PH ready to defend Asia Pacific Padel Cup crown

 The Philippines is ready to defend its title in the Asia Pacific Padel Cup (APPC) 2026, scheduled to be held at Play Padel McKinley in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig from June 25 to 28.

Joanna Tao Yee Tan, the 2025 MVP, banners the women’s team comprising 10-time PCA Open tennis champion Marian Jade Capadocia, Danna Mariella Abad, and Joshea Dominique Malazarte in the pro category.

Skipper Argil Lance Cañizares, Abdulqoahar Allian, Jose Nicholas Cano, Raymark Gulfo, Jason Anthony Lapidus, and Fritz Chris Verdad make up the men’s squad.

Abad, Malazarte, Cañizares, Allian, Gulfo, and Verdad are the other carryovers from last year’s champion team.

The Philippines beat Pakistan (5-0), Hong Kong (4-1), and Malaysia (4-1) in the group stage; South Korea (3-0) in the quarterfinals; Malaysia (3-0) in the semis; and Hong Kong (3-0) in the finals.

This year’s edition also features an amateur category for emerging players to gain valuable international experience.

Seeing action are Maxine Selina Sebastian, Mayumi Jane Toribio, Yanni Collins, Nadine Sandra Sebastian, Jack Mikhail Cruz, Keno Lorenzo Enriquez, Gabriel Stefano Gurria, Dennis Maglinas, and Vince Louise Serna.

Bryan Joshua Casao heads the coaching staff, composed of Portuguese Tomás Vasco (technical and tactical), Jaric Rjian Luther Lavalle (strength and conditioning), and Ma. Arielle Estrañero (sports psychology consultant).

Senator Pia Cayetano, a former national volleyball player, is the founder of the Padel Pilipinas, the national sports association recognized by both the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

The APPC 2026 aims to position the Philippines as a growing hub for international padel and sports tourism in Asia. Through the support of public and private partners, the tournament seeks to strengthen the local padel community, inspire new players, and give Filipino athletes the opportunity to compete against some of the region’s top teams.

The APPC is the leading padel competition in the Asia-Pacific region, established to promote the growth of the sport, cultural integration, and player development. Host Indonesia won the inaugural tournament held in Bali in 2024.