Who Is Justin Hernandez? Meet the Athlete Replacing Manny Pacquiao in “Physical: Asia”
The Filipino CrossFit champ steps into the arena after Manny Pacquiao’s exit.
Published on Nov 5, 2025
When Netflix released episodes five and six of Physical: Asia, the former marked a major change for Team Philippines. Captain Manny Pacquiao announced that he had to leave the competition midway to attend to “another obligation” in the Philippines.
With Manny ’s exit, the show introduced a new contender for the team—Justin Hernandez, a decorated CrossFit athlete with a reputation for strength and stamina. Here are five things to know about the athlete now representing Team Philippines in Physical: Asia.
Who Is Justin Hernandez? Facts About the "Physical: Asia" Participant from Team Philippines
1. He’s the first Filipino male to qualify for the CrossFit Games.
According to the South China Morning Post, Justin Hernandez made history in 2019 as the first Filipino man to qualify for the CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin. He earned his spot after finishing as the top male athlete from the Philippines in the CrossFit Open, a global competition that spans five weeks of intense workouts.
2. He started out as a skinny kid turned bodybuilder.
As a kid, Justin said he was “skinny,” which pushed him to start lifting weights just to build some muscle. Over time, his gym routine turned competitive. By 2014, he had already claimed the novice division title at the Gemmalyn Crosby Sports Festival, one of the Philippines’ biggest bodybuilding events.
3. He made the switch from bodybuilding to CrossFit.
While working as a fitness coach at SkyHigh Fitness, Justin met CrossFit trainer Nikko de Guzman, who introduced him to the sport. “I joined CrossFit to prove that bodybuilders can do CrossFit, too,” he told SCMP. Over time, CrossFit became more than a challenge—it became his passion, and he’s since topped national CrossFit Open rankings multiple times.
4. He’s a coach and part of CrossFit Avant Garde.
Beyond competing, Justin trains others as a coach at Avant Garde CrossFit. He’s represented the Philippines in regional events like the 2019 Asia CrossFit Championship and continues to be a fixture in the local CrossFit community. Known for his upbeat personality and approachable coaching style, he’s helped grow the sport’s following in the country.
5. He’s all about balance (and motorcycles).
Despite his demanding routine—six training days a week, according to SCMP—Justin makes time to unwind. “I am actually a rather quiet and chill person,” he said, adding that he relaxes by riding his motorcycle along the outskirts of Manila. For him, those peaceful rides offer the calm that balances out his high-intensity training life.
Kat is Preview's Lifestyle Editor, explorer, and occasional rhymer. When not globe-trotting, she's over her computer, writing her next big novel.
Read more stories about
justin hernandez ,filipino athletes ,physical asia ,netflix ,Reality Competition ,who is