“It was not just about power”: Ray Querubin on Team Philippines’ Physical: Asia exit

Team Philippines’ journey on the hit Netflix reality competition Physical: Asia came to an end after falling short in a tense elimination round aired Tuesday, November 11.

The Philippines became the third country to exit the regional fitness show, following Thailand and Indonesia, as they struggled to keep pace against powerhouse competitors from Korea and Australia.

Representing the Philippines were CrossFit athlete Justin Hernandez, who stepped in for boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as the team’s anchor during the elimination round, and three-time national strongman champion Ray Querubin. Despite their impressive athletic resumes, both athletes faced challenges unique to the grueling competition.

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“Hindi ko yan ikakila. As a strongman athlete kasi, we train specific movements. If you are competing strongman or kahit sa anong sports pa yan, you prepare your body kung ano yung ilalaban mo. So strongman, specific yung training, yung ginagawa namin. Alam namin kung ano yung training at alam namin kung ano yung i-compete namin sa competition,” Querubin shared in an interview with One Sports.

“But for this competition, Physical: Asia, talagang gulat ako na nabigla. I was surprised by how much endurance was needed, yung stamina mo. Hindi lang lakas talaga,” he added.

Querubin struggled particularly in the Shipwreck challenge, where he had difficulty leveraging his strength while hauling 50-kilogram crates against Mongolia. The criticism from viewers, especially from the Philippines, affected him both physically and mentally.

Strongman Ray Querubin reflects on Team Philippines’ campaign in the Netflix reality series #PhysicalAsia, saying the proudest part was representing the country and feeling the support of Filipinos while competing against Asia’s top athletes. | via Luisa Morales#OSOnTheSpot pic.twitter.com/a58YB8NmGi

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) November 14, 2025

“Mental strength din kailangan nandun, hindi yan ikakila. Not just about power, it was about endurance, teamwork, and staying composed under pressure. Every challenge is tested, not only my body but also my focus and willpower,” Querubin said.

Another factor that impacted Team Philippines was the mid-season departure of Manny Pacquiao, citing “another obligation” back home. Pacquiao, the undisputed leader of the squad, had been a driving force behind the team.

“Yes, masakit. Masakit lalo na kung nandun ka sa arena mo. Yung mga moments na malaglag na yung team mo, it really broke our hearts na kahit kami, yung hirap but we need to accept na ganoon talaga ang laban. May mananalo at may natatalo.

“For Team Philippines, meron kaming isang label at isang puso. Yung parang nagbuo sa amin. We supported each other through every challenge malaki man o maliit. And we think that what united us was our shared pride. Yung same yung goal n’yo, same yung pride n’yo,” he added.

Despite the criticism, Querubin remains determined to continue competing. He has promised to return stronger and perform better in future competitions.

“I know maraming nagsasabi sa performance ko but I’m really sorry again for that. Hindi ko rin in-expect na ganoon yung resulta. As an athlete, yung isip at goal namin talaga is manalo at ipresinta yung buong tapang ng Pilipinas. Meron talagang mas malakas, mas mabilis. Kaya again, hindi yan reason kung hinto tayo ipagpatuloy pa rin natin ang laban natin,” Querubin concluded.

Querubin is now looking forward to returning to strongman competitions in 2026, aiming to regain the form that saw him dominate the Philippine strongman scene from 2016 to 2019 — a period that included a ninth-place global ranking in the strongman circuit.

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