Insider Spotlight
Through its landmark partnership with the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA), the company combines support for elite competition with initiatives designed to encourage wider participation in a sport traditionally associated with exclusive clubs.
The initiative comes as the 43rd Palawan PCA Open prepares to open on Nov. 2 at the PCA Clay Courts in Paco, Manila.
Provide a competitive stage
While the PCA Open has long provided a competitive stage for established and emerging Filipino athletes, developing future champions also requires creating opportunities for beginners to discover the sport.
Palawan Group founder and chair Bobby L. Castro emphasized that supporting Filipino talent starts with providing access to opportunities.
"At Palawan Group, we have always believed in creating opportunities for all Filipinos. Whether through our businesses, our community initiatives, or our support for various sports, we want to do our part in empowering our kababayans to move forward," Castro said during the media kickoff.
"In sports, sometimes that opportunity begins with something as simple as giving a young player the chance to step onto the court," he added.
The Palawan PCA Open has built a reputation as a proving ground where Filipino tennis players can sharpen their skills and gain competitive experience.
Palawan Group's involvement seeks to extend that legacy by connecting high-level competition with grassroots participation.
"We hope this tournament encourages more Filipinos, especially the younger generation, to discover the sport. Through activities like today's mini tennis clinic, we want to make tennis more accessible and show that it is a sport anyone can learn to appreciate and enjoy," Palawan Group of Companies chief marketing officer Bernard Kaibigan said. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Corrie S. Narisma
