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Justin Coveney on Team PH's 'Physical: Asia' run: 'I hope we showed the world the true Filipino strength'

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E. Kristhoff Cagape

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Team Philippines leader Justin Coveney took to social media to pen a moving message after the team was eliminated in episode seven of Netflix’s reality show Physical: Asia.&quot;Captaining the very first Team Philippines in the first ever Physical: Asia following in the footsteps of Manny Pacquiao will always be a badge of honor I&#x27;ll carry with pride,&quot; he posted on his Facebook page.The rugby player remarked that he hopes that their run on the show highlighted the resilience and spirit of Filipinos.&quot;Leading a team of five incredible athletes, I hope we showed the world the true Filipino strength: never giving up, even in the hardest moments, and always showing up with heart. This isn&#x27;t the end…we&#x27;ve only just paved the way,&quot; he stated.Fans online were quick to react to his post.&quot;All of you did your best. We are proud of you!&quot; one fan commented.&quot;You were a true captain who knew how to motivate team Philippines. Thanks to you, they went far beyond anyone&#x27;s expectations,&quot; another fan said.The Philippines became the third nation eliminated from Physical: Asia, following Thailand and Indonesia. Türkiye was later eliminated in Episode 8.<div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14ScZJqFUfE/"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2FJustinCoveneyOfficialFanpage%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02vUMh9Df8G8d1zh4ZQdE8YW4Ds61APCoJK3ZACG2JTxkPipYWtUGnoZUQjgWYBYaSl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="773" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></a></div><div></div>Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, the team’s original captain, announced his departure in episode five due to obligations he needed to attend to.&quot;Gusto kong magpaumanhin na kailangan kong bumalik sa bansa ko kasi may obligation ako for the country,&quot; the boxer said as he bid farewell to the show. &quot;Also, I just want to apologize to my team. Talagang [&#x27;yung goal ko was] to show that Team Philippines [had] the capacity and capability. I really wanted to win the challenge and I&#x27;m just wondering what we&#x27;re gonna do for the next challenge.&quot;The boxer expressed how proud he is to be part of team Philippines and represent the country in the show. &quot;I&#x27;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&#x27;m praying for [Team Philippines] na manalo tayo sa championship,&quot; he said.Manny led team Philippines, which included Justin, mixed martial arts champion Mark &quot;Mugen&quot; Striegl, strongman Ray Jefferson Querubin, Olympic athlete Robyn Lauren Brown, and CrossFit champion Lara Liwanag.Replacing Manny was Justin Hernandez, a Filipino CrossFit athlete.According to a press release by Netflix, the new season marks the franchise&#x27;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: &quot;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.&quot;He went on: &quot;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.&quot;<div></div>

Team Philippines leader Justin Coveney took to social media to share a heartfelt message following the team’s elimination in Episode 7 of Netflix’s 'Physical: Asia.'

Team Philippines leader Justin Coveney took to social media to share a heartfelt message following the team’s elimination in Episode 7 of Netflix’s 'Physical: Asia.'