The organizers of the 1st Cebu Pickleball Open Tournament 2026: The Blazing Torch and True Edge Cup officially launched the event on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at a press conference held at a restaurant in Market Place, Banawa, Cebu City.
Pickleball has undeniably become the latest sporting craze among Filipinos who are keen on staying fit and healthy. The sport knows no age limits; young, adult, and even senior citizens have taken up the game, enjoying its fast-paced yet accessible nature.
It comes as no surprise that in the coming years, numerous pickleball tournaments will be held across various parts of the country. In Cebu, a group has decided to organize a regular pickleball tournament in the hope of providing a venue for enthusiasts of the sport.
Thus, the 1st Cebu Pickleball Open Tournament 2026 was born. The event, titled "The Blazing Torch and True Edge Cup," will be held on June 27, 2026, at Net and Paddle, located at the LUDO Complex in Sawang Calero, Cebu City.
The tournament is sponsored by Antorcha De La Libertad Lodge No. 2 and Espada De Rectitud Lodge No. 3, both under The Sovereign Grand Lodge of Visayas and Mindanao.
Attending the launch were tournament commissioner Allan Delantar, Hermanos Cesar Carlos Albano, Joseph Versaga, Amado Baclayon Jr., Gerald Cañete, Atty. Rengie Galo, Anselmo Belangel Jr., as well as Famela Mantuhac-Sajuela and Eva Marie Neo of Bola Pickleball PH.
Delantar, a former Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) commissioner, stated that they will approach the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) regarding their goal of forming a National Sports Association (NSA) for pickleball in Cebu. He explained that they decided to pursue this because they have observed that many groups have become interested in playing the new sport in various areas.
For their initial tournament, Delantar said they will limit the number of participants to 60 pairs: 20 in men's doubles, 20 in women's doubles, and 20 in mixed doubles. The champions in each category will receive P10,000, while the runners-up will get P7,000.
Registration fee is P1,500 per player. Those interested can register through this link: https://form.jotform.com/261328899981477.
