ArenaPlus, DAILY TRIBUNE Unite for Pickleball Independence Day Showdown in PH
Pickleball has found a new champion in the Philippines, and it comes with a familiar name—DAILY TRIBUNE.
In partnership with ArenaPlus, TRIBUNE is staging the 1st ArenaPlus-KaTribu Pickleball Tournament on 12 June 2026 at The Dink Lab Elite in Kawit, Cavite. The timing is deliberate. Nearly 300 players are expected to compete in what organisers are calling the “Dink-Dependence Day Showdown,” a one-day celebration of sport and freedom on the 128th anniversary of Independence Day.
The deal was sealed last Friday in Bonifacio Global City, where DAILY TRIBUNE Sports Editor Julius Manicad and ArenaPlus representative Jasper Vicencio signed a memorandum of understanding.
This isn’t just another tournament. Winners will take home cash prizes, trophies, medals, and premium rewards ranging from hotel stays to food vouchers. Every participant will walk away with competition shirts, snacks, drinks, and giveaways from sponsors like the Philippine Sports Commission and JC Premiere. The Villar Foundation is backing the event, with added support from the Department of Finance, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, and Senator Mark Villar.
Vicencio made clear why ArenaPlus is throwing its weight behind pickleball. “At ArenaPlus, supporting basketball and volleyball is only scratching the surface of what we can achieve,” he said, pointing to his role in funding major international events such as the International Series Philippines and the Philippine Golf Championship.
“There are many athletes out there who deserve the spotlight. We are currently expanding our reach to golf and other disciplines, and now we are here to elevate pickleball. We’ve seen Filipinos excel worldwide, and we believe supporting pickleball highlights the immense untapped potential outside of mainstream sports.”
He also underlined the long-standing synergy between ArenaPlus and TRIBUNE. “This partnership isn’t new; we’ve worked with DAILY TRIBUNE many times, and the organisation has been instrumental in helping us achieve our objectives through their comprehensive coverage. This pickleball tie-up is the cherry on top—it’s something fun, different, and we’re excited to see this further strengthen our relationship.”
Manicad echoed the sentiment, thanking ArenaPlus for its commitment to grassroots athletes. “We value the trust ArenaPlus has placed in us,” he said, adding that special prizes will be awarded to participants who arrive in their best Independence Day-themed attire.
“This support highlights a shared mission to uplift all Filipino athletes. We hope this collaboration marks the beginning of a fruitful relationship between the No. 1 PAGCOR-licensed sportsbook and the most trusted, dynamic, and innovative news organisation in the country.”
