Category: Philippine Star

The Bangsamoro government and local officials in Lamitan City separately sent approximately 20 tons of relief supplies to Cebu for distribution to tremor-stricken communities across the province.

Radio reports in Cotabato City on Monday, October 6, stated that the Bangsamoro government, along with the Tactical Operation Group 12 (TOG 12) of the Philippine Air Force in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, facilitated the airlift to Cebu last weekend of 445 bags of plasma from the Cotabato Regional Medical Center, along with modular tents, hygiene and sleeping kits and water containers for villagers displaced by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the province last September 30.

The office of BARMM’s chief minister, Abdulrauf Macacua, the TOG 12, the Office of Civil Defense-BARMM, the Ministry of Social Services and Development-BARMM and the Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence cooperated in transporting the relief supplies to Cebu using an Air Force plane.

Macacua, figurehead of the 80-seat BARMM parliament, said on Monday that he is thankful to the TOG 12 of the Philippine Air Force for the prompt airlift to Cebu of the relief supplies from the agencies of the Bangsamoro regional government.

Residents of Lamitan City and their local government unit also shipped last weekend 10 tons of relief supplies to Cebu for distribution to tremor-stricken residents in the northern part of the province.

More than 60 villagers died from injuries due to the collapse of structures and stampedes caused by the earthquake that jolted the province.

‘We, Lamiteños, stand along with our compatriot-Filipinos and the foreigners who suffered a lot from the earthquake that struck Cebu province. We wish for their recovery from that calamity,’ Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay told reporters on Monday.

Not sure which attractions to include in your Taipei itinerary? Why not follow in the footsteps of popular Filipino travel influencers Krisell Lumagui and The Poor Traveler!

This article will show you the places they explored in Taipei, which might inspire your own trip. If you’d like to visit influencer-recommended spots but aren’t sure how to plan your route, we recommend checking out the website of Taipei Travel, the official travel website of the Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government.

It features three specially designed four-day, three-night Taipei itineraries for Filipino visitors, including influencer spots as well as experiences beloved by Filipino travelers-so you can choose the route that best suits your travel style!

A food paradise: Taste iconic snacks at night markets and shopping districts

Taipei’s food scene is absolutely irresistible! If you want to sample the city’s famous snacks all in one go, Taipei’s bustling shopping districts and night markets will not disappoint.

Among them, the Yongkang Shopping District and Shilin Night Market, both highly recommended by influencers, offer a wide variety of treats-from classic beef noodles to refreshing mango shaved ice-that delight both kids and adults alike.

The lively Shilin Night Market is a must-visit, where you can find virtually every Taipei’s iconic street food you’ve heard of. Even influencers come here for a taste, proving that Taipei’s culinary charm truly has international appeal.

A fun-filled wonderland for the whole family

The Taipei Children’s Amusement Park showcases Taipei’s modern interpretation of ‘play.’ This contemporary amusement facility perfectly blends with the cityscape, attracting not only children but also adults who want to rediscover their inner child. Here, happiness is simple-regardless of age, everyone can find their own moments of joy!

Wondering if it’s worth a visit? Just take a look at Krisell Lumagui’s authentic experience-you’ll find the answer in the smiles of her entire family.

City meets nature: Cable car rides and relaxing hot springs in Taipei

Want to take in the full scenic beauty of Taipei, a city framed by mountains and rivers? The Maokong Gondola is the perfect choice. As the cable car slowly ascends, the entire Taipei Basin unfolds below you-from the bustling cityscape to the winding mountain ridges, each view is like a beautiful painting.

Meanwhile, the Taipei Botanical Garden offers a rare green oasis in the city, providing a refreshing pause during your travels.

Just outside Taipei, Qingtiangang Grassland on Yangmingshan boasts expansive grasslands where visitors can stroll freely and breathe in the revitalizing forest air-nature is right at your doorstep, even amidst the lively city.

Additionally, the Beitou Hot Springs, highly recommended by both influencers, are a favorite among travelers from tropical countries. The soothing steam allows complete relaxation, while the mineral-rich waters offer wellness benefits.

This is another side of Taipei-a modern international city that also embraces its natural beauty.

Taipei’s charm: A perfect blend of modern creativity and tradition

These historical and cultural sites are what make Taipei so enchanting. Its rich cultural heritage turns the city into a place full of stories.

At the century-old Lungshan Temple in Monga, you can admire the exquisite carvings and architectural beauty of the temple. The red-brick buildings of Bopiliao Historic Block serve as a time capsule, transporting visitors back a hundred years to experience Taipei’s traditional architectural aesthetics.

Dihua Street and Yongle Market are perfect for a deeper dive into Taipei’s culture. Wander through the dried goods shops along Dihua Street, or pick out a piece of fabric at Yongle Market to sew into a pillow-a tangible memory of your journey and a lasting keepsake of your Taipei adventure.

Discover Taipei’s unique shopping districts and the city’s fashion vibes

The youthful energy of Ximending and American Street showcases Taipei as a birthplace of pop culture. These areas are hubs of creativity, and strolling the streets, you can feel the city’s nonstop innovative spirit.

Beyond this vibrant youth culture, the Xinyi Shopping District, also visited by both influencers, is the epicenter of fashion and style. Here, the world-famous Taipei 101 awaits-climb up to the observation deck to take in breathtaking city views, experiencing Taipei’s modern metropolitan charm and vitality.

Meanwhile, the Zhongshan Linear Park and the Japanese-style Zhongshan shopping streets highlight Taipei’s cultural diversity and inclusiveness. Buildings from the Japanese colonial era blend seamlessly with modern designs, creating a unique urban aesthetic.

In recent years, these areas have developed into new shopping districts, attracting many creative stores and offering visitors fresh choices for exploring and shopping.

Taipei itineraries: Three routes to choose from

After seeing these exciting spots for food, family fun, nature, culture and shopping, are you tempted? Ready to fly to Taipei right away? All of these influencer-recommended attractions are included in the three specially designed itineraries for Filipino visitors on the Travel Taipei website.

Whether you want to enjoy quality family time, experience diverse outdoor adventures, or immerse yourself in deep cultural exploration, the website of Taipei Travel offers three thoughtfully planned four-day, three-night routes for Filipino travelers. Follow the influencers’ favorite spots and create your very own Taipei story!

The Department of Health (DOH) has started a case buildup against those involved in the alleged irregularities in the agency.

‘Actually, the DOH has been investigating these anomalies way before the media picked it up,’ Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a post on social media, in reaction to reports of corruption in the department.

‘Several actions have been taken already, and we continue to do case buildup,’ he added.

Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo previously said the DOH welcomes any investigation into so-called ghost health centers reportedly built under the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program but later turned out to be unfinished or unusable.

The government has begun deploying psychometricians and psychosocial responders across Northern Cebu to help earthquake survivors cope with trauma and stress, marking a crucial shift from rescue to recovery following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Mental health care has become a top priority as communities continue to endure aftershocks and emotional distress.

‘We are now in the recovery phase, and that includes mental health-especially for those who lost loved ones and for our exhausted health workers,’ said Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-VII) Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brilliantes.

‘We’ve started deploying psychosocial teams to various areas. We urge everyone to remain vigilant, especially with the ongoing aftershocks.’

Teams of psychometricians and mental health professionals from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) Center for Behavioral Health have already arrived in San Remigio Gym to conduct psychological debriefings and post-earthquake interventions.

Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, daughter of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, confirmed that additional teams from DOH Manila will be deployed in the coming days to continue the mission of healing and support.

The initiative is part of the government’s expanded recovery operations after the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) officially terminated Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) operations on October 2 in San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Medellin, and Bogo City. All missing persons have been accounted for.

Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros, who joined President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to Bogo City, underscored that while the search phase has ended, the mission to sustain and protect lives continues.

‘The period of saving lives has now shifted into the period of sustaining lives,’ Cabreros said.

According to the latest data from the OCD and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the quake left 72 people dead, more than 500 injured, and around 171,000 individuals affected across 53 barangays in northern Cebu.

More than 4,000 families-about 20,000 individuals-remain displaced, many of them sheltering in open areas and tent cities.

Experts stressed that mental health care is not optional in disaster recovery but essential. Earthquakes can leave invisible wounds-anxiety, grief, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress that persist long after physical injuries have healed.

Children, the elderly, and those who witnessed death or destruction are especially vulnerable. Without proper intervention, these psychological impacts can hinder recovery, strain relationships, and deepen suffering.

Post-trauma care helps individuals process their experiences, regain a sense of safety, and rebuild emotional resilience. It also supports health workers and responders who face immense pressure and emotional fatigue.

By prioritizing psychological support, the government affirms that recovery is not just about rebuilding homes-it’s about restoring lives.

To further ensure access to care, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has directed PhilHealth to implement zero-balance billing for earthquake survivors and the families of the deceased.

Patients referred to private hospitals or DOH facilities-including VSMMC, Eversley Childs Sanitarium, Talisay District Hospital, and Cebu South Medical Center-will receive full coverage under this directive.

PhilHealth Regional Vice President Marjorie Cabrieto and officers from PRO VII have conducted hospital visits in Northern Cebu to assess urgent needs and validate patient data.

The Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package remains available for accredited hospitals treating quake-related injuries.

Meanwhile, relief efforts continue with the distribution of aquatabs, hygiene kits, water containers, and essential medicines.

For health emergencies, DOH-Central Visayas has activated its 24/7 Emergency Healthline, accessible via #0711 for Globe and TM users, with alternative numbers available for Smart and landline subscribers.

Even after surmounting intense pressure and stopping his campaign in the Top 11, Jether Palomo was still in high spirits after the finals night on October 5 of Mister Global 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.

‘Hey guys, it’s Jether. I’m here. We just finished Mister Global. I placed in the Top 11. I guess we’ll see if I join another one or I retire. But for now, I’m gonna take some rest. Thank you so much for the love. I see all the messages. I love you guys so much,’ the ‘Gwapong Pinoy’ Palomo said in a video posted by Mister Pilipinas Worldwide on Facebook.

‘Global’ Pinoys

Before winning the title in 2024 courtesy of Daumier Corilla, the Philippines has performed exceptionally well at Mister Global.

In the inaugural edition in 2014, Wilfred Placencia placed in the Top 5; 2015 (Top 15, Joseph Doruelo); 2016 (Top 10 and Mister Popularity, Mark Bornilla); 2017 (Top 16 and Best Charming Smile, James Ventura); 2018 (Top 16, Kristian Sarmiento); 2019 (Top 16, Ricky Gumera); 2021 (Unplaced, Mico Teng); 2022 (Mark Avendaño, Best National Costume); and 2023 (Top 15, John Ernest Tanting).

Palomo won Best Country Presentation Video.

Viva España

From 37 entries from around the globe, Spain’s Miguel Alejandro Ortega emerged the winner. Spain already had a winner in 2021, Miguel Ángel Lucas, but he resigned. Danh Chi?u Linh of Vietnam assumed the role.

Mister Global said of the winner: ‘Your dedication, charm, and strength have led you to this incredible victory. Tonight, we celebrate not only the crown you wear but also the journey, passion, and perseverance that brought you here. You are a true inspiration and a shining example of a global gentleman.’

William Badell of Venezuela is Mister Global 2025 1st runner-up, while Gabriel Alejandro Silva of Mexico is 2nd runner-up.

‘From nations across the world, these remarkable gentlemen have captured hearts with their charisma, dedication, and resilience. They embody not only strength and elegance but also the dreams and hard work that brought them to this moment,’ Mister Global said of the Top 3.

It was heartbreaking for Badell of Venezuela, who was so close to winning the title. He previously placed 1st runner-up at Mister International 2023 and 2nd runner-up at Mister Supranational 2021.

Riley Hedstrom of the United States and Adriano Cupaioli of France rounded out the Top 5.

Included in the Top 11 were Nigeria, Philippines, China, Korea, Uruguay and Laos. In the Top 20 were Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, South Africa, Canada and Brazil.

Top 11 speech

Palomo’s speech at Top 11, while sincere and articulate, did not propel him to the Top 5:

‘People often say it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. But I’m here to disagree. I believe it’s the company that comes along with you. My time here in Mister Global has taught me the importance of brotherhood – that with each high and every low, there are always people who love and care for you. Because it doesn’t matter what the destination is, and the journey will always change. What truly matters are the values you instill in the ones you love across you,” he said.

Vietnam rice export prices continued to drop as the Philippines, its largest market for the grain, extended an import ban by another month, with the possibility of lasting until the end of the year.

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) observed that bearishness gripped global Indica rice markets in September as supplies remained ample amid tight demand.

‘Prices fell the most in Vietnam, as sentiment was also weighed by the Philippines’ import suspension (originally slated to last 60 days, but successively extended by at least 30 days),’ FAO said in its monthly rice market brief.

Benchmark five percent broken Vietnam rice averaged $372.1 per metric ton in September, about four percent lower than its average quotation in August of $389 per MT, based on FAO data. On an annual basis, Vietnam rice price fell by 32 percent from last year’s $546.5 per MT.

FAO data showed that the price of five percent broken Vietnam rice from January to September averaged $389.3 per MT, dropping by 32 percent year-on-year.

The easing of rice prices was a result of India’s return to the global market as the world’s top rice exporter, following the lifting of its export restrictions that led to an abundance of supplies.

The situation, however, has been exacerbated by the Philippines’ imposition of a temporary rice import ban, which began on Sept. 1 and was initially scheduled to last until the end of October.

The government decided to impose a temporary rice import ban in the hopes of stabilizing domestic palay prices, which have plummeted below production costs due to the unabated entry of imported stocks into the market.

The country has imported almost 3.4 million metric tons as of Sept. 24, with 427,196 MT arriving in September alone, based on Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data.

The Philippines’ rice import ban took effect on Sept. 15 and has been extended until the end of November, with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signaling that it may even be prolonged until the end of the year to protect local farmers.

BPI data showed a drastic drop in the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for rice in September. SPSIC is a required import document that certifies inbound rice shipments are safe for human consumption.

The BPI issued only 79 SPSICs in September, amounting to an applied rice import volume of 36,185.2 metric tons.

The International Rice Research Institute earlier pointed out that rice importers will have the leverage to delay purchases and even buy at a bargain once the country’s rice import ban is lifted, as global prices remain soft due to a supply glut.

The global market situation has led to exporters such as Vietnam and Thailand facing thinner profit margins and a storage glut, according to an IRRI market brief authored by its senior scientist, Alisher Mirzabaev, and The Rice Trader president and CEO, Jeremy Zwinger.

The authors claimed that Vietnamese rice exporters have become ‘anxious’ about the import ban since the Philippines is their top market.

The situation appears favorable for rice importers in the country, as the two-month import ban ordered by President Marcos is expected to ‘accelerate’ a ‘buyers’ market dynamic’ in the global rice trade, according to the market brief.

‘(Philippine) importers can delay purchases or bargain for lower prices given abundant options, while exporters confront rising unsold stocks and carrying costs that change the trade equation,’ the market brief read.

The Court of Appeals has affirmed the dismissal of the criminal case against Dominican priest and exorcist Fr. Winston Cabading, who was accused of offending religious feelings over his comments on the 1948 Marian apparitions in Lipa City, Batangas.

In a 28-page ruling promulgated on Sept. 29, 2025, the appellate court’s 12th Division denied the petition for certiorari filed by retired Sandiganbayan Justice Harriet Demetriou, who sought to overturn the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) decision acquitting Cabading.

In May 2024, the Quezon City RTC Branch 224 granted Cabading’s motion to quash, ruling that the Facebook program where the alleged offending statements were made did not qualify as a ‘religious ceremony’ as defined under the Revised Penal Code.

Ruling upheld. The Court of Appeals upheld the RTC’s reasoning, saying Cabading’s remarks-warning the public about the alleged apparitions-were not made during any religious ceremony, which is a key element of the crime of offending religious feelings.

‘We uphold and support the RTC’s pronouncement that the online Facebook program entitled Pananampalataya at Katuwiran does not fall under the purview of a ‘religious ceremony,” the appellate court said.

‘The same is similar to a show, broadcast, telecast, videocast, performance, or dialogue and does not connote a formal or solemn act prescribed by the ritual or protocol of a religious procedure,’ it added.

The appellate court also rejected Demetriou’s claim that the RTC engaged in ‘judicial legislation’ by defining the term ‘religious ceremony.’

It warned that adopting Demetriou’s broader interpretation would set a ‘dangerous precedent,’ potentially classifying all faith-related activities-such as prayers, discussions, or online dialogues-as religious ceremonies under criminal law.

‘Religious ceremonies often involve various rituals and customs deeply rooted in tradition and belief,’ the ruling said. ‘These practices vary depending on the religion or culture being observed, but all serve to honor the deity or spiritual entity being worshiped and to connect participants with their community and history.’

‘The petitioner’s stand that the RTC resorted to judicial legislation . is likewise unacceptable,’ it added.

What came before. Demetriou filed the criminal complaint in December 2022, describing Cabading as a ‘rabid critic’ of the Mediatrix of All Grace devotion.

She accused the priest of offending her and other devotees by publicly criticizing followers of the Marian apparition at the Carmelite Monastery of Lipa in 1948, which the Vatican has twice ruled as “not supernatural.”

Sought for comment, Demetriou told Philstar.com she has yet to read the appellate court’s decision.

Economic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the country’s slower economic growth cannot be blamed entirely on corruption, noting that the world economy has suffered through uncertainty in the past year.

On Monday, October 6, Balisacan said international financial institutions have revised their global growth forecasts downward, citing persistent instability in trade and investment flows.

‘The global economy has… in fact, the World Bank, the IMF – all the organizations have reduced global growth because of the elevated uncertainty in the global economy that impact the flow of goods, trade, investment and so on. We are not completely isolated from those developments,’ Balisacan said at a press briefing.

The issue of corruption has rocked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s government, as several high-profile officials being named in massive flood control fund schemes. The Department of Finance projected that P119 billion was lost in corruption since 2023, dampening economic potential.

For the first half of the year, the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) grew an average of 5.4%, slower than the 6.2% a year ago. The projection for the second half of the year is even slower, with the full effect of the United States’ tariffs taking place.

While he does not attribute the dip in growth solely to corruption, the economic chief said the government must respond swiftly to domestic issues.

‘I think accountability and transparency is key to that. That’s why this administration is pushing for a more rapid digitalization,’ Balisacan said.

He added that addressing corruption could strengthen investor confidence and create a more favorable environment for long-term growth.

World Bank: Turn scandal into reform

World Bank Philippines Director Zafer Mustafaoglu echoed the sentiment, saying the ongoing flood control scandal should be viewed as a chance for reforms toward transparency.

‘This short-term question, actually, would be a good opportunity to enhance its long-term growth,’ Mustafaoglu said, responding to whether the has affected how the World Bank viewed the Philippines’ credibility for loans.

The World Bank has been working with the Philippines on governance reforms aimed at reducing corruption and promoting transparency.

The corruption scandal involving alleged kickbacks from infrastructure projects has implicated several lawmakers and senior government officials and continues to test the administration’s anti-corruption stance.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s recent call for “radical honesty” is getting him some in return.

The senator’s weekend appeal for all government officials to resign and face snap elections has been shot down by political analysts, who questioned the proposal’s constitutionality and Cayetano’s credibility to make it.

In a statement posted on his social media pages Sunday, October 5, Cayetano called on officials from Congress to Malacañang to step down for “a completely new set of leaders,” describing it as the only way to rebuild public trust after the current corruption scandal involving public works projects.

The proposal, which Cayetano framed as an act requiring “radical honesty” and a “national reset button,” has been met with skepticism from observers due to the 1987 Constitution having no actual provision allowing for snap elections.

Two political analysts have also noted that Cayetano made no explicit commitment to resign himself, despite calling leadership “about stewardship, not self-preservation.”

Wrong messenger

Aside from the proposal being legally impossible, former presidential political adviser and political analyst Ronald Llamas said Cayetano’s own credibility weakens his suggestion.

“He’s calling for snap elections because people are dismayed with politicians,” Llamas said in an interview with TeleRadyo on Monday, October 6. “But he appears to be among the politicians people are dismayed with.”

Beyond the current flood control corruption probe, Llamas pointed out that Cayetano and former Senate President Chiz Escudero are themselves facing controversy over the delayed and eventually scrapped impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and the 2025 budget deliberations, particularly the unexplained insertions.

It was Cayetano who nominated Escudero to the Senate presidency in 2024 following the ouster of then-Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

“They’re too tainted to suggest this kind of political proposal,” Llamas said.

If Cayetano were serious about his proposal, Llamas said, “he should resign first as an example, so others might follow.”

Unconstitutional, unpopular

Political scientist Ranjit Rye, who teaches at the University of the Philippines and is president of OCTA Research, said the plan has no footing in either the Constitution or current public opinion.

‘On the face of it, it’s unconstitutional,’ Rye said in a DZBB interview. ‘It also has no basis in terms of public clamor.”

Rye added that while Cayetano may mean well, his idea ignores what Filipinos’ more concrete demand for government reform.

“The solution is accountability and reform of the system, not extra-constitutional shortcuts,” he said.

Cayetano’s plan depends entirely on voluntary resignations, creating obvious problems, Llamas pointed out.

“If half resign and half don’t, what happens?” Llamas asked. “Only half would have elections.”

Cayetano offered no details on implementation or what would happen if officials refused in his press release.

His own press release also quoted unidentified “administration allies” dismissing the idea as “political theater” – an unusual admission for a senator’s own statement promoting the proposal.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) itself has likewise ruled out Cayetano’s proposal as impossible under current laws.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained that the 1987 Constitution fixes the terms of elected officials and provides no mechanism for nationwide snap polls outside the normal electoral calendar.

“We cannot conduct a special or snap election without a law,” Garcia said in a DZBB interview.

Presidents, vice presidents and members of Congress serve fixed periods that cannot be cut short without triggering succession provisions already spelled out in the charter, the Comelec chairperson said.

Garcia said parliamentary systems allow snap elections through no-confidence votes, but the Philippines has no such provision.

He added that the current fixed terms were spelled out by the 1987 Constitution to prevent the concentration of power that existed under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who called snap elections in 1986 under a super-presidential parliamentary system.

“The snap elections before were conducted under an authoritarian setup, not in a democratic system like the one we have now,” Llamas said.

Later this year, the Philippine qualifiers for the Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Asia will kick off.

There, eight teams will compete in the PCL Philippines qualifiers on November 15 to 16, with the champion earning a $5,000 travel grant for the Asia Finals in China.

In the PCL Asia Final, a prize pool of $256,000 (about P14.8 million) is at stake, with the Grand Champion bringing home a $30,000, or more than P1.7 million.

In Season 1 of PCL Asia, a team from the Philippines – made up of Ken dela Cruz, Nik Isagan, Fatima Amirul and Meds Saraza – won the gold after a commanding 3-0 victory over Vietnam.

Now, the Philippines will try to win the title anew, but this time, the field will be tougher.

So, what is pickleball, one of the fastest-rising sports not only in the Philippines, but in the world?

‘Like tennis, but more addicting’

Conceptualized in 1965 when a lazy Saturday afternoon prompted Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell found their families sitting around with nothing to do, the sport was created to ‘provide a game that the whole family could play together.’

Decades later, in 2016, the first known pickleball clinic in the Philippines was held in Cebu, according to the Philippine Pickleball Federation.

Pickleball, from the outside looking in, looks like when badminton, tennis and table tennis had a baby.

According to USA Pickleball, the sport could be played in singles or doubles, with a racket and a ball, in a 20×44 court. The net height is at 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.

Points could only be won by the serving team, and games are normally played to 11 points, and won by two points. Tournament games, though, may be up to 15 or 21.

There is also a two-bounce rule, where, after the serve (that must be underhand), each side must let the ball bounce once on the floor before a volley could be done.

In an interview with Philstar.com, Amirul said there is ‘not much difference’ between pickleball and tennis.

Amirul, who won a gold medal in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games for soft tennis, bared the footwork and form of tennis is similar to pickleball.

‘The difference lang is the court, which is more similar to badminton. And then yung paddles, which is similar to table tennis. Scoring is similar to, I think, volleyball and badminton as well. So yun lang po yung difference na,’ she said.

‘And the ball, the ball is more of a plastic, a hard plastic kind of thing,’ she added.

The similarities and differences were echoed by her teammate, Isagan.

The 23-year-old Isagan, who started playing tennis back when he was seven, said the fundamentals of tennis is very similar to pickleball.

‘Yung foundation talaga, yung footwork, how you hit the ball, paano yung stroke sa tennis, it’s also the same sa pickleball,’ he stated in a separate interview with reporters.

‘Like chess’

But another thing both pickleball players find different is the way the sport is played.

‘Well, honestly, growing up playing tennis, it was very competitive. So yung environment, it was all about competition. You have to compete with other players on a serious level,’ Amirul emphasized.

‘So when I started playing pickleball, I noticed how the community was all about having fun. Everyone was friends with each other. What matters is you go home smiling and laughing, which was totally different from the lawn tennis scene,’ she added.

This was agreed upon by Isagan.

‘Yung difference lang is mas dapat relaxed ka kasi once manggigil ka, that’s the time na mag-make ka ng more errors,’ he said.

‘Sa tennis kasi before, we were always aggressive. Hinahataw namin each ball na nahahawakan namin. Here, it’s more like chess, dapat, planado, you’re four, five steps ahead bago mo gagawin,’ he added.

Tennis and padel

Still, though, Amirul underscored that her background as a tennis player made the switch to the new sport much smoother.

‘No, actually having a tennis background or any racket sports background made transitioning to pickleball easier. I was blessed to have a tennis background.’

Isagan, for his part, said that while the actual transition to pickleball was easier, he had a harder time justifying the shift to his family, especially since his family was almost all tennis players.

‘Yung family ng dad ko are all tennis players so I felt obligated na dapat ako tennis player din ako. So at a young age, I really tried na tennis. And then it helped a lot transitioning to pickleball,’ he said.

‘Actually nagsimula, ayaw ng parents ko. Kasi like sabi nila, ‘Paano yung tennis mo? Sayang naman si tennis.’ Sabi ko, parang outlet ko lang to have fun naman once in a while. And then, hindi naman expect na darating yung ganitong blessings na nakapanalo ng mga big events sa pickleball,’ he added.

Now, he has been playing pickleball for two years.

‘And then after those ilang arguments namin ng parents ko, they tried pickleball and now they’re super addicts na they play until 2 a.m. Nagpagawa na sila ng sarili nilang court sa province namin. So they’re that addicted na mas addict pa sila kesa sakin.’

Philippine pride

Filipinos have now shown they have what it takes to win overseas pickleball tourneys.

So what are the advantages of Filipinos in the sport?

Isagan said the heart and resiliency of bets from the Philippines.

‘For me, as a Pinoy, I think the biggest advantage is tayo yung pinaka-resilient. Hindi lang sa mga calamities, pati din sa sports. Yung tibay ng puso natin,’ the former said.

‘Even though we’re behind na for ilang points, we still manage to pull up a win sa tiwala lang at sa tigas ng puso,’ he added.

He also acknowledged that while Filipinos are not the tallest and the strongest, they have what it takes to conquer the stage.

Amirul, for her part, said one advantage of Filipinos is being able to start early in the sport.

‘yung ibang countries po, they’re just starting. Like they just discovered pickleball, so wala pa sila yung parang solid na players,’ she underscored.

‘I think that’s one of the advantages. Kasi early pa lang, we already know who’s solid and how we can gauge ourselves kung saan tayo sa international level.’