Da Pearl Pickleball – Al Ain celebrated its first anniversary by turning a year of community growth into an opportunity to support two Filipino women battling cancer. What started with just four people in October 2025 has grown into a community of around 300 active players, showing how a shared passion for sports can bring people together for a greater cause.
Key Highlights:
- Da Pearl Pickleball – Al Ain marked its first anniversary with a charity game on 31 October 2026 at Al Ain University in the UAE.
- Founded by Earl Colubio, the club grew from four founding members to approximately 300 active players within a year.
- All proceeds from the charity event will support two Filipino women battling cancer: Juliet Pacturan, who has breast cancer, and Lin Bullungan, who is fighting leukemia.
- The club promotes an inclusive pickleball community, welcoming players of different nationalities and skill levels while using sports to make a positive difference.
Al Ain's Pickleball Community: From Four Players to 300
Just one year ago, pickleball was a new addition to the sporting scene in Al Ain. Today, Da Pearl Pickleball – Al Ain has grown into a community of around 300 active players, marking its first anniversary with a charity event that reflects the values behind its growth.
The journey began with founder Earl Colubio, who discovered pickleball during a holiday in the Philippines in 2025. Inspired by the sport, he decided to introduce it to Al Ain after returning to the UAE.
In early October 2025, Colubio started playing with his wife and two close friends, Tytus and Rose Abella. Together, the four became what he described as the first pickleball group in the city.
“We introduced pickleball to Al Ain, not knowing how big our little group would become,” Earl said.
The club's growth soon followed. Within two months, the group had expanded to around 20 to 30 players. By January 2026, it had reached approximately 50 to 80 active members before growing into its current community of around 300.
More Than a Name: Building an Inclusive Pickleball Family
The name Da Pearl has a personal connection to Colubio, as it was inspired by his basketball league, which already had an established presence in the local sports community. For him, the name represents more than a sporting identity. It reflects his passion for bringing people together through sports and creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels included.
Although most of the club's members are Filipinos, its community also includes players from different nationalities, including around eight to 10 active Emirati players. The club welcomes everyone, from complete beginners to advanced players, regardless of their nationality or playing experience.
As Colubio explained, the goal is to ensure that everyone feels like part of one big family, rather than making skill level or background a barrier to participation.
Da Pearl Pickleball Marks First Anniversary With Charity Game
Instead of celebrating its first birthday with competition alone, Da Pearl Pickleball – Al Ain chose to give back through its 1st Anniversary Charity Game for Kabayan Warriors. Held on 31 October 2026 at the outdoor courts of Al Ain University, the event began at 6 pm, bringing the community together for a cause beyond the court.
All proceeds from the charity game will go directly to two Filipino women facing serious health challenges: Juliet Pacturan, who is battling breast cancer, and Lin Bullungan, who is fighting leukemia.
The event featured three categories:
- Women's Lower Beginners
- Men's Beginners, also open to teams pairing one lower-intermediate player with one beginner
- Women's Higher Beginners
Each participant paid an entry fee of AED 100 and received a free event T-shirt, while prizes were also prepared for the winners. The beginner-focused categories were a deliberate decision by the organisers, as many club members are still relatively new to pickleball.
Colubio wanted to give them an opportunity to experience tournament play, develop their confidence, enjoy friendly competition and create lasting memories. More importantly, he believes the event represents what sports can achieve beyond medals and trophies.
“This charity game is our way of showing that sports are not just about winning medals or trophies,” Earl said. “Sports can also bring people together to make a difference in someone's life.”
Supporting Two Filipino Cancer Warriors Beyond the Court
For Da Pearl Pickleball, the charity initiative carries a personal message of encouragement for the two women receiving support. The club plans to hand over the proceeds to Juliet Pacturan and Lin Bullungan personally, ensuring they know that the community is standing behind them during their difficult journeys.
“We want them to know that they are not alone in their journey,” Colubio said. “Even though we may not be able to take away their struggles, we hope our small contribution, prayers, and support will give them strength and encouragement.”
Earl Colubio's Message: Start Small, Make a Difference
For Filipinos living in the UAE who are interested in building a similar community or organising charitable sporting activities, Colubio encourages them not to underestimate what a small beginning can achieve. Faith has also remained an important part of the club's identity and journey.
“You don't need to be a champion to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up, sharing kindness, and having a heart willing to help. At Da Pearl Pickleball, we don't just build players,” Colubio said. “We build friendships, we build a family, and together, we make a difference. And above all, we always put God first.”
From four founding members to around 300 active players, Da Pearl Pickleball – Al Ain has shown how a simple interest in sports can develop into something much bigger. Its first anniversary is not only a celebration of how far the club has come, but also a reminder that the impact of pickleball can extend far beyond the court.
