CONSIDERED as the fastest-growing sport in Europe, padel is becoming popular with a growing number of new players in the Philippines as well.
Just this month, Play Padel Philippines opened its doors to the public with brand-new courts in the refurbished Sheridan warehouse in Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City.
The 3000 square-meter space along Sheridan Street has a rich sports history, having previously been a Gold's Gym, a state-of-the-art basketball gym and a badminton court.
Now it hosts a three padel courts, a cafe, and an activity area.
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It was officially opened to the public last October 13, with Sen. Pia Cayetano gracing the launch with world No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena and fitness personality Nico Bolzico.
"The opportunity to build a padel court came about because Greenfield [District] told me that this warehouse was vacant," she said.
"We took a visit and we saw the old gym, and a basketball court, so I texted my brother Alan, who is a diehard basketball fan. For a short period of time, we wanted to build basketball, volleyball, and padel courts here, but the only thing that was finalized was the padel."
Cayetano explained that they support Greenfield District's program promoting fitness and lifestyle in the area.

"We see people jogging talaga, and those people, they bring the foot traffic to the court," she said.
Coach Bryan from Play Padel PH added: "There's a lot of walk-ins everyday, there are certain groups that would rent for a few hours."
While walk-ins are welcome, the management recommends booking in advance to ensure slots as the place becomes busier.
For Play Padel PH, it's an honor to turn an old warehouse with a rich fitness history into the fast-growing sport's new home.

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