Phl's biggest pickleball hub opens in Negros Oriental

The growing sport of pickleball received its biggest boost yet with the recent opening of PlayPro Active Courts, the country’s biggest hub located in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

Negros Oriental provincial governor Manuel Sagarbaria, Philsouth president and general manager Louie Tijing, and Vietnamese pickleball sensations Quang Duong and Bao Duong.

The newest diversification project of Philsouth Properties and Development Corp., PAC contains tournament-grade 17 pickleball courts, 3 badminton courts and 2 half-court basketball 3-on-3 courts.

“We envision PlayPro Active Courts as more than just a sports facility, but also a place where people can play, compete, connect, and elevate their game while building a stronger and healthier community,” says Philsouth president and general manager Louie Tijing.

The opening ceremonies were led by guests of honor Negros Oriental provincial governor Manuel Sagarbaria, Philippine Pickleball League (PPL) president Aldus Corel dela Cruz, and Vietnamese pickleball sensations Quang Duong and Bao Duong, who are pro athletes of equipment firm Wika Sports.

Tijing added that as part of their long-term development plan, PlayPro Active Courts will soon expand the facility with 10 additional pickleball courts (4 of which will be airconditioned), 3 table tennis and 2 tennis courts.

“This is our humble way of pursuing our vision of becoming the country’s leading hub for pickleball and active recreation by promoting active lifestyles, community engagement, and sports excellence,” he pointed out.

Tijing added that with its state-of-the-art amenities and expansive indoor venue, PlayPro Active Courts is ready to host tournaments at all levels, while serving as a home for athletes, enthusiasts, and families seeking a unique sporting experience.

He revealed that PlayPro Active Courts will host its first major tournament with the inaugural of the PPL Visayas Open set on July 30 to Aug. 2 and Aug. 6-9, which will gather sport’s best players from all over the archipelago.

The two-part competition, the last of the island cluster tourneys, is expected to draw up to 2,300 athletes, as well as internationally-ranked players.

Moreover, Sagarbaria noted that the opening of the premier indoor court sports facility augurs well with their thrust of promoting Negros Oriental and its capital Dumaguete City as a sports tourism haven in Central Philippines.

He noted that while Dumaguete and its neighboring towns have about 300 pickleball courts, PlayPro Active Courts is just among the few hubs which have met tournament standards.

PlayPro Active Courts, a one-hectare complex situated along the By-Pass Road in Sibulan, and is the first sports facility of Philsouth Properties which is known for building middle-end housing projects, executive villages and amusement theme parks across the province.

Situated along the provincial bypass road in the outskirts of Dumaguete, it is just a few minutes from the city's popular attractions such as Silliman University, the scenic Rizal Boulevard and its adjunct Pantawan Park, the National Museum, and the Spanish-era belfry at the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral. 

It is also less than an hour away from the Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park in upland Sibulan, one of Negros Oriental's iconic destinations which boats of lush terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity.