From L-R Chris Cuarto, PCA Open Committee Member & ADMU Tennis Head Coach; Roland Kraut, PCA Open Committee Member & DLSU Tennis Head Coach; Ivan Ong, PCA Open Committee Representative; Bobby L. Castro, Founder and Chairman, Palawan Group of Companies and Bernard V. Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer, Palawan Group of Companies.
The next Alex Eala could be a child discovering tennis on a community court or a promising provincial player waiting for a breakthrough. Finding that talent—and giving it the support to compete internationally—is the ambition driving the collaboration between Palawan Express, through the Palawan Group of Companies, and the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA).
Through the Palawan PCA Open 2026, the partners are strengthening a platform where Filipino players can sharpen their skills, gain competitive experience, and pursue bigger sporting dreams. Their shared commitment also puts a broader challenge in focus: bringing the public and private sectors together to help more homegrown talents reach the world stage.
“Alex Eala has shown our young athletes that Filipinos can compete with the world’s best. We want more children to have the opportunity to discover their potential and pursue that same dream,” said Bobby L. Castro, Founder and Chairman of the Palawan Group of Companies. “That requires a shared commitment. Businesses, government, schools, and communities all have a role in giving our athletes the training, facilities, and competitive opportunities they need to grow.”
For decades, Palawan Group has supported Philippine tennis development, helping young players gain access to opportunities to learn, compete, and improve. Its partnership with PCA connects that longstanding advocacy with one of the country’s most established tennis tournaments.
Popularly described as the “Wimbledon of the Philippines,” the PCA Open has long been a proving ground for domestic tennis. It gives homegrown netters a demanding arena in which to test their abilities, build their reputations, and demonstrate the depth of Filipino talent.
With PCA providing the competitive platform and Palawan Group serving as a major sponsor, the collaboration supports an essential part of athlete development: regular exposure to challenging matches.
But the search for the next international contender must also begin well before a player enters a major tournament.
“Every future champion starts somewhere—with a first racket, a first lesson, or someone who believes in their ability,” said Bernard V. Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer of the Palawan Group of Companies. “Through our partnership with PCA, we hope to encourage more Filipinos to discover tennis and more organizations to support their journey. The wider we open the doors to the sport, the greater our opportunity to find and nurture exceptional talent.”
That emphasis on participation will be reflected in the Palawan PCA Open 2026 Media Kickoff, which will gather media members, tennis enthusiasts, national players, and coaches for a press conference and meet-and-greet.
A mini-tennis clinic will also introduce participants to the fundamentals, reinforcing the partnership’s commitment to making the sport accessible to new audiences.
Such introductions can spark interest. Sustained support helps turn that interest into progress.
Private companies can help fund equipment, coaching, tournament participation, and athlete development. Government agencies and local governments can expand access to courts and community programs, while schools and tennis clubs can help identify promising players and guide their development.
Working together, these groups can build a clearer route from grassroots participation to national competition and, eventually, international tournaments.
The Palawan–PCA partnership offers a platform on which that wider cooperation can grow. Its potential extends beyond discovering a single standout player to helping more young Filipinos stay in the sport long enough to realize their abilities.
The next Alex Eala may already be out there. Giving that player a chance will take more people stepping up to serve.
