The Philippines is having a huge moment on the international stage of competitive padel. This year, Manila is the host of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Padel Cup (APPC), building on the success that the national team brought when it conquered last year’s tournament and brought home the championship.
Held last June 25 to 28 at Play Padel McKinley in Taguig, the Philippines’ hosting of the prestigious international tournament is more than a show of force for a strong and supportive local community.
Growing padel in the Philippines and Asia
Co-presented by Enervon Fizz, APPC 2026 is an important investment that goes a long way toward establishing the Philippines as an emerging powerhouse in the regional and global padel community. It also established that Filipino athletes are strong contenders who can compete among the best.
“This is definitely the beginning of more padel tournaments and events here in the Philippines,” says Jeff Cheng, chairman of the APPC 2026 organizing committee and president of Padel Pilipinas/Philippine Padel Association, the official governing body of the sport in the country.
“It is a showcase of what Filipinos can do in hosting. We actually plan to host more tournaments here. It would also [promote] not just the sport, but the Philippines itself, which would also benefit the economy and tourism overall.”
Padel Pilipinas is hopeful that the pace they’re on will lead to the swift development of the sport’s overall level of competition in the Philippines. With more skilled Filipino players emerging, clubs and teams from around the region, and even around the world, would be compelled to come visit the country to enjoy a high level of play.
“Of course, different padel clubs sprouting around the country are very important because competition will definitely be a catalyst in developing the sport in the quickest possible time,” Cheng adds.
The development needed to grow padel in the Philippines also starts with the training of and investment in local padel coaches. “The sport won’t grow if there are no coaches. The kids wouldn’t learn without a teacher, and a teacher starts from home,” says Bryan Casao, head coach and academy director of the Philippine professional padel team.
“If we have produced local coaches and future coaches, we will produce new talents, professional players from all levels—from beginner to amateur to elite. That’s why coaches’ development is one of our priorities in Padel Pilipinas,” he adds.
International recognition and acclaim for the Philippines’ hosting
Stakeholders of the sport around the region agree that the Philippines hosting a huge tournament such as the APPC is a positive sign for the community, the country, and the region.
“There were different considerations [in bringing the APPC to the Philippines],” says Alex Domenech, co-founder of the APPC. “One is the strategic position of the Philippines in the padel industry as a very important country because of the community here, plus the excitement of Padel Pilipinas to host it.”
“And, of course, the Philippine team won [last year’s tournament]. They deserve it,” he adds.
Beyond recognizing the natural talent of Filipino padel athletes and coaches, Domenech also commends the competence of Padel Pilipinas in organizing a world-class tournament. “I think the APPC being hosted in the Philippines demonstrates how consolidated padel is here, and how structured and well-organized the padel industry and community are,” he says.
“How well the [padel scene] is doing [here in the Philippines] shows that this country is ready for hosting big events and [helping] improve the growth of the sport in the region.”
“It also shows that the Philippines is the epicenter of padel in Asia,” Domenech adds.
That remark about the country being the center of the sport in Asia is no small throwaway line, as that observation says a lot about how both the professional and amateur communities have kept pace with the fast rise of the sport in the region.
“New countries joined [the APPC] this year, which means padel is growing very quickly in Asia. It’s proof that the sport is moving,” he remarks.
Energizing active lifestyles
Powering the APPC is Enervon Fizz, the newest variant of multivitamin product Enervon from Philippine pharmaceutical leader Unilab.
“We are honored and excited to be part of this initiative to host the best players of padel in the region. Enervon Fizz is a vitamin-packed effervescent product that helps power active lifestyles. We support the continuous growth of the padel community in the country and the overall boom in sports and wellness activities among Filipinos,” said Product Manager Katerina Anna Carag.
“Whether you are a world-class athlete or just starting to pick up a physical activity, Unilab and Enervon Fizz are here to support your health journey,” she added.
As the Philippines successfully defended its APPC championship on home soil, the victory underscored not only the country’s growing dominance in the sport but also the rapid rise of padel nationwide. With stronger grassroots programs, expanding facilities, and increasing support from both the public and private sectors, the country is well-positioned to cement its status as one of Asia’s leading padel destinations.
