Team Padel Pilipinas Caps Historic Victory at the 2025 Asia Pacific Padel Cup

THE Philippine National Padel Team has officially been crowned champions of the 2025 Asia Pacific Padel Cup (APPC). Held from August 28 to 31 in Selangor, Malaysia, the tournament featured eight of the region’s top teams — Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, India, and the Philippines. Representing the country was a roster composed of both seasoned champions and promising rookies, led by Team Captain Argil Lance “LA” Cañizares, together with Abdulqoahar “Qoqo” Allian, Johnny Arcilla, Bryan Saarenas, Derrick Santos, Raymark “Mac” Gulfo, Fritz Chris Verdad, Joanna Tao Yee Tan, Mariam Yasmin “Yam” Garsin, Jed Vallie Rayne Aquino, Danna Mariella Abad, and Joshea Dominique Malazarte.

The Philippines advanced from the group stage with wins over Pakistan (5-0), Hong Kong (4-1), and host nation Malaysia (4-1), securing a spot in the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, the team swept South Korea, 3-0, behind victories from the pairs of Fritz Verdad and Qoqo Allian, Danna Abad and Jed Aquino, and Aquino again with Verdad. The semifinals set up a rematch with Malaysia, which the Philippines also dominated, 3-0. Johnny Arcilla and LA Cañizares took the opening match (6-4, 6-4), followed by Tao Yee Tan and Yam Garsin in the second (6-0, 6-3). Arcilla then returned to partner with Tan (6-2, 6-3) sweeping the defending champions and punching the Philippines’ ticket to the finals.

In the finals against Hong Kong, the Philippines needed only three matches to secure the best-of-five series. Arcilla and Cañizares opened with a win (6-0, 6-2), Tan and Garsin extended the lead (6-2, 6-3), and Arcilla paired with Tan to close out the championship (7-5, 6-2),

In addition to securing the championship, Johnny Arcilla was named Male MVP, while Joanna Tao Yee Tan, Asia Pacific Padel Tour Ranked No. 2, received Female MVP honors for the tournament, capping off the Philippines’ dominant run.

The team’s success was made possible through the leadership of National Team Head Coach Bryan Casao, Strength and Conditioning Coach Jaric Lavalle, and Collaborating Foreign Coach Tomás Vasco from Portugal. Supporting them on the ground were Padel Pilipinas leaders — Founder Senator Pia S. Cayetano, Team Manager Jeff Cheng, Secretary General Atty. Duane Santos, and Executive Director Atty. Jackie Gan and major sponsor UNILAB President Backy Baquiran — all of whom were present during the tournament to guide and rally behind the national team.

Senator Pia S. Cayetano, who was present to support the team, shared her pride in the victory, saying: “The team’s victory is not just about showing up and performing their best this week. It’s the culmination of the work they’ve put in the past year, on and off the court. This tournament is special because it’s the Asia Pacific Padel Cup, where nations go head-to-head. It’s not just two players that have to win, it’s a team effort. And today, the Philippines came out on top! Our athletes showed the region the skill, grit, and heart of the Filipinos. I could not be prouder of this team for carrying our flag with pride and bringing this championship home to our country.”

Team Manager Jeff Cheng attributed the win to the Team’s diligent preparation ahead of the tournament: “The team really put in the work to prepare for this tournament. Every training session, every adjustment we made along the way paid off. I’m proud of how the players came together, stayed focused, and proved that the Philippines can compete with the best in Asia.”

For his part, Secretary General Atty. Duane Santos called the win a milestone for the federation: “Winning the Asia Pacific Padel Cup is a testament to the foundation we’ve built and the passion our athletes bring to the sport. Over the course of the tournament, we played 26 matches — with 24 wins and only 2 losses — and emerged with the championship title against 7 of the region’s best teams. This is proof that the Philippines is a force in Asia ”

Executive Director Atty. Jackie Gan emphasized how the win reflects Filipino excellence: “What makes this victory significant is not just the title, but the consistency and composure our players displayed throughout the tournament. This win shows that we are ready to compete, and that our athletes have what it takes to make their mark globally.”

The championship also underscored the work of Padel Pilipinas in building a competitive national program. From grassroots development to international competition, the federation’s efforts have laid the groundwork for success.