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Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao is no stranger to high-profile stages — from crowded boxing arenas to political campaigns. But now, he’s stepping into something different. The legend has officially joined Netflix’s latest reality competition, Physical: Asia — the Asia-wide evolution of Physical: 100 — as the main figure for Team Philippines.
This isn’t a boxing match. It’s a test of endurance, strength, strategy, and teamwork. Instead of punching gloves, Pacquiao will lead a squad of six Filipino athletes, competing against teams from eight countries: Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines.
Switching from The Ring to a reality competition series might seem like a stretch at first glance. But in many ways, it’s a natural extension of who Pacquiao is: someone always chasing challenges, always pushing boundaries.
He’s already touched multiple fields — athlete, senator, brand icon — and this brings a new dimension. His inclusion instantly boosts Physical: Asia’s credibility and star power, especially now, as crossover between sports, media, and entertainment becomes more common. Fans will be watching not only to see if he can maintain his physical prowess but also to see how he handles the pressure of being more than just a competitor — he’s a symbol of national pride.
And make no mistake: this show is ambitious. Previous seasons of Physical: 100 focused on individual endurance and strength. The Asia edition shifts the focus to a team-based national competition where one mistake by any team member can have a ripple effect and jeopardize the entire team.
Who’s on Team Philippines?
When you hear Manny Pacquiao’s name, it’s easy to assume the spotlight will only follow him. But Netflix made sure Team Philippines isn’t just about one legend — it’s a carefully selected roster of athletes with different strengths. The show is a team competition, after all, and raw star power isn’t enough to get through the challenge. You need balance, diversity, and athletes who can compensate for each other’s weaknesses. That’s where the rest of the squad comes in.
Mark “Mugen” Striegl — Fil-Am sambo athlete
Ray Jefferson Querubin — Strongman
Justin Coveney — National rugby player
Robyn Lauren Brown — Track & field hurdler
Lara Liwanag — CrossFit standout
It’s a mixture that covers speed, strength, endurance, and tactical awareness. Striegl brings combat sports grit, Querubin provides brute power, Coveney contributes teamwork and collision discipline from rugby, Brown offers explosive speed and agility, and Liwanag balances the group with exceptional conditioning and mental toughness.
What makes this lineup so compelling is how closely it reflects Pacquiao’s own story. He’s always been about more than just his fists — his success came from resilience, adaptability, and drawing strength from those around him. Team Philippines captures that same spirit. With Pacquiao’s leadership added to this diverse group of athletes, they’re stepping into Physical: Asia as more than just underdogs. They appear like a squad built to surprise, and that’s what could make them dangerous.
Manny Pacquiao Joins Netflix’s Physical: Asia | Image: Getty Images
Why Pacquiao’s Netflix Move Matters
As Physical: Asia prepares for its release later in 2025, a few storylines are already worth watching. Will Pacquiao dive into the challenges himself or step back as more of a captain? How will Team Philippines handle the pressure when one member starts to falter — can they adapt, recover, and push through? And with heavyweight names like UFC veteran Robert Whittaker and Muay Thai champ Superbon leading rival squads, the competition is bound to get fierce.
But beyond the spectacle of the matches, Pacquiao’s role carries a bigger message. At 46, he doesn’t need to prove his athletic skill — his eight-division world titles already cement that legacy. What this move truly demonstrates is his ability to reinvent himself and take on new realms, both literally and figuratively. By stepping into Netflix’s spotlight, Pacquiao isn’t just competing; he’s reminding us that icons don’t retire, they evolve.
For Netflix, his presence instantly elevates ‘Physical: Asia’ into more than just another reality show. It becomes a cultural moment — a place where national pride, athletic grit, and entertainment collide. And for Pacquiao, it’s another round in a career defined not by limits, but by the refusal to stand still.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Want to know how we test products? Click here for more details.
OMEGA has introduced seven new pieces to its Speedmaster Dark and Grey Side of the Moon collection.
The latest models are crafted in black and grey ceramic, featuring a more refined, layered dial design that improves depth and readability.
Powering the Dark Side editions is the OMEGA 9900 Self-Winding Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement, providing chronograph accuracy and a 60-hour power reserve.
The collection features both stealthy all-black executions and lighter Grey Side options, with prices starting at USD $15,700.
When OMEGA sent the Speedmaster to the Moon in 1968, it changed everything. The watch had been around for over a decade — first introduced in 1957 as a racing chronograph — but NASA’s rigorous testing pushed it into a completely different league. It survived extreme heat, freezing temperatures, and violent shocks before earning its place on the wrists of Apollo astronauts. By the time it reached the lunar surface, the Speedmaster had demonstrated it wasn’t just another tool watch. It was built for history.
Fast forward to 2012, and OMEGA gave that same icon a darker, more modern edge with the launch of the Dark Side of the Moon collection. Crafted in ceramic and inspired by the mystery of space, it brought a new attitude to the Speedmaster without losing its identity. Now, twelve years later, the lunar story continues with seven new models — five in black ceramic and two in grey — each in its own unique way, improving the details without changing from its original design.
“The Dark Side of the Moon collection embodies OMEGA’s pioneering spirit that has guided us to the Moon,” said Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA. “These new models champion that extraordinary legacy while introducing innovations that will define chronographs for generations to come.”
What makes this release compelling is how seamlessly it integrates into the Speedmaster story. It represents an evolution that honours the qualities that made the Speedmaster legendary in the first place while also steering the design toward a future-oriented direction. So, shall we dive in?
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon | Image: OMEGA
The Evolution of the Speedmaster
One of the biggest changes with these new models comes down to how Omega has worked with ceramic. The Dark and Grey Side of the Moon watches have always embraced modern materials, but this time, the execution feels more refined. The dial design takes inspiration from the classic Moonwatch, particularly in how the details are shaped and layered. It’s constructed with two ceramic layers, which adds depth to the surface and creates a subtle play of light. The subdials sit slightly lower, so depending on the angle, they catch the light differently. It’s not flashy, but it adds character to the watch and makes it easier to read at a glance.
Even though the case still measures 44.25mm, the watch doesn’t feel bulky. Omega has adjusted the profile just enough to make it sit more comfortably, which you notice once it’s on the wrist. The bezel and crown use the brand’s Liquidmetal technology, helping to protect against scratches and everyday wear. It’s the kind of improvement you might not notice immediately, but you’ll appreciate it over time. Overall, this isn’t about changing the Speedmaster’s identity — it’s about sharpening it, making it feel more modern without losing what made it special in the first place.
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Red Hands’ Ref. 310.92.44.51.01.001 | OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Red Hands’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Red Hands’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Red’
Brand: OMEGA
Model: Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon
Reference: 310.92.44.51.01.001
Diameter: 44.25mm
Thickness: 15.09mm
Case Material: Black Ceramic
Calibre: OMEGA 9900 Self-Winding
Power Reserve: 60 Hours
Water-Resistance: 5 Bars (50 metres, 165 feet)
Price: USD $16,100
Among the new releases, the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Red’ immediately grabs your attention. It features the familiar all-black ceramic look, but that flash of red instantly shifts the mood. The bright red chronograph seconds hand cuts sharply across the dark dial, with the Speedmaster name echoing the same tone. It’s a small detail, yet it adds tension and contrast, giving the watch a slightly more assertive character without compromising its stealthy identity.
The 44.25mm black ceramic case provides the bold wrist presence that the Dark Side models are known for, and at just over 15mm thick, it feels sturdy and purposeful. Inside, it houses Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900, which offers automatic winding, a 60-hour power reserve, and the precision and magnetic resistance expected from the brand’s modern movements. Water resistance is rated to 50 metres (165 feet), making it suitable for everyday wear. More than anything, the ‘Black Red’ feels like a focused refinement — not a radical shift, but a sharper, more confident expression of the Dark Side concept.
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark/White’ Ref.310.92.44.51.01.004/310.92.44.51.01.002 | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark/White’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark/White’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark White’
Second, we have the ‘Dark White’ version, which immediately feels distinct from the Red Hands edition, yet it features the black ceramic case. The white details on the dial change the watch’s overall mood. The hands, markers, and subdials are more prominent, giving the watch a sharper, more technical look. It doesn’t seem aggressive; instead, it appears more composed and balanced. The contrast keeps everything easy to read while giving the dial depth, and maintains a refined feel without losing that strong Dark Side vibe. It remains bold on the wrist, but with a cleaner, more versatile way, so whether you choose the rubber or nylon strap, both are priced at $15,700.
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’ Ref. 310.92.44.51.01.005/310.92.44.51.01.003 | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’
Brand: OMEGA
Model: Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’
The Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Black Black” embraces its stealthy identity, featuring a black ceramic case and a deeply toned dial that maintains a single, controlled colour palette. Instead of using contrast, the watch adds interest through texture and subtle finish variations. Subdials, markers, and hands gradually become more visible as the light moves across the surface. Everything works together smoothly, preserving that bold 44.25mm presence while giving the Speedmaster a more restrained and focused character.
Inside, the watch is powered by Omega’s self-winding chronograph movement with a column wheel and Co-Axial escapement, ensuring smooth operation and long-term accuracy. The watch is also certified as a Master Chronometer and approved by METAS, and it can withstand magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. It uses a silicon balance spring with twin barrels in series for stable power delivery. The display features central hour and minute hands, a central chronograph seconds hand, a small seconds sub-dial, and both 12-hour and 60-minute counters. A time zone function adds practical versatility. The movement is finished in matte black with Geneva waves in arabesque, highlighting the technical craftsmanship behind the watch’s restrained exterior.
OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Ref. 310.92.44.50.06.002/310.92.44.50.06.001 | Image: OMEGA
The last part of the collection is the Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon, which brings a different vibe. While the Dark Side models feature deep black ceramic and a striking appearance, the Grey Side is lighter and more refined. The 44.25mm case is crafted from grey ceramic, offering strong wrist appeal without the same visual intensity. It remains bold, but the tone is more subdued. The softer grey lets the dial details breathe, giving the watch a more architectural and sophisticated feel.
The biggest difference is inside the case. Instead of the Calibre 9900 used in the Dark Side models, the Grey Side runs on the OMEGA Calibre 3869 Grey Edition, which gives it a 50-hour power reserve and the precision you expect from a Speedmaster, while reducing the thickness to 12.97mm. Even with the 44.25mm diameter, it wears slimmer and more comfortably than you might expect. Water resistance remains at 50 metres, keeping it practical for everyday use.
The Grey Side is the most expensive model in this collection, priced at USD $16,700. This highlights its unique ceramic construction and movement, suggesting Omega presents it as the upscale choice in the lineup. While the Dark Side watches emphasize boldness and edge, the Grey Side emphasizes fine detail and craftsmanship.
Overall, the Grey Side of the Moon presents the most composed version of the collection, retaining a strong Speedmaster identity but expressing it in a calmer, more balanced manner. If the Dark Side is about intensity, the Grey Side focuses on control, and this subtle shift in tone makes all the difference.
OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon | Image: OMEGA
From Apollo to Now
From the moment the Speedmaster orbited the Moon during Apollo 8 to the ceramic-heavy Dark and Grey Side models we see today, OMEGA has continued its story by evolving into the next generation. The watch may have originally been a racing chronograph, but space exploration transformed it into something greater, and each version builds upon that legacy. If you asked us which one we’d personally choose, it would definitely be the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Black Black.” There’s something about its all-black, distraction-free design that just feels right — focused, confident, and true to the Speedmaster’s bold spirit. These latest releases don’t come across as nostalgia pieces — they feel like the next step in a journey waiting for its next mission.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
