Country Ambassadors are volunteer representatives and unofficial spokespersons for the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF). Their mission is to promote and grow the sport of pickleball throughout the Philippines. We are pleased to present the following IFP Country Ambassadors who work with the PPF to develop grassroots programs, conduct clinics and assist with local, regional and national tournaments.
Country Ambassadors
Mark CasalCountry AmbassadorCainta, Rizal, Philippines
+63.917.570.2991
In 2019 while browsing through social media, I came across a post inviting people to try out Pickleball in the streets of Ortigas Center, Pasig. There I met Mike Johnson PPF, President. He taught me the rules and the know hows and the rest is history.
From once a week street Pickleball in different venues, to three times a week playdates and more. I have grown so much in the sport, not just loving the games but also passionately helping the sport grow right here in my home country. |
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Massimo ("Max") CortiCountry AmbassadorMoalboal, Cebu, Philippines
+63.906.230.4465
When I first promoted pickleball in the Moalboal barangay hall, I found some Filipinos already knew the game. So I built two courts in my hotel and now many of my guests from all the world are learning this fun game called pickleball.
My goal is to promote pickleball in my city and help grow the sport in the Philippines. In schools, I want to help arrange tournaments and become an instructor. My dream is to build a pickleball center with some courts and share my love for the game with others. |
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Federico CostalesCountry AmbassadorRosales, Pangasinan, Philippines
+63.933.854.7888
The pandemic was a blessing in disguise and directed me to pickleball. With so much free time, I began looking for a non-contact sport. I watched youtube and discovered pickleball, then realized my backyard already had a court sized driveway.
My tennis, table tennis and badminton background made it easy for me to understand and apply the rules. Today I am passionate about grassroots development and happy that I can introduce a fun new game that brings so much joy and fulfillment. |
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Jojie Roy LumawanCountry AmbassadorValenzuela, NCR, Philippines
+63.935.717.3680
Pickleball was introduced to me by Rodel Chiu in 2019 in Valenzuela City. I brought my whole family with friends and church mates to his clinic to try the sport. At first, I was a bit reluctant to learn it since my primary sport is basketball.
But pickleball has kept us fit and healthy and helped us fight boredom during the pandemic. It has developed a family bond and built a community of like minded players. This is why I love pickleball and am committed to promoting and growing the sport. |
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Edgardo MendozaCountry AmbassadorLagro, Quezon City, Philippines
+63.9176769031
I started playing table tennis in my childhood and eventually grew into to tennis. For 30 years I've enjoyed that game but recently discovered a smaller version called pickleball. I fell in love with the game and found it to be so much fun to play.
Now it's my passion to share and promote Pickleball everywhere I go. I built one of the very first dedicated pickleball courts in Lagro back in November 2019 and today serve as the Director of Grassroots Development for the Philippine Pickleball Federation. |
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Bonns UmaliCountry AmbassadorTaytay, Quezon City, Philippines
+63.956.126.6138
I enjoy playing racket sports. Tennis is one of my favorites, because it involves major physical movements. I discovered pickleball watching a youtube video back in 2019. I was curious, so I tried and to my amazement I really enjoyed it!
Like tennis, pickleball increases my aerobic capacity metabolic function, muscle tone, strength and flexibility. Now I love playing pickleball and you will too! I'm your certified coach affiliated with Kingsville Hills Pickleball Club in Antipolo. |
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