Manny Pacquiao shared what convinced him to join Netflix’s reality competition series Physical: Asia.
In a virtual interview with the media as uploaded on Gia Allana's YouTube channel, the boxing legend said he was immediately thrilled when he learned about the opportunity.
"Excited ako nung may tumawag sa akin na... may opportunity ako na makapag-join sa Physical: Asia. Sabi ko oo, nag-meeting kami, and then iyon na 'yung start," he said
On what made him say yes to joining the reality competition, he relayed: "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."
Describing the strength of Team Philippines, he remarked: "Kompleto kami dahil may malakas kami, may mabilis kami, at tsaka may mga plano kami, magaling mag-plan 'yung mga kasama ko dito, so we can strategize lahat ng mga gagawin namin para manalo sa bawat challenge.
Manny leads Team Philippines, which includes 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.
The Philippines will compete against teams from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, and Australia.
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."