Co-sponsorship Speech of Senator Legarda | Resolution Congratulating and Commending the Philippine National Padel Team or Padel Pilipinas for Emerging as Champions of the 2025 Asia Pacific Padel Cup held in Selangor, Malaysia, from August 28-31, 2025

Mr. President, esteemed colleagues:

I rise to co-sponsor Senate Resolution No. 120, which takes into consideration Senate Resolution No. 129 filed by this representation. I am very proud to congratulate and commend the Philippine National Padel Team for emerging as Champions of the 2025 Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2025 (APPC), held in Selangor, Malaysia.

I also commend Joanna Tao Yee Tan and Johnny Arcilla for being awarded as the Most Valuable Female and Male Players at the 2025 Asia Pacific Padel Cup in Selangor, Malaysia, an honor even more significant as it comes alongside the Philippine team’s historic championship victory over other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Padel, once unfamiliar to many, is now a fast-rising sport that is being especially embraced by the Filipino youth. The presence of the Philippine team and the honor they received at the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2025, the leading padel competition in the Asia-Pacific region, underscores the country’s readiness and competence to meet the highest standards of skill and sportsmanship.

From August 28 to 31, 2025, the Philippine National Padel Team, Padel Pilipinas, founded by our colleague, Senator Pia Cayetano, emerged victorious against the finest teams from seven other countries in the region. Competing in 26 matches, the Philippine team secured 24 victories, bringing home the championship trophy. This remarkable win testifies to the hard work, and collective efforts of the promising members of Padel Pilipinas. It was also made possible with the expert guidance of its coaches, Bryan Casao, Jaric Lavalle, and Tomās Vasco.

Joanna Tao Yee Tan is currently ranked No. 2 in the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT) standings, while Johnny Arcilla, was a distinguished player in the tennis world, having previously bagged several accolades, including being a Philippine Colombian Association Hall of Famer for holding the Rank No. 1 tennis player for fifteen years. Their victories attest to their dedication in pursuit of excellence, which assured them of firmly securing their place in Philippine sports history.

The success of Padel Pilipinas brings pride to our nation and an affirmation of Filipino’s excellence in sports, reflecting the discipline, teamwork, and bold dedication that have long driven Filipino athletes to achieve distinction not only in our country but also on the world stage. Let this significant milestone inspire us to continue nurturing the dreams, strength, and capabilities of every Filipino youth.

With this, I urge our colleagues to adopt this resolution congratulating and commending the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2025 Philippine Delegation for emerging as Champions of the 2025 APPC, held from 28 to 31 August 2025 in Selangor, Malaysia. I also express my full support in adopting Senate Resolution Nos. 131 and 132, commending Joanna Tao Yee Tan and Johnny Arcilla, as Most Valuable Female and Male Players, respectively, during the 2025 APPC.

Again, I congratulate Padel Pilipinas, Joanna Tao Yee Tan and Johnny Arcilla. Thank you for bringing pride to the Philippines!

Mabuhay ang mga atletang Pilipino!

Thank you, Mr. President.