The Padel Pilipinas delegation got valuable exposure with a training program in Spain and Portugal, as well as competing in Hong Kong tournaments.
The Philippine Padel scene is flourishing, with Padel Pilipinas, the sport's official governing body, celebrating a fruitful first quarter of 2024.
In March, a national coaching contingent comprised of Bryan Joshua Casao, Argil Lance Cañizares, Raymark Gulfo, and Tao Yee Tan embarked on a month-long training program in Portugal and Spain. This intensive program, held at Padel Factory in Cascais, Portugal, and Vita 10 in Madrid, Spain, included training sessions, match play, and invaluable international exposure.
"Aside from getting to compete in high level tournaments, we learned how we can be better players and, more so, better coaches," shared Padel Pilipinas Head Coach Bryan Casao. "We are very excited to share all these with our students most especially in our grassroots clinics which Padel Pilipinas has been regularly doing all over the country."
Padel Pilipinas then sent the team to competeAsia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT) Hong Kong Grand Slam 2024 (April 11-14). Filipino multiple-time Padel champion Derrick Santos secured a podium finish, achieving first runner-up in the Mixed Open Finals alongside French partner, Kim Ben Attar.
Tennis legend Johnny Arcilla, a ten-time champion of the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Tennis Tournament, transitioned to Padel and made a winning international debut.
Senator Pia Cayetano also competed alongside Tao Yee Tan in the Women's Open category, and Raymark Gulfo in the Mixed Open category.
"The level of playing is really high and clearly the Spanish have a headstart. But I’m happy that our team is here and getting exposed to this level of competition," shared Cayetano, who headed the Padel Pilipinas delegation.
The Padel Pilipinas national team continued its international exposure with the Asian Padel Invitational, facing off against teams from Japan, China, and Hong Kong.
To cap off the first quarter, Padel Pilipinas will host the Philippine Padel Open 2024 from April 25-28 and May 2-5 at Play Padel, Mandaluyong.
Players from across the Philippines and abroad are expected to compete in six categories: Men's Open, Women's Open, Men's Intermediate, Women's Intermediate, Mixed Open, and Mixed Intermediate.