The battle isn’t over yet for Team Philippines in Netflix’s Physical: Asia. Led by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, the team showed grit, heart, and redemption in their latest episode — but their fate now hangs in the balance as they fight to stay alive against Team Thailand.

Earlier rounds tested every ounce of strength the Filipino athletes had. The first challenge, “Territory,” demanded teams to stay inside a circle while forcing others out. It was a brutal contest of power and coordination. Despite the team’s effort, Ray Querubin was the lone member outside the circle when time expired, placing the Philippines seventh overall and setting up a must-win scenario in round two.

That second test, “Shipwreck,” was all about endurance. Teams hauled heavy crates and duffel bags into a ship. At halftime, the Philippines were tied with Team Mongolia, but Querubin began to fatigue, and Mongolia’s consistent pace gave them the edge. The Philippines fell just short of advancing, slipping into the elimination bracket.

But redemption struck in the latest episode. Facing Team Thailand in a wild “sumo basketball” match — a game played in a mud pit where the first to grab the ball and score wins — Mark Striegl came out swinging. Using his MMA agility and power, he outmaneuvered Thailand’s representative to score the opening point, giving Team Philippines Physical Asia a 1–0 lead.

The second round featured Pacquiao and Querubin against Thailand’s duo in a tense, mud-slicked showdown – before ending on a cliffhanger, teasing next week’s decisive episode.

Can Pacquiao and Querubin finish what Striegl started and save Team Philippines from elimination? Fans will find out next week when Physical: Asia returns.

Catch full episodes on Netflix, and follow updates from Philstar Entertainment and GMA Sports for the latest on Philippine athletes competing on the global stage.