JUNE 6, 2026
SINACABAN, Misamis Occidental — Held at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Recreation and Adventure Park (AMORAP) in Libertad Bajo, Sinacaban, the AMORAP Pickleball Tournament 2026 brought together over 600 players from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, including professional athletes and established names in the sport.
The tournament offered a P3.5-million prize pool, one of its biggest draws for participants. But for some players, the experience of competing in a new sports facility in Misamis Occidental was an attraction in itself.
Social media personality and pickleball player Kim Saraza, known as “Picklebear,” said the that the prize pool was comparable to those offered in international-level competitions and said the tournament gave players another reason to consider Misamis Occidental as a destination for future competitions.
The event also attracted prominent athletes, including professional tennis and pickleball player John Arcilla and Professional Pickleball Association Asia champion Macy Solon-Ybañez.
Arcilla said the growth of pickleball and the development of sports facilities can help strengthen the country’s sports community and provide young athletes with opportunities to compete and develop their skills. He also highlighted the strong sense of community among the participants, particularly the potential of sports events to encourage younger players to become involved.
Solon-Ybañez likewise emphasized the importance of organizing tournaments and providing suitable sports facilities, particularly in giving Filipino athletes opportunities to compete and gain exposure. She said initiatives supporting sports development can help young athletes pursue higher levels of competition and potentially bring Philippine players to the international stage.
The tournament forms part of Governor Henry S. Oaminal’s broader push to develop sports in Misamis Occidental and use sporting events to bring visitors into the province. The AMORAP Sports Facilities provided a new venue for the tournament while also showcasing the province’s capacity to host large-scale sporting events.
The gathering of players from different parts of the Philippines also gave Misamis Occidental greater exposure among sports communities outside the region.
With AMORAP continuing to expand its offerings and Misamis Occidental attracting more sporting events, provincial officials see sports tourism as another avenue for strengthening the province’s tourism industry while providing local athletes with opportunities to compete alongside some of the country’s best players.
