Tennis has found a new major backer – and with him comes renewed hope that the sport can reclaim its lofty place in Philippine sports.
‘For just one year into tennis, the feeling and excitement are different compared to when I play basketball, football, or golf. The tennis community is so vibrant and welcoming,’ said Hayb Anzures, president of Gentry Timepiece, and head of the organizing committee for the Gentry Open Tennis Championships, which blasts off Friday at the world-class 2,000-seat, 11-hard-court Tennis Center inside Colegio San Agustin in Bulacan.
‘The rise of Alex Eala on the world stage has given local tennis something to cheer for, and I felt I had to do something to contribute and help further develop the sport in the local scene,’ added Anzures, a 31-year-old Business Management graduate from Far Eastern University.
With a whopping P2-million total prize pot, the Gentry Open now stands as one of the biggest local tennis tournaments in terms of cash rewards.
‘The men’s singles champion will receive P300,000, and we’ll be giving cash prizes and special gifts from our sponsors up to the 15th place in the main draw,’ said Anzures, who also led officials and guests in the ceremonial serve during the tournament’s opening rites.
Headlining the star-studded field are the country’s top two players, AJ Lim and Eric Jed Olivarez, who will lead a power-packed mix of veteran campaigners, rising stars, and fearless young guns all eager to battle for supremacy in what is shaping up to be the most anticipated local tennis event of the year.
The women’s singles draw is equally competitive, with rising stars Mikaela Vicencio and Tiffany Nocos headlining the field in pursuit of the P100,000 top prize, while the runner-up will pocket P50,000.
The tournament, which runs until October 19, is held in partnership with Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express, and Palawan Pay as the Official Event and Tournament Partners.
‘The Gentry Open is more than just a tournament – it’s a movement to elevate tennis as a mainstream sport in the Philippines,’ said Anzures. ‘Through the support of Palawan Express and our platinum sponsors, we’re creating a stage that unites passion, performance, and purpose.’
Presented by GWM – Great Wall Motor Philippines, the Gentry Open 2025 enjoys strong backing from its platinum sponsors: Hiess?nce, Purse Maison, Mobile Cart, Primoshine, Sole Avenue, Dear Face, PDAX, Darling’s Fine Jewels, Luxetrust by Amethyst, The Watch Reserve, and Guapo Car Care Solutions. These brands share Gentry’s vision of fostering excellence, innovation, and national pride through sport.
Beyond competition, the Gentry Open 2025 also aims to position Bulacan as an emerging hub for tennis and sports tourism – laying the foundation for what organizers envision as an annual national sporting tradition.