Lacoste took a different approach to its Fall 2026 watch launch, swapping the usual product presentation for a day of pickleball at Pickleball Junction in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. The Lacoste Fun Pickleball Games brought together media representatives, influencers, and guests for a morning clinic and friendly competition, with Ricson Vergara and Derrick Ching claiming the title ahead of runners-up Gavriyella Adoptante and Mariel Enguito.
Key Takeaways from the Lacoste Pickleball Bash
- Ricson Vergara and Derrick Ching emerged as champions of the Lacoste Fun Pickleball Games, while Gavriyella Adoptante and Mariel Enguito finished as runners-up.
- Lacoste Watches presented its Fall 2026 collection, highlighting the LC33 range through an interactive, sport-inspired launch.
- The LC33 collection features a 45-millimetre stainless steel case, TR90 bezel, crown and pushers, an analog-digital display, a Petit Piqué-textured silicone strap, and 10 ATM water resistance.
- Philippine Pickleball Federation president Shery Cu joined the event, reflecting the sport’s growing community and its increasing appeal to international brands.
Ricson Vergara and Derrick Ching Win in Pasig
Held at Pickleball Junction in Kapitolyo, Pasig City, the event opened with a morning pickleball clinic that introduced participants to the sport before they tested their skills in friendly matches. The format welcomed beginners alongside more experienced players, creating an accessible setting for a day of competition and social interaction.
Ricson Vergara and Derrick Ching ultimately finished on top, while Gavriyella Adoptante and Mariel Enguito secured second place. The games brought together media representatives, influencers, and other guests, giving participants an opportunity to experience pickleball beyond simply watching the sport.
Shery Cu, president of the Philippine Pickleball Federation, also joined the activities and addressed participants ahead of the afternoon games, sharing insights into pickleball and its expanding community in the Philippines.
Sports broadcaster Rizza Diaz hosted the afternoon programme, which began with remarks from Judith Staples, marketing head of Lucerne Fashion Brands. The event then shifted its focus to watches as Cathy Porlaje, Lacoste Watches Philippines brand manager, introduced the Fall 2026 collection and its latest additions to the LC33 range.
Lacoste Brings the LC33 Collection to the Court
Rather than relying on a conventional product presentation, Lacoste Watches placed its latest collection within an active sporting environment. The approach reflected the French fashion house’s sporting heritage, allowing guests to experience the watches alongside the movement and energy of pickleball.
Inspired by the bold character of Lacoste’s crocodile emblem, the LC33 collection combines metallic case finishes, mixed-material details, and new colour combinations. Its design balances sporty styling with practical features suited to an active lifestyle.
The LC33 comes with a 45-millimetre stainless steel case, complemented by a TR90 bezel, crown, and pushers. An analog-digital display gives the watch a contemporary look, while an integrated silicone strap featuring Lacoste’s signature Petit Piqué texture adds a distinctive design touch. The collection also offers 10 ATM water resistance.
Between matches, guests had the opportunity to browse the watch display and examine the collection’s finishes and design details up close.
Lacoste’s Pickleball Strategy Reflects a Growing Trend
The Pasig gathering formed part of Lacoste Watches’ Fall 2026 launch in Manila, held on 30 September 2026 at the same venue. As previously reported, the brand chose to introduce its collection “in motion” rather than through a static presentation, bringing together a product showcase, a pickleball clinic, and friendly matches.
The approach connects the collection with Lacoste’s established sporting identity while giving participants a hands-on introduction to pickleball. With beginners, media representatives, influencers, and a federation leader sharing the same courts, the event also provided a glimpse into the sport’s expanding reach in the Philippines.
Lacoste’s involvement reflects a wider trend among global brands using pickleball to express their identity through movement, participation, and lifestyle experiences. As the sport continues to attract new players and audiences, it is becoming an increasingly appealing platform for brands looking to connect with active communities.
The Lacoste Fun Pickleball Games brought those elements together in one setting: a watch collection launch, a friendly sporting competition, and an opportunity to engage with a growing local pickleball scene.
