By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Niegel Libo-on and Liza Badion (center pair) won the Intermediate Mixed Doubles at the Dinagyang Pickleball Cup 2026 held January 16-18 at CPU University Gymnasium, with Christian Philip Acedo and Aleyde Perez (left pair) as first runner-up and Vanessa Dian and Jeremy Gue (right pair) as second runner-up.
Central Philippine University (CPU) hosted the Dinagyang Pickleball Cup 2026 from January 16 to 18 at the University Gymnasium.
The tournament was held in cooperation with the Iloilo City Government and Mayor Raisa Trenas-Chu, in partnership with Juego PH and Picklelab PH, and powered by JOOLA Philippines-Pickleball.
In the Intermediate Men’s Doubles 35+ category, Saguib Sumampao and Viviano Claver Jr. (RSPC) won the championship, followed by Ferdinand Rivera and Shai Zahavi (USA) as first runner-up, and Rayniel Jay Berbolla and Benjie Sabado (SKPC) as second runner-up.
The Intermediate Men’s Doubles 35(-) Under title was claimed by Alva Bual and Harry Karon (RSPC). Jamel Sunio and Joseph Magpale (PALAKOL) placed first runner-up, while Carl Sumalapao and Angelo Mejia (CPU) finished second runner-up.
In the Executive Men’s Doubles 55+ division, Ronie Dema-ala and Shai Zahavi (USA) emerged as champions. Mario Zaragosa and Noel Sorilla (ILO-CPU) were first runner-up, followed by Kapitan Chavez and Dominis Morilla (CDO) as second runner-up.
For the Intermediate Mixed Doubles (no age cap) category, Niegel Libo-on and Liza Badion (LnMPC) secured the championship. Christian Philip Acedo and Aleyde Perez (Tagbilaran Pickleball Association/ILO) placed first runner-up, while Vanessa Dian and Jeremy Gue (CPU/Winston Salem Pickleball Club) finished second runner-up.
The Executive Mixed Doubles 50+ division was topped by Peachy Salcedo and Noel Sorilla (ILO-CPU). Jeffrey Galinato and Gina Galinato (SKPC) finished first runner-up, and Julie Uy and Nelson Cahilig (ILO) placed second runner-up.
In the Women’s Doubles Beginner (Novice) category, Nelry Joy Estrella and Mariane Berbolla (SKPC) won the championship, followed by Germaine Loquite and Jenibeth Belleza (UPPC) as first runner-up, and Mary Hannah Failana and Edalrehce Forro (CLAVEL’S) as second runner-up.
The Mixed Doubles Beginner (Novice) title went to Arsie Sacapaño and PJ Castro (Boracay). Jonel Ybañez and Jamie Marie Hertas (PICKLE-LOO) were first runner-up, while Razbyl Yotoko and Jessa Mae Yotoko (Pavia) placed second runner-up.
In the Men’s Doubles Beginner (Novice) category, Arsie Sacapaño and Luigi Ray de Martin (Boracay/Iloilo) emerged as champions. Francis Arnado Lim IV and Joshua Dalipe (Iloilo) finished first runner-up, followed by Abo Pindiwata and Roger Santacera (Isulan) as second runner-up.
All podium finishers earned qualification to compete in the Nationals of the Philippine Pickleball Federation.