Filipino boxing Legend Manny Pacquaio has exited the Netflix reality series Physical: Asia.
Manny, who served as the team leader of team Philippines, announced his departure from the show in episode five, citing he had obligations that he needed to attend to.
"Gusto kong magpaumanhin na kailangan kong bumalik sa bansa ko kasi may obligation ako for the country," he said. "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 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.
Replacing Manny was Justin Hernandez, a Filipino CrossFit athlete. Meanwhile, Justin Coveney was assigned as the new team leader.
In a past virtual interview with the media as uploaded on Gia Allana's YouTube channel ahead of the show's release, the boxing legend shared what convinced him to join Physical: Asia.
"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.