂🕺.”
National rugby player Justin Coveney also took to social media to share his appreciation for the reunion: “🇵🇭 Captain 🤝🏽 Captain 🇵🇭 An honor to share the leadership of Team Philippines with the GOAT, @mannypacquiao 🥊❤️🙌🏽 #TeamPhilippines #mannypacquiao #fyp #physicalasia #netflix.”
He also participated in the viral mashup trend of “What’s Up?” and “Beez in the Trap” with Manny, earning laughter and praise from netizens.: “Finally reunited with the GOAT 🇵🇭🥊.”
Justin further shared moments where he taught Manny how to pass and run with a rugby ball.
“Never seen before: @mannypacquiao with a rugby ball in hand; learning fast, moving faster. 🏉🥊✋🏽 #MannyPacuiao #Rugby #Athletes #Boxing #fyp,” he wrote.
Fellow Physical: Asia contestants Eddie Williams and Dom Tomato from Australia, Fina Phillipe from Indonesia, and South Korea’s Amotti and Jang Eun Sil also expressed delight over the team’s fun and quirky reunion moments.
The gathering marked the first reunion of the four athletes since the series officially ended. Aside from Manny, Lara, Mark, and Justin, Team Philippines also included Filipino-American hurdler Robyn Brown, strongman Ray Jefferson Querubin, and CrossFit athlete Justin Hernandez.
Team Philippines became the third nation eliminated from Physical: Asia, following Thailand and Indonesia. Manny, the team’s original captain, announced his departure in Episode 5 due to prior commitments and was replaced by Justin (Coveney)as team captain, with Justin Hernandez joining as an additional member.
Last December, the team also held a reunion during their vacation and the 2025 SEA Games, where they met with Team Thailand’s James Rusameekae Fagerlund and Sun Kerdkao Wechokittikorn.
READ: LOOK: ‘Physical: Asia’ Team Philippines reunites with Team Thailand
In a previous press conference, Manny shared how he took pride in his team abilities, teamwork and charisma that made their journey in the competition full of pride.
"Kumpleto kami dahil may malakas kami, may mabilis kami, at saka may mga plano kami. Magaling magplano 'yung mga kasama ko. We can strategize lahat ng mga gagawin namin para manalo sa bawat challenge," Manny said.
Manny also reveaked what made him said yes to the show. “Pinaka-na-excite ako nung binalita sa akin is 'yung mga challenges na dadaanan namin, 'yung mahaharap namin, iba't ibang mga challenges because in the past nanonood ako ng show ay napakaganda for me to participate in a competiton like that. 'Yung Physical: 100 pinanood ko and nung in-explain sa akin 'yung concept, everything like that, I said yes.”