Palawan Pawnshop toasts new aces

Digos City’s Jyle Cyrin Martinez, Davao’s Shaira Rivera and Puerto Princesa’s Alexie Santos emerged as prized discoveries of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Padala regional age-group tennis circuit that ended recently.

Spread over 15 legs, the island-hopping event featured some of the country’s finest players in the 10-unisex, 12-, 14-, 16- and 18-and-under classes for both boys and girls.

Also making their presence felt were John Velez, Patricia Velez, Minette Bentillo, Carlyn Guarde, Toni Rose Raymundo, Shyryn Salazar, Christian Fel Lopez, Brent Cortes, Dawn Albert Uy and Armina Gumapac, along with NCR aces Marcen Gonzales, Jose Cano, Stefan Suarez, Andrew Cano, Monica Therese Cruz, Rafaella Villanueva, Chloe Mae Saraza and Mikaella Vicencio.

“These young players are the future of Philippine tennis and we thank Palawan Pawnshop for staging this year-long, nationwide circuit,” said Philta president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

The circuit also had legs in Los Baños, Bohol, Dumaguete, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Puerto Princesa and as far south as Davao, Digos City and Sultan Kudarat.

More tournaments will be held next year, according to Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.

“This nationwide circuit program is part of our long-term commitment to promote sports and discovery talents,” said Castro.  Cedelf P. Tupas