LILOAN, Cebu — Cebu's rapidly growing pickleball community has gained a new home with the opening of Cebu Pickle Park at Woodlands, an eight-court facility at One Tectona Hotel in Upper Yati, Liloan. The park officially opened on September 20, 2026.
A Destination, Not Just a Venue
The facility features five international-standard regular courts, two outdoor courts, and a dedicated Championship Court with stadium-style seating for at least 200 spectators. This configuration allows Cebu Pickle Park to host recreational games while positioning itself for regional, national, and eventually international tournaments.
Butch Guillen, one of the partners behind the project, emphasized that the vision goes beyond court rentals. He said the goal is for local players and tourists to intentionally visit Cebu Pickle Park because they want to experience one of Cebu's premier pickleball facilities. The park was designed as a recreational and social destination where players, families, and spectators can gather.
From a Hotpot Conversation to Reality
The concept for Cebu Pickle Park began during regular hotpot gatherings among a group of friends who call themselves "The Good Guys." Among them was Atty. Vincent Roel Tabuñag, a pickleball player who observed the sport's rapid growth and the increasing demand for court space.
The group eventually found the property within the One Tectona Hotel complex, where mature trees, greenery, and open spaces matched the atmosphere they wanted to create. The facility was developed by Tabuñag, Guillen, Noli Caisip, Gerry Yangyang, and Tom Academia.
Built Around the Player Experience
Tabuñag's experience as a player influenced the development of the facility. He visited pickleball courts in Cebu, Dumaguete, and Manila, as well as facilities in Vietnam, observing elements that could improve the overall experience. Those considerations included court spacing, flooring, lighting, spectator seating, parking, and shower facilities.
Beyond the courts, the facility includes an air-conditioned restaurant and sports lounge, food and beverage options, shower and restroom facilities, spectator areas, and ample parking. Its location within One Tectona Hotel also provides accommodation for visiting players and tourists. Sass Sports Bar & Lounge, located at the park's doorstep, offers a cozy place for after-game dining and bonding.
A Venue for Competition and Community
Cebu Pickle Park is designed to accommodate more than competitive players. Beginners, recreational players, families, corporate groups, and tourists are among the facility's target users. Visitors can dine, have coffee, watch matches, or simply spend time in the park-like surroundings without necessarily playing.
The partners plan to eventually hold tournaments, leagues, clinics, training programs, and community activities at the venue. They also aim to contribute to the development of Cebu's growing pickleball community.
Open Daily for Players of All Levels
Cebu Pickle Park at Woodlands operates from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily. Players can book courts through the park's Facebook page or the OndaFit app. Morning Open Play sessions are scheduled for September 24 and 25 from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM at ₱180 per player, open to all skill levels.
With its combination of competition-ready courts, hospitality facilities, and open recreational spaces, Cebu Pickle Park enters the local sports scene with an ambition that extends beyond pickleball. Its goal is to establish a destination where the sport can grow and a diverse community can come together one game at a time.
