The Philippines was just eliminated in the daunting episode 7 of Physical: Asia, and though many fans were mildly disappointed, it was still a good run especially after facing the South Koreans, the Turks, and the title-favorites, the Aussies, across multiple quests. However, one question lingers in the minds of many Filipinos—will there be a season 2 of Physical: Asia, and if so, who should the Philippines send next?
Doug Kramer
If we’re looking for size, the Philippine team might want to add a professional basketball player. As much as we like to see Calvin Abueva or Cliff Hodge hit the stage, their commitment as active players would probably be hindered if they join Physical: Asia. However, one plausible choice for the Filipino team is ex-PBA star turned social media personality, Doug Kramer.
Kramer is built like a tank, standing at a towering 6 feet and 5 inches and weighs about 235 pounds, and has always been known for his reputation as a scrapper and bruiser for every team he plays for. Although he’s long been retired from the pro scene, Kramer is still active in the sport and occasionally plays organized basketball every now and then with PBA Motoclub. Even better, he’s still in great shape and looks like he hasn’t aged a day even though he’s already 42 years old.
Eric “Eruption” Tai
Despite his knee injuries, fan-favorite Erip “Eruption” Tai may just turn out to be a fantastic choice for Philippines’ team in Physical: Asia season 2. Tai played for the Philippine Volcanoes (National Rugby Team) in the 2010s and was, back when the team rose prominence across Asia. He and Justin “The Flying Jeepney” Coveney even shared the field at one point.
Eric Tai is now a celebrity, actor, and influencer, but he is still very active in fitness, bodybuilding, and team sports. At 6 feet, the beloved big man can showcase his jacked body and insane strength in the bigger stage against the best of the best athletes in Asia.
Eduard Folayang
One of the most iconic figures in the Philippine Mixed Martial Arts scene right now, is the two-time ONE lightweight world champion and wushu sanda black belter Eduard “The Landslide” Folayang. The 42-year-old Baguio native has had a colorful and decorated career in the past two decades.
Folayang grew up in poverty and hardship, often sharing his unfortunate experiences and his perseverance to become the best Filipino fighter while training in the mountains of Cordillera. The Team Lakay leader will soon turn 42 years old, but he hasn’t shown signs of slowing down just yet, making him an outstanding choice for Team Philippines.
Mara Lopez
She may be a simple mother and wife now, but Mara Lopez once made shockwaves due to her rise as one of the top cross fitters in the PH. Aside from being known as the daughter of veteran actress Maria Isabel Lopez, Mara also worked her way up as an athlete and eventually became an icon in sports television in the late 2010s.
Lopez is already 34, but according to her social media accounts, she’s now turned into surfing but still joined the CrossFit Open Games in 2024 after being ranked officially globally and nationally. It looks like she’s still in wonderful condition even though she had just given birth in September.
If Indonesia was able to send basketball player and TV host Maria Selena Nurcahya, what’s stopping Philippines from sending Mara Lopez?
Strongest Philippine Marine/National Dragon Boat Team Member
In Physical:100, some of the better performing guys were soldiers. If the Philippines would choose someone from the Philippine Marines or even the Navy Dragon Boat team, not only would we get a competitor with one-of-a-kind strength, but we’re also going to see someone with insane condition and endurance.
Soldiers (marines, army, navy) aren’t just trained for aesthetics, their bodies are literally built for combat. Though they may be at a disadvantage in lifting power compared to the Strong Men and Body Builders, and are less agile compared to cross fitters and fighters, the soldiers and/or dragon boat members have the all-around capability, endurance, and core strength to give every other competitor a run for their money.
The Return of Mark “Mugen” Striegl and/or Lara Liwanag
Many fans would agree that the most valuable player in Philippines’ team for Physical: Asia was none other than Mark “Mugen” Striegl. Since the Physical series is lenient for returning players, Mark Mugen should be a shoo-in. The Filipino-American MMA expert and sambo practitioner could even take part in Physical: 100 if given the chance.
Another name that deserves to return is cross-fitter Lara Liwanag, who was an essential member of the team. Did you know that the winners of Physical: 100 seasons 1 and 2 were both top Korean cross-fitters?
Anyway, all of these are just made for fun, obviously. These are just based on speculations and what the public wanted. We don’t even know if there’s going to be another season of Physical: Asia, but would it be wonderful to see Pinoys compete against other Asian countries on TV once again? I bet it does!
