Photo Credits to: Central Philippine University
Pickleball took center court at Central Philippine University as the Dinagyang Pickleball Cup 2026 ran from January 16 to 18 at the University Gymnasium, drawing doubles teams into a packed weekend of competitive brackets.
The tournament was held in cooperation with the Iloilo City Government and Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, in partnership with Juego PH and Picklelab PH, and powered by JOOLA Philippines-Pickleball.
A Tournament Built For Range, Not Just Rivalry
Rather than spotlight a single marquee category, the Cup spread competition across multiple divisions that welcomed both emerging players and seasoned pairs. Intermediate and executive age brackets shared the schedule with beginner (novice) events, creating a tournament structure where experience levels could grow side by side.
That mix also made the results list feel less like a one-off festival feature and more like a snapshot of a sport building deeper roots through organized, multi-division play.
Podium Finishers Across Divisions
In Intermediate Men’s Doubles 35+, Saguib Sumampao and Viviano Claver Jr. (RSPC) claimed the championship. Ferdinand Rivera and Shai Zahavi finished first runner-up, while Rayniel Jay Berbolla and Benjie Sabado (SKPC) placed second runner-up.
In Intermediate Men’s Doubles 35-and-under, Alva Bual and Harry Karon (RSPC) took the title. Jamel Sunio and Joseph Magpale (PALAKOL) were first runner-up, while Carl Sumalapao and Angelo Mejia (CPU) finished second runner-up.
In Executive Men’s Doubles 55+, Ronie Dema-ala and Shai Zahavi (USA) emerged as champions. Mario Zaragosa and Noel Sorilla (ILO–CPU) placed first runner-up, followed by Kapitan Chavez and Dominis Morilla (CDO) as second runner-up.
For Intermediate Mixed Doubles (no age cap), Niegel Libo-on and Liza Badion (LnMPC) secured the championship. Christian Philip Acedo and Aleyde Perez (Tagbilaran Pickleball Association/ILO) placed first runner-up, while Vanessa Dian and Jeremy Gue (CPU/Winston Salem Pickleball Club) finished second runner-up.
In Executive Mixed Doubles 50+, Peachy Salcedo and Noel Sorilla (ILO–CPU) topped the division. Jeffrey Galinato and Gina Galinato (SKPC) finished first runner-up, and Julie Uy and Nelson Cahilig (ILO) placed second runner-up.
In Women’s Doubles Beginner (Novice), Nelry Joy Estrella and Mariane Berbolla (SKPC) won the championship. Germaine Loquite and Jenibeth Belleza (UPPC) were first runner-up, and Mary Hannah Failana and Edalrehce Forro (CLAVEL’S) finished second runner-up.
In Mixed Doubles Beginner (Novice), Arsie Sacapaño and PJ Castro (Boracay) claimed the title. Jonel Ybañez and Jamie Marie Hertas (PICKLE-LOO) placed first runner-up, while Razbyl Yotoko and Jessa Mae Yotoko (Pavia) were second runner-up.
In Men’s Doubles Beginner (Novice), Arsie Sacapaño and Luigi Ray de Martin (Boracay/Iloilo) earned the championship. Francis Arnado Lim IV and Joshua Dalipe (Iloilo) finished first runner-up, followed by Abo Pindiwata and Roger Santacera (Isulan) as second runner-up.
The Stakes: A Direct Route To Nationals
Beyond medals, the tournament carried a clear reward: all podium finishers across divisions earned qualification to compete in the Nationals of the Philippine Pickleball Federation. With that pathway attached, every bracket mattered - not only for local bragging rights, but as a stepping stone into a bigger national test.
With qualification secured, the next chapter shifts to how these pairs translate a Dinagyang-week proving ground into performance on a national stage.
