UPA Asia and Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation (KAVC) signed a memorandum of understanding on July 17, 2025 to stage multiple PPA Tour Asia stops at the future Helios Pickleball Center in Pasig City. The signing coincided with the center’s official ground-breaking ceremony.
“In the years to come, we will look back on this day as the day when everything started. Not just in the Philippines but the revolution of pickleball in Southeast Asia, in Asia, and the globalization of the sport,” - Kimberly Koh, Managing Director of UPA Asia.
“It’s very significant because it cements the bond between PPA and the tour with Helios. We are very excited that we have the support of PPA and we are very excited when that facility is done, we can hold tournaments here in Asia, and we could invite international players to a purpose-built facility that is one of a kind,” - Kim Lapus, President of KAVC.
Inside the Helios Pickleball Center
- Courts: 25 professional-grade indoor courts, including a stadium court
- Building: Eight story; 17,500 m² gross floor area
- Support spaces: Gym, sports clinic, dining outlets
- Parking: Two basement levels
- Investment: ₱500 million – ₱1 billion
The Bridgetowne Destination Estate
Bridgetowne—RLC’s live-work-play township—already offers offices, residences, retail, and soon hotels, giving visiting athletes and fans a self-contained base. RLC Chief Strategist Ramon Rivero says Helios advances the firm’s goal “to continue to be the Philippines’ premier developer and operator of creative sports, recreation, and entertainment products,” noting its scale can host “small, medium, and large international tournaments simultaneously” without sidelining public play. Casual and club players will reserve the same pro-quality courts through the PodPlay app.
“With the launch of Robinsons Sports, Entertainment, and Recreation (REC), we are expanding into new spaces that complement Robinsons Land’s recognized strengths, especially our malls that serve Filipino communities nationwide and our growing destination estates like Bridgetowne,” - RLC President & CEO, Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio.
“As the first tournament-grade pickleball venue in Asia, the center aligns with RLC’s vision for dynamic urban living. It enhances Bridgetowne’s ecosystem by supporting active, social, and wellness-driven lifestyles,” RLC added.
Pickleball on the Rise
Recent data shows U.S. pickleball participation jumping from 8.9 million in 2022 to nearly 20 million in 2024—a 311 percent surge—while industry analysts valued the global pickleball market at over US $1.5 billion in 2023. By bringing a purpose-built venue to Asia, organizers aim to plug regional talent directly into the sport’s fastest-growing professional tour.
The Rally Starts Now
The foundations are in, the countdown is on, and excitement is building fast. From clinics to PPA Tour Asia showdowns, Helios Pickleball Center is poised to become one of the region’s premier stage when doors open in 2027. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious first-timer, keep your paddle ready—Manila’s most dynamic new sports hub is gearing up for its first serve, and everyone’s invited to play.
