As bewildered passers-by watched, the Russians smashed boards with their fists, had cinder blocks crushed on their stomachs and endured beatings from flaming planks.

The show culminated with them smashing glass bottles on their heads without any visible effect.

After the display, eager Filipinos rushed to take "selfies" with the beret-wearing Russians.

"The performances were great, the stunts were quite impressive," gushed student Antonio Chua.