What do you call the game that combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong? Yes, the racket/paddle sport of Pickleball has become widespread in Cebu. What started as a niche sport played by balikbayans and expats has now expanded from Moalboal to Santander to Bogo.
Pickleball, first played in the U.S. in 1965, was brought to the Philippines in 2016. Since then, there has been a dramatic increase in the game’s popularity. Schools like USC have added it to their curriculum. Communities are repainting basketball courts, now lined with pickleball markings, including those Ma. Luisa Park in Banilad. What was once a pastime is now a full-blown sports movement.
Why is Pickleball booming? Three things: ease of play, inclusivity, and fun.
Unlike tennis, pickleball is less technical and is easy to learn. In a way, it’s like badminton. Within minutes, you’re able to rally and exchange shots with someone from across the net (something you cannot do with tennis).
Pickleball’s court is also smaller (the size of a badminton court). The smaller playing area allows for quick rallies and long, engaging points. It’s a game anyone can play; the learning curve is short and you are drenched in sweat — but the fun lasts forever.
Most of all, pickleball builds community. Players laugh between points, cheer for one another, and play in mixed-age and mixed-gender matches. It’s more than a sport—it’s a social event.
The Cebu Professional Pickleball Association (CPPA), led by founder Cesar Guinto, has teamed up with SM Seaside and SM Consolacion to expand the sport through clinics and tournaments. Meanwhile, Cebu Pickleball group, co-founded by Rnell Arsenal, has been instrumental in building Cebu’s first local pickleball community.
Where to play Pickleball? Said CPPA Pres. Guinto: “We are seeing increased interest in several locations across Cebu, including SM Seaside, MatchPoint in Tayud, Liloan; City Sports, Casino Español, Bethany Christian School, Naga City, Santander (Lyceum University), Moalboal (Beyond Isle), Toledo City (Cabana Shore), Asturias (Dalia’s Dream Court), Tuburan Pickleball Club, Bogo (Lima’s Pickleball), Barili Pickleball Club.”
Rnell Arsenal says “Cebu’s first dedicated pickleball court was built by Massimo Corti in Moalboal” and adds CitiLoft, St Michael’s, and Hoops and Rackets (Mandaue) as venues.
EVENTS. Cebu is now hosting major tournaments, attracting top-level players. The Skechers Cebu Open 2023 saw the debut of Filipino tennis stars Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa and Clarice Patrimonio, who are now international professionals; there were events in Il Corso, Barili and the Mandani Bay Visayas Invitational 2024. Upcoming events include the Cebu Open 2025, and the Batang Pickleball Nationals Visayas Leg, a grassroots program to develop young talents.
Cebu has also produced international medalists like Gab Riconilla, Christopher Encarnacion and Franklin Encarnacion—proof that Cebu isn’t just playing for fun; it’s competing on the world stage. And the best part? The rally is just getting started.
