Philippines Pickleball Pro Headlines SM Active Tour
by Joe James
What’s the Story?
The Philippines is readying for the arrival of Filipino-American pickleball sensational Lauren Mercado who is set to appear at various SM Active Hubs.
Mercado will appear at three venues across the Philippines in April as part of her itinerary.
The 17-year-old former basketball player will visit the SM Mall of Asia on April 11, SM Megamall on April 12, and SM Southmall, SM City Marikina, SM City Sta. Mesa, and SM City Bicutan on April 13, 2025.
As a result of the pandemic, Mercado shifted from basketball to pickleball, quickly making a name in the pickleball scene.
Her accolades include top 16 finishes in multiple APP Pro events and first-place victories at the 2024 Canada-USA Challenge and the 2023 USA Pickleball Mixed Doubles National Championship.
Those who attend the SM Tour will have the opportunity to meet Mercado, participate in clinics, and witness thrilling exhibition matches.
SM Active Hub members who register through the SM Malls app could receive priority access to the events, meet and greet slots, as well as Lauren Mercado merchandise.
The arrival of the pickleball star promises to be a wonderful spectacle in the Philippines.
Going Deeper
Pickleball’s journey in the Philippines began back in 2016, with the first pickleball clinic held in Cebu.
In 2020, there were 5 pickleball clubs with less than 250 players. But now, in 2025, the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) reported over 220 clubs and just over 13,000 players.
Over this period, the PPF also published that there are 31 instructors, 19 ambassadors and 18 referees, as well as nearly 650 courts nationwide.
SM Supermalls, a major developer in the country, has responded to the demand with an influx of courts. It is believed that SM has established courts in around half of its malls across the Philippines, including Cebu, Leyte, and Davao City.
Last August, Metro Manila hosted the first-ever Standout Pickleball Championship Invitational, introducing the Major League Pickleball (MLP) format to the country.
Further afield, Filipino athletes have planted their flag as Bien Zoleta and Johner Ombrezo clinched the gold medal in the mixed doubles 35+ Open category at the World Pickleball Championship Series in Bali, Indonesia.
Lauren Mercado is the shining star right now and one of her biggest endeavours this year was being selected as the 18th overall pick by the Eastern Rush in the MLP Australia 2025 Premier draft. The Filpino-American at just 17 has participated in over 20 pro tournaments with a DUPR rating of 4.568 in women’s doubles and 5.219 in mixed doubles.
The future is bright for Mercado and the Philippines.
The World Pickleball Verdict
It is exciting times for pickleball in the Philippines with more than 200 clubs and over 13,000 players nationwide.
The game has sprouted up in most places you can think of, namely, it appears, in shopping malls. Having the opportunity to play at such a massive chain is great for business and great for development. Being able to go out shopping and play is a fresh way of presenting a sport to somebody.
The accessibility and minimal equipment required makes pickleball a perfect activity whilst on a day out shopping. On a professional basis, pickleball is flying, but it is good to see grassroots still so important to the infrastructure. Furthermore, enticing participants and visitors with the opportunity to meet and watch a player with the talent like Lauren Mercado has been a great incentive.
It is important to remember the broader goal of pickleball’s development, and that is for the game to become recognised as an Olympic Sport. Pickleball is heading in the right direction as the PPF has been officially legitimised by the Philippine Olympic Committee, so should the sport be at the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, the Philippines will certainly be involved.
This is a great time to be in the Philippines if you love your pickleball, watch this space.