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| At the 43rd PCA Open Kickoff Event, L-R: PCA Open Committee representatives Chris Cuarto (ADMU Tennis Head Coach), Roland Kraut (DLSU and national tennis coach), and Ivan Ong and Palawan Group of Companies Founder and Chairman Bobby L. Castro and Chief Marketing Officer Bernard V. Kaibigan (Image Source: Mindanao Daily News/Palawan Group Of Companies) |
The Palawan Group of Companies is strengthening its support for Philippine tennis through its partnership with the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) for the 43rd PCA Open 2026, continuing its commitment to supporting Filipino athletes and the growth of local sports.
Widely known as the “Wimbledon Of The Philippines”, the 43rd PCA Open is slated to be held on November 2-December 13, 2026 at the PCA clay courts in Paco, Manila. The tournament is expected to draw more than 1,000 entries across eight categories with over ₱1.3M (1.3 million pesos) in prize money at stake. The junior events begin on November 2 while the men’s and women’s Open main draws are scheduled for December 5-13. “We have always believed in creating opportunities for Filipinos. Whether through our businesses, community initiatives, or support for various sports, we want to do our part to empower our kababayans to move forward. In sports, sometimes that opportunity begins with something as simple as giving a young player the chance to step onto the court. We thank the Philippine Columbian Association for allowing us to be part of this legacy. We look forward to working together not only to make this year’s tournament successful, but also to help strengthen the future of Philippine tennis,” said Palawan Group Founder and Chairman Bobby L. Castro. 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.
The tournament also comes at a time when Filipino tennis is gaining wider attention with Alex Eala’s achievements inspiring more young Filipinos to take an interest in the sport. Eala’s participation in Palawan-supported tournaments early in her career also highlights the value of local competitions in giving aspiring athletes opportunities to gain experience and develop their game. “The PCA Open has brought people together through sports and community, with tennis playing an important role in its history. 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 PCA Open Committee Representative Ivan Ong. “As a proudly Filipino company, we see supporting Philippine tennis as another way to put our commitment to the communities we serve into action. Beyond the tournament itself, we hope initiatives like the Palawan PCA Open will encourage more Filipinos, especially the younger generation, to discover the sport and see it as something they can learn, enjoy, and pursue,” said Palawan Group Chief Marketing Officer Bernard V. Kaibigan.
Through its partnership with the PCA, Palawan Group continues to support local sports and the athletes who help move them forward. By backing established tournaments such as the PCA Open, the company hopes to help sustain opportunities for Filipino players while encouraging more people to discover and enjoy tennis. For more information and updates on the forthcoming PCA Open, please visit the Palawan PCA 43rd Open official social media accounts.
