ArenaPlus is reaffirming its commitment to Philippine sports by extending its support to pickleball, one of the country's fastest-growing sports, as part of its broader effort to help Filipino athletes excel across a wider range of disciplines.
According to ArenaPlus representative Jasper Vicencio, the company believes Filipino athletes have the talent to compete on the global stage and deserve greater opportunities beyond the traditionally popular sports of basketball and volleyball.
This commitment is reflected in ArenaPlus’ partnership with DAILY TRIBUNE for the staging of the 1st ArenaPlus-KaTribu Pickleball Tournament, scheduled for June 12 at The Dink Lab Elite in Kawit, Cavite.
Dubbed the “Dink-dependence Day Showdown,” the tournament coincides with the Philippines’ 128th Independence Day celebration and is expected to bring together nearly 300 pickleball players from across the country. Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and JC Premiere, the event will also welcome coaches, sports leaders, celebrities, and other notable personalities for a day of competition and community engagement.
Participants will compete across beginner, novice, low intermediate, and high intermediate divisions, with winners receiving trophies, medals, cash prizes of up to P15,000, and a range of premium rewards, including hotel accommodations, round-trip airline tickets from Manila to Narita, gift certificates, and dining vouchers.
Among those expected to take part in the event are Senator Mark Villar, former Senator Cynthia Villar, PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, and DAILY TRIBUNE executives, who will present awards to the tournament champions.
The opening ceremony will feature ceremonial serves from ArenaPlus Chief Erick Su, Philippine Pickleball Federation President Shery Anne “Shawie” Cu, DAILY TRIBUNE Sports Editor Julius Manicad, Kawit Mayor Armie Aguinaldo, and candidates from the 2026 Miss Earth pageant.
Registration remains open at P1,500, with participants receiving tournament shirts, refreshments, and various event giveaways.
For Vicencio, supporting pickleball is part of a larger mission to help uncover new opportunities for Filipino athletes and encourage wider participation in sports.
“We’ve seen how Filipinos have excelled on the global stage in various sports, and we believe supporting pickleball is one way to showcase the untapped potential that exists beyond the sports we traditionally follow,” Vicencio said.
“At ArenaPlus, our support for basketball and volleyball is only part of the bigger picture. There are many talented athletes across different sports who deserve greater recognition and opportunities.”
Vicencio added that the “Dink-dependence Day Showdown,” supported by organizations including the Villar Foundation, Cebu Pacific, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation, Hotel 101, DITO, Pascual Laboratories, HEAD, Bioessence, and the Department of Finance, marks only the beginning of ArenaPlus’ collaboration with DAILY TRIBUNE.
“This partnership has the potential to help accelerate the growth of pickleball, encourage healthy and active lifestyles, and perhaps even help discover the next Filipino athlete who can shine on the international stage,” he said.
“With the sport gaining momentum across the country, we’re excited about the possibilities and look forward to supporting its continued development.”