The Philippine Pickleball Federation Inc. looks to take advantage of the various pickleball courts around malls in Metro Manila as the PICKLEMALL, Pickleball at Ayala Malls was formally unveiled at the Greenbelt Fashion Hall in Greenbelt 5 in Makati City yesterday.

PPF president Armando Tantoco said the mall chain's goal of promoting the sport as part of its lifestyle program would help them as well in attracting potential recruits for international tournaments.

The event showcased a friendly doubles match between Ayala Corporation chairman Jaime Zobel de Ayala and Ayala Land Inc. senior vice president and leasing and hospitality group head Mariana Zobel de Ayala and Teach for the Philippines chairman Lizzie Zobel de Ayala and Ayala Corporation head of business development and digital innovation Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala.

"Anyone can pick up the sport. Regardless of age and gender, anyone can play pickleball," Tantoco said.

"There were those who would casually try the sport and after a few tries, they're addicted to it. The serious players would often find clubs to play with."

Last September, Winona Cabardo won the women's 19+ 3.5 singles category over Gaby Zoleta in an all-Filipino final of the World Pickleball Championship 2023 in Bali.

Also in attendance were Toby's Sports chief executive officer Toby Claudio and group marketing head for Ayala Estates and Ayala Malls Chrissy Roa.

Roa said having the PICKLEMALL in their branches would allow shoppers to have a bit of fun and socialize while playing.

"It goes beyond lifestyle and what we want to do is facilitate social activities. We want this to be a regular activity where people can bond with one another and meet new friends," Roa said.