Pickleball is no longer a fringe pastime in Asia—it’s quickly becoming a sport with serious traction, and the Philippines is now firmly in the conversation. Big local companies are putting money and muscle behind its growth, betting that the rising demand for venues, coaching, and tournaments will make the country one of the sport’s key hubs in the region.
Collin Johns, regarded as one of pickleball’s most recognisable names, was in the Philippines recently, running clinics in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, and he sees the country as well placed to catch up with early movers like Vietnam and Malaysia.
“When even a small percentage of the country begins to play and they start to love pickleball, that makes the sport grow exponentially fast,” he said, pointing to the natural crossover from badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
The clearest sign of confidence is Helios, an eight‑storey pickleball complex now rising in Bridgetowne. Designed to be climate‑controlled and capable of hosting international competitions, the project is a joint effort between Robinsons Land Corp.’s Robinsons Sports & Leisure and Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corp., with design input from Johns Design & Consulting—the firm founded by Collin and his brother Ben.
Kosmas president Kim Lapus explained the thinking behind the location: “For the players and for the spectators, everything is walking distance in Bridgetowne. You just can’t build a facility in the middle of nowhere and expect people to go there. This is a lot better because the whole ecosystem is here.”
Robinsons Land’s Ramon Rivero added that the new sports unit is meant to complement the company’s malls, offices, residences, and hotels by creating destinations centred on recreation.
Players won’t have to wait long for a taste of what’s to come. Helios Beta, a temporary outdoor venue, is set to open in Bridgetowne this October. Some of the participants from Johns’ clinics will even have the chance to coach there before the permanent facility opens its doors.
The message is clear: pickleball in the Philippines is not just a passing trend. With investment, infrastructure, and international expertise converging, the sport is laying down roots—and the country looks ready to embrace it.
