Tennis stars Johnny Arcilla and Francis Casey “Niño” Alcantara and Sen. Pia Cayetano were among the notable personalities named in the national padel team that will take part in the Asia Pacific Padel Cup (APPC) next week.
Apart from Arcilla, a many-time tennis champion, and Alcantara, other members of the men’s team are team captain Argil Lance “LA” Canizartes, Raymark Gulfo, Abdulqoahar “Qoqo” Allian, Duane Santos and Mhar Joseph Serra.
Joining Cayetano in the women’s team are another former tennis star Marian Capadocia, Yam Garsin, Tao Yee Tan, and Princess Jean Naquila.
Padel Pilipinas, headed and founded by Cayetano herself, is recognized by both the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
Members of both teams were introduced on Friday at Play Padel, Greenfield District, Mandaluyong.
Present during the affair were coach Bryan Casao and Padel Pilipinas Executive Director Atty. Jacqueline Gan,
The APPC is set in Bali, Indonesia from Sept. 19 to 22.
“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,” said Cayetano.
“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,” said Gan.
Padel Pilipinas is set to hold its last national tournament under the Philippine Islands Padel Tour, the Play Padel Open 2024, this October.
