If you’ll walk past any court these days, you’ll be spotting some signs immediately: people with coordinated athletic fits, well-worn sneakers, and colorful paddles all set and ready at the baseline. And the game that everyone’s lining up for? Pickleball.
What was once a casual weekend rally has quickly turned into a full-blown movement. Across the country, pickleball is gaining serious traction—and it’s not by accident. Guided by the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF), the sport is shifting from informal play to a structured, nationwide framework that brings together players, organizers, and communities. The goal is ambitiously simple: grow the game sustainably and do it right.
So, who’s drawing up the game plan, if you’ll ask? PPF. This organization is recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, and a Founding Member of the Global Pickleball Federation. PPF means serious business, as they’re doing much more than just handing out paddles.
Raising the bar even higher, PPF launched the Philippine Pickleball Participant (PPP) Registry, a national database for players, coaches, and officials. Leveling up the experience, PPF also implemented the Official National Ranking System last January 1, 2026.
“In just a few years, we have seen tremendous organic growth (in Pickleball), and that’s something we celebrate. But now, it’s time to support that enthusiasm with systems that ensure fairness, credibility, and long-term development,” said Shery Anne Cu, President, Philippine Pickleball Federation.
Behind the scenes, the federation is creating and setting down standardized pathways for tournaments, officiating, and coaching. This brings clarity and consistency to every level of play, ensuring that everyone, from energetic first-timers to seasoned senior players, can step onto the court knowing that they’re part of an inclusive, safe, and well-organized ecosystem.
Building on that commitment, Skechers embraced pickleball at its grassroots stage and advocated for PPF since the rise of the sport. Going beyond traditional support, Skechers developed a dedicated pickleball footwear that’s engineered specifically for the court.
At the same time, Skechers has demonstrated its wholehearted involvement to the sport by supporting key events, with highlights like the Street Pickleball exhibition, which took place in late November 2025 at the GPF Global Pickleball Congress, as well as the first-ever Philippine Pickleball National Championship held last May 30 to June 1, 2025. The brand also welcomed professional pickleball champions like Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa and Leander Lazaro as official Skechers Pickleball Athletes. For Skechers, it’s clear that this isn’t just a partnership. It’s a shared journey, from start to finish.
If there’s another defining moment that shows how far the sport has come, it’s this: the inaugural Skechers Pickleball 1st Philippine Pickleball Amateur Nationals, set to take place from March 28 to March 30 at Tela Park Pickleball Center, Las Piñas City. Co-presented by Skechers, the Nationals are more than just another tournament—they’re a statement. In addition, the scheduled competitions will be the second tournament in contribution to the official national rankings. It’s a defining milestone for the federation’s long-term development plan. The said event brings together amateur players from across the country to compete under standards that champion safety, fairness, and excellence.
“For us, the Nationals mark a turning point for pickleball in the country. It’s inspiring to see Filipinos step onto the court and into a more connected community with Skechers every step of the way,” said Sue Pasustento, Country Manager, Skechers Philippines.
And pickleball’s impact? It doesn’t stop at the baseline. Beyond the competition, the sport promotes active lifestyles, strengthens community bonds, and contributes to sports tourism and local economies through organized events and competitions. Because of this, Filipino players are no longer limited to local courts, with clear pathways now in place, they’re beginning to set their sights not only on regional stages, but also on international ones.
Away from the spotlight, PPF continues to do the essential groundwork: collaborating with tournament organizers, aligning best practices, and building a credible national calendar through structured sanctioning frameworks. There are also media briefings and planning sessions that further reinforce the federation’s 2026 priorities. It also spotlights partners and contributors who share a common vision—not just to grow the sport fast, but to grow it responsibly.
“What we are building is not just tournaments. We are building a credible pathway for athletes, a coordinated environment for organizers, a transparent ranking system, and a sustainable future for the sport in the country,” Cu shared.
Cu also added that the resounding success of pickleball in the country will continue to depend on the flourishing collaboration between the federation, organizers, players, and partners.
Pickleball in the Philippines is shaping up to be more than a trend with all of these collective efforts. It’s a growing community sport supported by a strong national framework, powered by passion, guided by structure, and driven by players who are just getting started. Events like the Nationals on March 28-30 prove one thing clearly: the future of Filipino pickleball isn’t just promising—it’s already in play.
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