The journey of Team Philippines on the competitive Netflix series Physical: Asia has ended. The team was eliminated in a dramatic Sack Toss match against South Korea, a result that left team member Robyn Brown emotional as their hard-fought campaign concluded.
The Decisive Sack Toss Challenge
The elimination unfolded in the Team Representative Match, where Group A consisted of South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines. The final showdown was a grueling Sack Toss challenge. Competitors had to repeatedly throw a 14kg sack over a four-meter-high wall, with the weight increasing and the time window shortening as the match progressed.
Representing the Philippines was newcomer Justin Hernandez, a CrossFit athlete who had stepped into a captaincy role after boxing legend Manny Pacquiao left the competition for other commitments. He faced South Korea’s Amotti and Australia’s Eddie Williams. The Australian strongman dominated the challenge, leaving Hernandez and Amotti in a tense battle for survival. After more than 120 laps, Hernandez’s final attempt to hurl the sack fell short, sealing the Philippines’ fate.
“I actually don’t have any regrets because I know that I did my best. But what I couldn’t handle, and what was really hard for me to handle was letting down my team,” Hernandez shared after the match.
Despite the loss, team captain Justin Coveney expressed immense pride in Hernandez’s effort. “Justin really showed how much of a beast he actually is, and again epitomizing what that Filipino fighting spirit is. I have a great sense of respect and pride, not only for Justin, but for all the athletes of Team Philippines,” Coveney said.
A Look Back at the Death Match Victory
Team Philippines’ path in the tournament was not without its triumphs. In a previous episode, the team faced elimination in a “Death Match” against Team Thailand. This challenge was a brutal, five-round combat game where athletes had to gain possession of a ball and score a goal on their opponent’s side.
The matchup came down to the fourth round, which featured a women’s two-on-two battle. Team Philippines’ Robyn Brown, a national hurdler, and Lara Liwanag fought against Thailand’s Ploy and Jar. The round was incredibly close, ending in a tie and forcing a tie-breaker. At one point, it seemed Thailand would secure the win, but Lara managed to drag Robyn and the ball back to their side at the last second, securing victory for the Philippines.
Reflecting on the intense experience on social media, Robyn Brown called it “one of the most riveting challenges I’ve ever done in my life.” She praised her teammate Lara, describing her as the person she “needed” when she was panicked and on the verge of drowning during the match. “The teamwork for us to get onto the other side could not have been any better,” Robyn stated, also applauding her Thai opponents for being “death defyingly strong” and “TOUGH AS NAILS.”
Fan Reactions and Format Questions
The Sack Toss elimination has sparked discussion among viewers of the show. Some fans online have questioned the competition’s format, suggesting that the rules were altered for the final match. Instead of making the sack heavier, the time allowed for each throw was reduced. Some viewers alleged that this change favored the South Korean competitor, Amotti.
One viewer commented on the irony of the episode’s title, “For The Homeland,” suggesting the home team was unlikely to be eliminated. Another viewer noted, “They added more weight and they cut the time to fifteen seconds,” implying the change was unfair.
What Happened in Physical: Asia
Physical: Asia is a national team physical survival show that brings together 48 athletes from eight countries. The teams compete in a series of demanding challenges for national pride and a cash prize of ₩1 billion (approximately US$700,000). The show is produced by Jang Ho-gi, the creator behind the hit Netflix series Physical: 100.
Team Philippines was one of the original eight squads, with its initial roster including Manny Pacquiao, Justin Coveney, Lara Liwanag, Mark Striegl, Ray Jefferson Querubin, and Robyn Brown. With the Philippines’ elimination, the teams now out of the competition are Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Türkiye. The final episodes of the series, which will reveal the winning team, are scheduled for release on November 18, 2025.
Also Read: Team Philippines’ Mark Mugen Wins Near Three-Hour Hanging Endurance on Physical: Asia
