Palawan Group backs prestigious PCA Open tennis championship

By Edwin Rollon

The Palawan Group of Companies (PGC) has partnered with the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open, reinforcing its commitment to developing Filipino tennis talent as the prestigious tournament returns from November 2 to December 13 at the PCA courts in Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila.

PGC founder and tennis enthusiast Bobby Castro announced the partnership during its official launch on Thursday, underscoring the company's two-decade commitment to grassroots tennis development through its Palawan Tennis Circuit, which organizes 220 junior tournaments annually nationwide.

“This partnership is part of our commitment to uplift sports, particularly tennis, and give our local players—from juniors to elite and seniors—a venue to develop their skills and reach their full competitive potential,” Castro said.

“Gusto naming mas maraming atletang Pinoy ang maglaro ng tennis at ma-develop para maging susunod na Alex Eala. We're here to support the dreams of every young Filipino tennis player,” he added.

Castro cited Eala, who was part of the Palawan junior tennis program, as an example of what sustained grassroots support can achieve. He said backing tennis development is part of PGC's corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Castro was joined at the event by PGC executive Bernard Kaibigan, PCA Open Committee representative Ivan Ong, and former national players and PCA champions Chris Cuarto and Roland Kraut.

Kaibigan said that Palawan commits to supporting sports development beyond tennis and also supporting fun runs, marathons, and chess events.

“Recently, may mga running events kaming ginawa, not just in Manila but also in the provinces,” Kaibigan said.

Ong highlighted the tournament's rich history and role in shaping generations of Filipino players.

“For 43 years, PCA has been the center of Philippine tennis. The country's top international champions and campaigners somehow started their swing on these courts, developed their skills here, and eventually represented the country on the international stage,” Ong said.

This year's tournament offers a total cash prize of P1.3 million, with Ong noting that organizers may still increase the purse before the competition begins.

Although smaller than the P2-million Palawan Open and the P4-million Gentry Open, the PCA Open draws its appeal from its tradition and prestige.

“It's not about the prizes. PCA is known to be the most prestigious tennis event in the country. Every Filipino tennis player dreams of winning the Open title. For us, ito yung main goal, yung prizes secondary na lang,” Cuarto said.

Kraut expressed the same view, explaining that sacrifice, honor, and prestige form the foundation of the tournament's legacy.

“We're happy that several companies, including Palawan, are organizing tournaments offering huge prize pools to attract more elite participants. It gives added motivation to the players, but PCA is PCA, and the association wants to preserve that legacy,” he said.

The tournament opens with the junior competition on November 2, followed by the seniors' age-group events. They have scheduled the main draw to begin on December 5.

The competition will also feature doubles events, while qualifying rounds will give more players, including those from the provinces, an opportunity to compete, Ong said.