Pickleball in the Philippines is set for a major breakthrough, as the Philippine Tennis Center for Excellence Inc. (PTCEI) teams up with Ayala Land to establish a world-class international tennis and pickleball facility in Vermosa, Cavite—laying the foundation for the sport’s next big chapter alongside the Philippine Tennis Academy.
Key Takeaways:
- ₱500 Million Investment: A massive financial commitment to build a world-class racquet sports complex in Vermosa.
- 16 Dedicated Pickleball Courts: The new center will boast an impressive array of courts specifically for the fast-growing sport.
- Public Access & Elite Training: The facility will serve as the permanent home for the Philippine Tennis Academy (PTA) while also offering public access for recreational play and coaching.
- Integrated Sports Hub: Seamlessly joining the existing Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, enhancing the estate's vision for holistic sports development.
A New Era for Philippine Racquet Sports
The recently inked deal between PTCEI (Philippine Tennis Center Inc.), the Philippine Tennis Academy, and real estate giant Ayala Land marks the beginning of a transformative journey. This ₱500 million investment is set to deliver an unparalleled hub for racquet sports, cementing the Philippines' position on the regional sports map.
The partnership, solidified in a recent signing ceremony, saw PTCEI and PTA President Rommie Chan join forces with Ayala Land's John Estacio, Nona Torres, and Tin-Tin Ofilada. Their collaborative vision will bring a world-class training and recreational space to life.
Beyond the Courts: A Comprehensive Sports Ecosystem
The upcoming center at Vermosa will feature an astonishing 16 dedicated pickleball courts, complemented by multiple tennis courts, a cutting-edge gym, and a fully stocked pro shop. Athletes and visitors can refuel at the on-site café and restaurant, or unwind at the bar.
The complex will also house a potential golf simulator and comfortable athletes' quarters capable of accommodating between 60 and 80 trainees. While the Philippine Tennis Academy will establish its permanent base here, the pickleball courts are notably open to the public, ensuring access to top-tier coaching, competitive play, and recreational opportunities for everyone.
Vermosa: The Heart of Philippine Sports Development
The choice of Vermosa for this ambitious project aligns perfectly with Ayala Land's expansive vision for the estate as an integrated hub where education, community, and sport converge. The existing Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub already stands as a testament to this commitment, boasting facilities for athletics and aquatics, alongside a state-of-the-art fitness and sports science laboratory and a 30-room dormitory for athletes.
John Estacio highlighted how the PTCEI partnership is a natural fit, seamlessly integrating racquet sports – especially pickleball – into an already robust sporting ecosystem. This strategic placement ensures that the new center will benefit from and contribute to Vermosa's reputation as a premier destination for athletic excellence.
Charting the Course: The Road to Inauguration
The journey from blueprint to reality is meticulously planned. President Rommie Chan has set a target of September this year for securing all necessary permits. The groundbreaking ceremony is slated for the fourth quarter of 2025, with construction kicking off in January 2027. Fans and athletes can mark their calendars, as the grand inauguration is targeted for April 2028, beginning a 20-year lease agreement.
Why This Matters: Elevating Pickleball to New Heights
The sport's meteoric rise across Asia now finds a formidable home in the Philippines, complete with a facility engineered to host elite training, robust grassroots development, and prestigious international competitions. With 16 courts and accessible public programming, pickleball is poised to gain unprecedented visibility and legitimacy within the nation's sporting culture.
The center is primed to become the epicenter for both casual players and aspiring professionals, ensuring that the incredible momentum of pickleball in the Philippines continues its upward trajectory.
A Legacy Honored, A Future Forged
This visionary project is dedicated to the enduring memory of Oscar Hilado, who co-founded the Philippine Tennis Academy in 2011. His unwavering commitment to creating pathways for Filipino talent now extends beyond tennis, embracing pickleball and solidifying its integral place in the nation’s dynamic sporting future.
