Talisay City inaugurates first public padel club in the Philippines

The City Government of Talisay officially opened the country’s first-ever public padel club on Saturday, August 16.

The inauguration was led by Senator Pia Cayetano together with Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, city officials, coaches, and local padel enthusiasts.

Padel, often described as a blend of squash and tennis, is played on an enclosed court similar to squash but follows many of tennis’ rules. 

While relatively new in the Philippines, Cayetano said she is determined to introduce the sport to encourage active lifestyles among the youth, especially in an era dominated by digital gaming.

“In the age of online games, it’s more fun to play in real life,” Cayetano said, stressing that physical activity helps children grow healthier and build stronger relationships. “That’s the childhood I want for all kids today.”

Cayetano added that she hopes padel will eventually become part of the Palarong Pambansa, opening opportunities for young athletes to showcase their skills on a larger stage.

Mayor Gullas echoed Cayetano’s sentiment, noting the responsibility of local governments to expose residents to new experiences and opportunities. 

“We have facilities for sports that we are used to, but the role of [the]government is to introduce new ones so our constituents can adapt and discover what they enjoy,” Gullas said.

The P60-million project includes two padel courts, an outdoor basketball court, a new motorpool office, and a parking facility. Currently, the padel courts are open to the public free of charge.

National coach Bryan Casao of Padel Philippines expressed his excitement at the launch, assuring residents that the sport is easy to learn. He also praised Cebu for its rich pool of athletic talent, recalling his tennis days when most of his toughest competitors came from the region.

With support from both local and national leaders, Talisay City now stands as a pioneer in bringing padel to Filipino communities.