The power of padel: Enthusiasts on how the sport is building communities in the Philippines

At first glance, padel’s appeal lies in its unique setup—characterised by smaller courts than those used in traditional tennis, enclosed by glass and mesh walls that allow the ball to rebound, adding an exciting layer of strategy.

Unlike the stringed rackets used in tennis or squash, padel rackets are solid, featuring a perforated surface made of composite materials that provide better control and precision. This combination of compact courts and innovative equipment creates fast-paced, dynamic rallies that are accessible to beginners yet deeply engaging for seasoned players.

It combines the quick reflexes and strategy of tennis with the closed, rebound-friendly dynamics of squash. However, the real magic of padel goes beyond the gameplay—it’s in the people it brings together.

For Derrick Santos, a tennis champion, it was “love at first hit” when he stumbled upon a padel club opening in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). What struck him immediately was how the sport brought people together in a way unlike any other he had experienced.

“Padel is still young here,” he shares. Unlike more traditional sports with longstanding, close-knit groups, padel’s fresh energy fosters an environment where players mix freely, open to welcoming anyone who picks up a racket. “People are always open to playing with different groups, and there’s a shared eagerness to help each other grow,” Derrick says.

His brother, Duane Santos, also a tennis champion, echoes the sentiment, underscoring that the compact size of the padel court allows for quicker rallies and closer player interactions, enhancing the game’s pace and excitement. “Everyone tries to help each other become a better player,” he says. “You will notice everyone giving friendly tips and chatting with players they don’t know.”

“Padel breaks down walls,” Derrick stresses. 

In padel, people of all ages and skill levels are invited to join, creating an inclusive atmosphere where friendships form as naturally as volleys. The lack of established cliques allows players to rotate partners and teams, breaking any social barriers and making it easy for anyone to jump in.

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Padel is almost always played in pairs, and clubs often arrange group sessions based on skill level, encouraging players to meet and learn from one another. Athletes and newcomers alike are finding that padel opens doors to new connections and deepens existing ones, creating a web of camaraderie that extends beyond the court.

Coach and national player under Padel Pilipinas LA Cañizares witnessed this firsthand when he joined the growing padel community. Shifting from tennis to padel, he noted an immediate shift in his social life. “When I started playing padel, my network got bigger compared to when I was playing tennis,” he shares. “It’s a very social sport since it’s always played by four people, so you’re constantly meeting new people.”

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The structure of padel itself encourages socialisation. With doubles matches as the standard format, players naturally rotate through different partners and opponents, fostering diverse interactions.

Coach Bryan Casao of Padel Pilipinas notes, “In this sport, it’s important to maintain the social aspect even if a player is not used to being with other people. It gives them confidence as it makes social connections even easier.” By breaking down social barriers, padel cultivates a welcoming environment where players of all levels can connect and interact.

For many padel players, the friendships extend beyond the court. Nico Bolzico, a content creator, entrepreneur and a padel enthusiast, points out that the sport is unique in how it facilitates post-game bonding. “After a game, you don’t just leave,” he says. “You stay for a drink or a conversation, which makes it easy to integrate into the community. It’s not just the sport—it’s the sport plus the community.” This culture of socialising after a game enhances players’ connections, turning acquaintances into friends and regular game partners into genuine companions.

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Even club events play a crucial role in widening players’ networks. Play Padel, co-owned by Duane Santos, hosts weekly socials where players mix up teams and play alongside new faces. “In one evening, players can interact with 12 different people,” Santos says. “The friendly competition and release of endorphins create a strong sense of community.”

The growth of padel in the Philippines has also been nurtured by club owners, who have prioritised a welcoming atmosphere. Marcelo Naval, owner of Palm Beach Padel Club, recalls his initial scepticism about the sport. “I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it, but from my first game, I was hooked,” he shares. “The mix of shots, the way the ball bounces off the walls—it’s thrilling.”

For Naval, building the Palm Beach Padel Club was more about fostering a hub for the community, especially in Batangas, a 3-hour drive south of Metro Manila, where opportunities for structured social sports were limited.

The Palm Beach Open, the club’s inaugural event organised with Padel Pilipinas, was a particular highlight, bringing together top players from across Asia to celebrate the sport’s fast-growing local and regional presence. 

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Beyond the competition, the Open helped Naval realise his vision of cultivating a community where players come together to forge friendships and develop their skills. Reflecting on the success of the Open, he says, “Padel promotes inclusivity and the diversity of our players reflects that. We have people from all walks of life joining in, making it easy to create lasting friendships.”

To keep building that sense of community, Palm Beach Padel Club is collaborating with Padel Pilipinas and Play Padel Club to promote grassroots development in Batangas, introducing more athletes to the sport. 

With plans to host regular local and international tournaments, Naval envisions a club culture that keeps members engaged and socially connected, much like the established padel scenes in Metro Manila.

These clubs have built spaces that feel like home for players of all levels, making padel a bridge to new connections, not just a sport. As Naval puts it, “It’s a place where everyone feels welcome and encouraged to participate. This inclusivity helps build lasting friendships and creates a supportive atmosphere at our club.”

For many, padel has become an essential part of their social lives. Duane mentions that padel “has become an addiction.” Players bond not only over the game itself but also through tournaments, social events and even trips to support fellow players. 

In September, Padel Pilipinas travelled to Bali, Indonesia to compete at the inaugural Asia Pacific Padel Cup, with a large contingent of supporters joining them. “The Philippine team was the loudest and tightest,” Duane recalls. The Philippines settled for a silver medal after losing to Indonesia.

This community-driven spirit aligns with the goals of Empath, a mental health organisation, which is why its CEO, Stephanie Naval, also Marcelo’s daughter, has championed the sport.

Beyond the physical and social benefits of the sport, padel offers stress relief and emotional balance—a critical contribution in a country where access to mental health services is limited. “Playing padel boosts endorphins and fosters connections, which are essential for mental well-being,” explains the Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow 2022. The sport’s fast pace demands focus and mental agility, helping players stay engaged and sharp.

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Empath’s mission to foster community and well-being aligns perfectly with the values padel embodies. “Padel is a supportive environment,” Stephanie says. “People cheer each other on, share tips and help new players feel welcome. It’s a small but powerful step toward mental health support within a community setting.”

For those juggling the stresses of modern life, padel offers a much-needed mental reset. The combination of physical exertion and social interaction serves as a natural antidote to stress. Players come to the court with the weight of their day, but as they dive into rallies and banter with teammates, they find themselves uplifted. The sense of belonging in a supportive community only amplifies these benefits, creating a space where people can unwind, connect and leave their worries behind.

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One of padel’s strongest selling points is how beginner-friendly it is. Unlike sports that demand high levels of athleticism or experience, padel has a gentle learning curve that makes it approachable for newcomers. 

At Palm Beach Padel Club, it’s not uncommon to see beginners on the same courts as seasoned players, all enjoying the game with the same enthusiasm. Coach Casao notes that this inclusivity is a cornerstone of the padel community.

Padel’s structure and social nature naturally foster this sense of inclusivity. It creates an environment where players celebrate each other’s progress rather than competing in isolation. This openness is essential in building a community that feels genuinely supportive, especially at a time when people often feel disconnected from one another.

These events go beyond typical sports gatherings. They’re designed to encourage interaction and ensure everyone leaves with new friends and memories. For many padel players, these socials are more than a way to stay active—they’re the highlight of their week.

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So, if you’re looking for a sport that goes beyond physical activity, padel might just be the answer. Whether you’re an introvert seeking a gentle nudge to socialise or a sports enthusiast hungry for a fresh challenge, padel’s community-oriented nature has something to offer everyone.

As Derrick Santos puts it, “Starting a new sport in today’s connected world makes community-building easier than ever. Padel players share a common goal of creating a fun, inclusive culture, and it’s amazing to be part of that.”

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