Bangkok: The Philippines is ready to defend its title in the Asia Pacific Padel Cup (APPC) 2026, scheduled to be held at Play Padel McKinley in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig from June 25 to 28.
According to Philippines News Agency, Joanna Tao Yee Tan, the 2025 MVP, leads the women's team, which includes 10-time PCA Open tennis champion Marian Jade Capadocia, Danna Mariella Abad, and Joshea Dominique Malazarte in the pro category. The men's squad is composed of skipper Argil Lance Ca±izares, Abdulqoahar Allian, Jose Nicholas Cano, Raymark Gulfo, Jason Anthony Lapidus, and Fritz Chris Verdad.
Abad, Malazarte, Ca±izares, Allian, Gulfo, and Verdad are part of the core group from last year's champion team. The Philippines demonstrated its strength in the previous tournament by defeating Pakistan (5-0), Hong Kong (4-1), and Malaysia (4-1) in the group stage, South Korea (3-0) in the quarterfinals, Malaysia (3-0) in the semis, and Hong Kong (3-0) in the finals.
This year's edition introduces an amateur category, providing a platform for emerging players to gain international experience. Participants in this category include Maxine Selina Sebastian, Mayumi Jane Toribio, Yanni Collins, Nadine Sandra Sebastian, Jack Mikhail Cruz, Keno Lorenzo Enriquez, Gabriel Stefano Gurria, Dennis Maglinas, and Vince Louise Serna.
The coaching staff is led by Bryan Joshua Casao and includes Portuguese Tom¡s Vasco (technical and tactical), Jaric Rjian Luther Lavalle (strength and conditioning), and Ma. Arielle Estra±ero (sports psychology consultant). Senator Pia Cayetano, a former national volleyball player, established Padel Pilipinas, the national sports association recognized by both the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.
The APPC 2026 aims to position the Philippines as a growing hub for international padel and sports tourism in Asia. The tournament seeks to strengthen the local padel community, inspire new players, and provide Filipino athletes the opportunity to compete against some of the region's top teams, with support from public and private partners. The APPC, the leading padel competition in the Asia-Pacific region, was established to promote the growth of the sport, cultural integration, and player development. Host Indonesia won the inaugural tournament held in Bali in 2024.
