When Manny Pacquiao announced his exit from Netflix’s Physical: Asia, fans were eager to see who would represent the Philippines next. Stepping into the spotlight is Justin Hernandez — a top-tier Filipino CrossFit athlete and the first Filipino male to compete at the CrossFit Games. With four national titles under his belt, Hernandez brings elite strength, agility, and discipline to Team Philippines.

Hernandez’s background in CrossFit makes him an exceptional replacement for Pacquiao. Unlike the boxing legend’s fight-focused training, Hernandez’s regimen blends powerlifting, gymnastics, and endurance conditioning, making him a perfect fit for the physically demanding format of Physical: Asia. His addition reinforces the Philippines’ reputation for producing world-class athletes with both power and strategy.

As the four-time CrossFit Open National Champion, Hernandez has consistently represented Filipino excellence in international competitions. His ability to adapt, endure, and perform under pressure gives Team Philippines a competitive edge against powerhouse teams from across Asia.

Beginning in Episode 6, Justin Hernandez makes his debut in Game 4: The Sack Toss, facing Eddie of Australia and Ammotti of Korea. The challenge tested stamina, coordination, and precision as the three athletes had to pass a heavy sack within thirty seconds. After seven grueling laps, all competitors remained in strong form. To raise the stakes, the sack’s weight increased from 14 kilograms to 16 kilograms, pushing their endurance to the limit. The episode ended on a cliffhanger — leaving fans eager to see who will prevail in this intense showdown.

With Hernandez stepping in for Pacquiao, Physical: Asia gains a new kind of Filipino hero — one defined by functional fitness, mental toughness, and unrelenting perseverance. His presence not only continues the Philippines’ strong representation but also highlights the country’s growing CrossFit community and passion for diverse athletic disciplines.

As Physical: Asia continues to captivate global audiences, Justin Hernandez’s performance promises to inspire athletes across the Philippines and beyond — proving that Filipino strength goes far beyond the boxing ring.