Oct 20, 2026
Tennis tournament hopes to entice aspiring Alex Ealas
Tennis is receiving much attention these days due mainly to Filipino player Alex Eala who continues to make the country proud in international tournaments. This is partly why the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) is optimistic that it will draw over a thousand entries for the 43rd PCA Open 2026.
The annual tennis tournament is special this year as it has partnered with Palawan Group of Companies whose founder and chair Bobby Castro is committed to supporting Filipino athletes and the growth of local sports.
“Earlier this year, in May, we held the Palawan Open where many players, both seasoned and starting, competed. Aside from the prizes at stake, it was a venue for veteran players to showcase their talents and inspire the youth,” Castro said in his opening remarks.
Eala’s participation in Pala-wan-supported tournaments early in her career also highlights the value of local competitions.
“Here at Palawan Group, we believe that Filipinos have so much potential. We just need to provide opportunities for them to develop their skills, gain experience, and show the country, and maybe later, the world, what they can do,” Castro said.
“This is one of the reasons why we are proud to support the Palawan PCA Open as a major sponsor. For us, this isn’t just about supporting this tournament but it is also about supporting the athletes themselves and helping create more opportunities for Filipino talent to grow,” he added.
Dubbed the “Wimbledon of the Philippines,” the PCA Open will run from Nov. 2 to Dec. 13, at the PCA clay courts in Paco, Manila. The tournament is expected to draw more than 1,000 entries across eight categories. The junior events begin on Nov. 2, while the men’s and women’s Open main draws are scheduled Dec. 5 to 13.
Founded in 1907, the PCA has a long history of bringing people together through sports and community, with tennis remaining an important part of its tradition. The PCA Open continues to bring together players of different ages and skill levels, from junior competitors to those vying for the men’s and women’s Open titles.
“We want to keep the sport accessible, give players opportunities to compete, and inspire more Filipinos to experience the excitement of the game. We thank Palawan Group for supporting this shared goal,” said Ivan Ong, PCA Open Committee representative.
Athletes devote years to training and development, demonstrating discipline, dedication, and perseverance. Each player who steps onto the court brings extensive experience while continuing to refine and elevate their skills.
“We want to support that journey and help give our athletes more opportunities to compete and excel. At the same time, we also want to encourage more Filipinos, especially the youth, to excel in tennis,” Castro said.
During the tournament launch on Oct. 15, members of the media participated in a mini-tennis clinic, where coaches and young tennis players introduced them to the fundamentals of the sport through a series of on-court activities.
“As a proudly Filipino company, we see supporting Philippine tennis as another way to put our commitment to the communities we serve into action,” said Bernard Kaibigan, chief marketing officer of the Palawan Group of Companies.
“Beyond the tournament itself, we hope initiatives like the Palawan PCA Open will encourage more Filipinos to discover the sport and see it as something they can learn, enjoy, and pursue,” Kaibigan added.
By backing established tournaments such as the PCA Open, Palawan Group hopes to help sustain opportunities for Filipino players.
Additional information and tournament updates are available through the official social media accounts of the Palawan PCA 43rd Open.
