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Preparations are underway for the 1st ArenaPlus-KaTribu Pickleball Tournament as organizers expect a strong turnout for the “Dink-dependence Day Showdown” happening on June 12 at The Dink Lab Elite inside All Home, Kawit, Cavite.

Technical partner and pickleball coach Keny Octavo expressed excitement ahead of the event, saying the tournament is expected to attract nearly 300 participants as the sport continues gaining popularity among Filipinos from different age groups and backgrounds.

Speaking during his guest appearance on Off the Court, the weekly sports program of DAILY TRIBUNE, Octavo highlighted how pickleball’s accessibility and welcoming community have contributed to its rapid growth in the Philippines.

According to Octavo, one of the reasons players continue embracing pickleball is because it is easier to learn compared to many traditional racket sports. He explained that while sports such as tennis and badminton often rely heavily on power and reflexes, pickleball places greater emphasis on patience, positioning, and strategic shot placement.

He also emphasized the strong sense of community surrounding the sport, noting that many players continue returning not only because of the competition, but because of the friendships and positive atmosphere built around local pickleball groups and clubs.

The tournament coincides with the country’s 128th Independence Day celebration, giving the event both a competitive and patriotic atmosphere. Organizers are positioning the event as a full-day gathering that combines sportsmanship, camaraderie, and community celebration.

Champions in the tournament will receive ₱15,000 in cash prizes, while first and second runners-up will take home ₱10,000 and ₱5,000 respectively, in addition to medals, trophies, hotel accommodations, food vouchers, gift certificates, and other premium rewards.

All registered participants will also receive competition shirts, snacks, drinks, and sponsor giveaways from supporting partners, including the Philippine Sports Commission and JC Premiere.

The Villar Foundation serves as the event’s benefactor, while additional support comes from the Department of Finance as well as Senators Bong Go and Mark Villar.

Registration for the tournament remains open until May 31, with interested players encouraged to register through the QR code available on DAILY TRIBUNE’s social media pages.

As pickleball continues expanding across the country, Octavo also shared insights into how beginners are typically introduced to the sport. He explained that basic lessons often focus first on mastering the forehand drive, which helps players better understand serving and receiving techniques before progressing into scoring systems and more advanced gameplay.

For players looking to compete seriously, Octavo said mastering the first four shots of pickleball — the serve, receive, third-shot drive or drop, and defensive return — can significantly improve performance during matches.

With participation numbers expected to rise and interest in the sport continuing to grow nationwide, organizers believe the inaugural “Dink-dependence Day Showdown” could become one of the biggest local pickleball community events tied to the Independence Day celebration.