For 25 years, Matina Town Square (MTS) has stood as a gathering place for family, food, and fun and culture. This past weekend, that spirit came alive louder than ever at the MTS 25th Anniversary Pickleball Tournament. The Pavilion courts pulsed with energy, with clubs from across Davao, Mindanao, and beyond converging to celebrate the sport’s growth and the values MTS has championed since day one.
From the first rally to the last, one truth became clear: while only a few could claim medals, everyone who played, cheered, volunteered, or supported was a champion.
Matches That Had the Crowd on THEIR Feet
Among the many exciting games, few could rival the 40+ Men’s Doubles Championship Match between McCoy Camarote & Tony Aguilar versus Abie Valle & Ali Serquiña. What looked like a runaway victory at first, with McCoy and Tony cruising to an 11-3 lead -suddenly shifted.
Abie and Ali, seemingly down and out, found their second wind. With grit and determination, they clawed their way back point by point until the scoreboard read an unbelievable 11-11. The Pavilion erupted, the crowd rallying behind the underdogs as tension thickened in the air. In the end, McCoy and Tony managed to close the match, but the battle left no doubt: everyone on that court played like true champions.
The Smiling Assasins of Tarlac
Equally inspiring were the “Smiling Assassins” of Tarlac—the Bautista Sisters. Having only started competing this past March, they stunned everyone by sweeping through the Intermediate Women’s Doubles category with remarkable poise.
Their secret weapon? Joy. The sisters played every point with beaming smiles, encouraged each other through every rally, and—most touching of all—showered their competitors with hugs and affirmations after every victory. Their blend of skill, sportsmanship, and positivity made them instant fan favorites.
GJ Romero-Salas Proving that Age is just a number
And then there was Georgette Romero-Salas, who proved that age is no barrier to success when matched with hard work, strategy, and grit. Alongside her partner Hazel Tejamo, Georgette methodically navigated the Beginner Women’s Doubles, outsmarting and outlasting younger competitors on her way to the top. Her performance wasn’t just a win for her—it was a powerful reminder of pickleball’s inclusivity, where dedication beats the limits of age every time.
The Heroes Behind the Scenes
No tournament of this scale happens without a dedicated team. At the helm were Tournament Directors Joyce and Jessica Haro, who orchestrated the event with precision and care, ensuring every bracket and lineup ran smoothly. Head Umpire Coach Kevin Ken Elechicon and his team upheld fairness with steady judgment, while “Pickleball on the Go” by Sir Chris Cainoy, our official media partner, immortalized the weekend’s highlights through stunning coverage.
Equally deserving of gratitude were the MTS staff and JFM Development Corporation team, who handled registrations, T-shirt booths, and venue preparations—even battling the rains to keep the courts playable and safe.
We also extend gratitude to Brgy. 74-A Matina Crossing, the Philippine Air Force, and Sir Raptor of the Ranger Group for providing medics who safeguarded athletes and spectators throughout the games.
The Power of Community
The tournament wasn’t just a showcase of talent—it was a reunion of pickleball clubs, from seasoned veterans to newly formed groups. The full roll call of clubs that joined paints a picture of how wide and passionate the pickleball family has grown. Together, they turned the Pavilion into a true arena of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and cheer.
Fan Moments That Made It Special
✨ The Rain Delay Cheers – When Saturday’s heavy rains forced a pause, the Pavilion didn’t go quiet. Instead, players and fans huddled together, laughing, sharing food, and even rallying with mini-games to pass the time. It was proof that community spirit doesn’t get washed away by the weather.
🎟️ The Raffle Roars – Thanks to donations from our co-presentors Juego, Joola, and Picklelab, as well as our sponsors, the raffle draws turned into a highlight of their own. The anticipation in the crowd rivaled that of the championship matches, with winners celebrating as if they’d just won gold.
👏 The First-Time Heroes – Nothing got louder applause than when first-time players won their first point—or their first match. Families stood on chairs, teammates rushed courtside, and strangers clapped in unison. For those players, those small victories felt bigger than trophies.
💙 The Club Chants – Each club brought its own personality, from the booming cheers of the Pickle Homies to the playful chants of the Pickle Pips and Cabadbaran Dinkers. Their support created a festival-like energy, turning every match into a spectacle.
Sponsors & Partners Who Made It Possible
This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our co-presentors—Juego, Joola, and Picklelab whose presence and raffle prizes elevated the tournament to world-class standards.
We extend our gratitude to our sponsors: Eden Nature Park, Apo Spring Water, JFM Development Corporation, Chaucer Kennels, Tristar Group of Banana Companies, and The Island Buenavista Davao, as well as Amesco Drug & Starbalm Sports Care and PRX Pain and Sports Physical Therapy Clinic for making this celebration a reality.
More Than a Tournament
As medals were hung and the courts grew quiet, one truth lingered: this wasn’t just a pickleball tournament. It was a living, breathing showcase of what Matina Town Square stands for—family, fun, food, culture, and community.
The MTS 25th Anniversary Pickleball Tournament reminded us that competition can be fierce, but camaraderie and sportsmanship shine brighter. We didn’t just celebrate pickleball—we celebrated 25 years of unity, joy, and togetherness at MTS.
Here’s to more games, more memories, and more years of coming together—on and off the court.
📸 Photos courtesy of Pickleball On The Go