The rise of pickleball in Asia is accelerating, and the Philippines is quickly becoming one of the sport’s most exciting frontiers. With growing investment, expanding facilities and strong local interest, the country is positioning itself as a future hub for pickleball development in the region.
Key Takeaways:
- Pickleball icon Collin Johns identifies the Philippines as a prime candidate for rapid sport growth across Asia.
- A groundbreaking 8-story climate-controlled pickleball complex, named Helios, is under construction in Bridgetowne.
- The nation's strong existing racket sport culture (badminton, tennis, table tennis) provides a natural pipeline for new players.
- A temporary outdoor venue, Helios Beta, will open in Bridgetowne this October, offering an immediate taste of the future.
Collin Johns Sees Massive Potential in Philippine Pickleball Growth
That potential was recently highlighted by global pickleball star Collin Johns, who visited the Philippines for clinics in Manila, Cebu and Davao. After experiencing the local enthusiasm firsthand, the professional player believes the country has all the ingredients needed for a major breakthrough.
"When even a small percentage of the country begins to play and they start to love pickleball, that makes the sport grow exponentially fast," Johns said, pointing to the Philippines’ huge population and strong sporting culture as key advantages.
Existing Racket Sports Provide a Strong Foundation
According to Johns, the Philippines has a natural advantage thanks to its established racket sport scene. Badminton, tennis and table tennis are already popular across the country, creating a strong base of potential pickleball players who can quickly adapt to the sport's fast-paced, accessible nature.
He believes this existing foundation could allow the Philippines to grow at a rapid pace and potentially match or surpass early Asian pickleball markets such as Vietnam and Malaysia.
Helios Project Signals Big Pickleball Ambitions
The Philippines’ commitment to pickleball is also reflected in its investment in infrastructure. The biggest example is Helios, an ambitious eight-story dedicated pickleball complex currently being built in Bridgetowne. More than just a collection of courts, the climate-controlled facility is designed to host international competitions and introduce a new standard for pickleball venues in the region.
The project is a collaboration between Robinsons Land Corp.’s Robinsons Sports & Leisure and Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corp., with design expertise from Johns Design & Consulting, the company founded by Collin Johns and his brother Ben Johns.
Bridgetowne Chosen as a Future Sports Destination
The location of Helios in Bridgetowne is part of a wider strategy to create an accessible sports and lifestyle destination. Kosmas president Kim Lapus highlighted the importance of building a complete ecosystem where players and spectators can easily access surrounding facilities, rather than placing a major venue in an isolated location.
Robinsons Land’s Ramon Rivero added that the company’s sports division aims to complement its existing malls, offices, residences and hotels by creating communities built around active lifestyles, with pickleball serving as a major attraction.
Helios Beta Brings Pickleball Action Before Main Opening
Fans will not need to wait until the completion of Helios to experience the project. A temporary outdoor venue, Helios Beta, is scheduled to open in Bridgetowne this October. The facility will allow the local pickleball community to continue growing while the main complex is being developed. Some participants from Collin Johns’ clinics will also have the opportunity to become coaches at Helios Beta, creating a pathway from learning the sport to helping others discover it.
Philippines Ready for Pickleball Breakthrough
With international expertise, major investment and a growing community coming together, pickleball in the Philippines appears to be entering a new era. The country is no longer simply discovering the sport—it is actively building the foundation needed to become one of Asia’s leading pickleball destinations.
