Ray Jefferson Querubin, the strongman of Team Philippines in Netflix’s Physical: Asia, praised teammate Justin Coveney for his leadership and strategy during the show’s intense challenges — particularly the iconic “Jeepney Blitz” move that became the team’s signature play.
Coveney, a Philippine rugby player and team captain, introduced the “Jeepney Blitz” in the Territory Conquest challenge, where teams battled to control circular mounds. Inspired by the country’s iconic mode of transportation, the move had the team form a tight battering ram formation to overwhelm opponents.
“The jeepney blitz — this strategy could not work if you tried it too early. You get on there early, everyone’s gonna throw you off. So we waited until the last 20 seconds,” Coveney explained.
Querubin and Coveney led the charge, backed by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, MMA fighter Mark “Mugen” Striegl, CrossFit athlete Lara Liwanag, and hurdler Robyn Lauren Brown. Their perfectly timed push toppled both Team Mongolia and Team Indonesia, securing a strong first impression for the Filipino squad.
Querubin described it as a “very effective strategy” given their physical advantage. “Magandang strategy ‘yun na binigay ni Justin dahil of course rugby din ‘yung background niya,” he told ABS-CBN News.
Despite later setbacks, including a loss in the Shipwreck Transportation Challenge, Coveney redeemed the team by winning the Death Match against Team Thailand, using grit and control to secure the win.
In the Stone Totem Endurance Test, Coveney and Querubin went head-to-head in a test of grip and endurance. Coveney, struggling under the weight, was heard reciting the names of his wife and children as motivation before finally giving out after 9 minutes and 42 seconds.
While Team Australia ultimately won the round, Team Philippines’ teamwork, creativity, and signature “Jeepney Blitz” became one of the standout moments of the show — a display of Filipino unity and fighting spirit on the global stage.