Padel Pilipinas competes at the Asia Pacific Padel Cup

Padel Pilipinas is competing at the Asia Pacific Padel Cup in Bali, Indonesia until September 22.

"We're very proud, as the sole National Sports Association recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission, to send our official national team to this prestigious international competition, where nations compete against nations–not just individuals or organizations," Executive Director Atty. Jacqueline Gan said in a press release.

The men's team and training pool is composed of Atty. Duane Santos, Derrick Santos, team captain LA Cañizares, Mac Gulfo, Qoqo Allian, Johnny Arcilla, Mhar Joseph Serra, and Francis Casey Alcantara.

The women's team and training pool, meanwhile, will have Padel Pilipinas president and founder Senator Pia Cayetano, Tao Yee Tan, Princess Jean Naquila, Marian Capadocia, and Yam Garsin.

Serra said he is proud of representing the Philippines in the international competition. 

"Being part of Team Padel Pilipinas has elevated my game to the next level. It's not about individual wins anymore; it's about achieving success for the team. We're a group of exceptional players, both on and off the court," Serra said.

Cayetano, meanwhile, challenged the team to "raise the bar" in the tourney.

“I challenge everyone who's a part of the team to raise the bar because we are accountable to the Filipino people. I try to inculcate in our players that they must always conduct themselves in a manner deserving to bear the Filipino flag," she said.

The APPC is the first padel competition held among nations in the Asia Pacific region, featuring seven countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News