The Physical: Asia games are well underway, and Team Philippines, led by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, is showing they have fight in them.

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains spoilers for episodes 5 and 6 of Physical: Asia.

The competition is heating up as two teams have been eliminated so far. Team Philippines survived the ball possession deathmatch after Mark Mugen, Justin Coveney, Lara Liwanag, and Robyn Brown won their rounds against Thailand. The team of Pacquiao and strongman Ray Jefferson Querubin was defeated by Muay Thai fighter Superbon and volleyballer James Rusameekae Fagurlund.

The Philippines survived the elimination challenge and went on to compete in the Team Representative Challenge against other surviving nations, South Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Turkey, and Australia.

But before the third quest, there appeared to be a shakeup with Team PH as they walked into the set on a new day without their team captain.

“Wait, what happened?” a Japanese athlete was heard asking.

“No Manny anymore?” asked one from Team Australia. “No Pacman,” added another.

It turns out, Pacquiao had to suddenly exit the competition after the deathmatch.

“Gusto kong magpaumanhin na kailangan kong bumalik sa bansa ko kasi may obligation ako for the country. Also, I just want to apologize to my team. Iba ‘yung talagang [goal]… To show that Team Philippines [had] the capacity and capability. I really wanted to win the challenge and I’m just wondering what we’re gonna do for the next challenge,” the former senator said.

“I’m happy to be part of this season. As team captain, proud ako na i-represent ang Pilipinas. Ang Team Philippines ay hard warriors,” he added, wishing the remaining Pinoy athletes luck.

Taking his place in the team is Justin Hernandez, a hybrid athlete and the only Filipino male athlete to compete in the CrossFit Games.

During the Physical: Asia media launch, the show’s producer, Jang Ho Gi, shared that they invited Pacquiao to be on the reality competition multiple times. The “People’s Champ” later invited them to his home and told them that he was a fan.

“Kasi may background na ‘ko [sa show]. Nanonood ako ng Physical, ‘yung Physical: 100. Noong in-explain sa akin ‘yung concept and everything… I said yes,” Pacquiao said.