Pia Cayetano and co. introduce padel tennis to Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines -- Padel, one of the world’s fastest growing sports, has gained a foothold in the Philippines. And if Sen. Pia Cayetano would have it, a sport where Filipinos can eventually excel and compete in the international stage.

Although padel, or padel tennis as it is sometimes called, was invented in Mexico in 1969 when a man named Enrique Corcuera modified his squash court to incorporate elements of tennis, the game is hugely popular in Spain and in Europe even with celebrities such as Antonio Banderas, Hugh Grant, Serena Williams, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and even Cristiano Ronaldo playing the game. 

“We only started about two months ago by building our home here at the Play Padel building in Mandaluyong,” bared Cayetano. “It’s just getting people to fall in love with the game. Ganun lang muna then we gradually take it nationwide and then see how we can form some competition. But the important thing is for people to get into the sport then enjoy it.”

Cayetano, who has been athletically inclined since her scholastic days, first as a varsity volleyball player, then later as a triathlete, has found her new love in padel.

“Sports has always been important to me. I don’t dabble in a sport if I don’t like it. From the very first day I tried it, sabi ko, ‘ang saya.’ There are only 24 hours in a day so saan ko hahanapin ang oras para sa padel? Nabawasan yung triathlon ko. I can have a one-hour game but you will say 'bitin,' but that keeps me hungry to play the game.”

Along with Bryan Joseph Casao, who after a varsity tennis career at the University of Santo Tomas, has become a certified padel coach, as well as business partner Jammy Honorado, the trio have shared resources to not only put up the Play Padel building, but to spread the sport.

Social media personality and former United Football League player Nico Bolzico is one of those instructors, and he has high hopes for the sport.
“I think it is a great sport to not just stay in shape but to also have fun because it is played indoors and always in doubles,” shared the Argentinean, who has since called the Philippines home. “Indoor sports seem to be a hit with Filipinos so I am sure this will grow in popularity.”
For Cayetano, it is also a de-stresser. 

“Can I just say that when mental health wasn’t a thing, my dad’s gift was to get me to play sports,” she added. “College pa lang ako it was really my time away from problems.

Now, padel is my alone time. It provides the downtime and de-stresser I need. But I also need to tell myself to take my foot off the gas pedal because I am so competitive.”

Added Casao, “I am sure that padel or padel tennis will be a huge hit with Filipinos. When you try this, you will be hooked.”

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Note: The Play Padel building is located at the corner of Sheridan and Williams Streets in Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City. Walk-ins are welcome.