Unified Tennis Philippines Coffee Table Book

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Foreword .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Chapter 1: The Making of Unified Tennis Philippines

Chapter 2: The Organization

Chapter 3: The Men and Women Behind the Tennis Organization

Chapter 4: The UTP System

Chapter 5: A Long Rally: UTP in Action

Chapter 6: Honoring the Top Tiers

Chapter 7: The Tennis Sponsors, Partners, Tournament Directors

8

11

15

24

31

99

108

Chapter 8: The COVID-19 Era: A Challenge to the Economy and Sports Community ............................................................................................................. 122

Chapter 9: A Restart of UTP Tennis Activities Under the New Normal

Chapter 10: Honoring the Men Who Gave So Much for the Love of the Game

144

160

Message from the UTP President and Founder

JEAN HENRI LHUILLIER

Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP) was born out of love and passion for tennis from the very people who make up its core.

Tennis has been a vital part of my life and has taught me the value of sportsmanship, teamwork, dedication, passion for excellence, and agility. These are lessons that remained important and useful both on and off the courts and have served me well through the years.

To be able to give back to tennis and to be able to see this sport flourish once again is a dream I share with colleagues and likeminded individuals. With our shared love and passion for the sport, together, we banded to form UTP, guided by our dream to see this sport develop and flourish once again in the Philippines.

The goals of UTP are very clear, to further grow tennis in the Philippines through the grassroots program that will introduce the sport to more Filipinos, share with them the good values it taught us, and bring pride to the country by supporting exceptional tennis players who compete on the world stage.

Through UTP and its programs, we hope to provide a venue and a chance for budding tennis players and enthusiasts— regardless of where they are—to further know the game. We also hope that UTP will serve as a gateway to encourage everyone to take interest in the sport, and take pride in the Filipino players that bear the name of our country in every competition.

We believe that through the hard work and help of our partner

organizations and the brands that trust UTP, we are convinced that Filipino tennis players will be motivated to shine again on the global stage.

This coffee table book is a reminder of the birth of UTP, and the significant strides it made since its founding. Through these achievements, may the love and support for tennis continue for more years to come.

Message from the UTP Founder

BOBBY L. CASTRO

To the UTP family,

My warmest greetings as we celebrate five years of hard work and excellent service in promoting and developing the sport of tennis in the Philippines!

Over the years, the Palawan Pawnshop Group (PPG) has been an avid supporter of tennis in our country. As PPG grew, so too did our age-group tennis tournaments, paving the way for our young kids and teeners to fall in love with the sport and to learn the discipline and the determination of a good sportsperson. For many, tennis became the chance not only to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, but also to develop and sustain a sound mind. After all, tennis is not only a game of physical strength and endurance;

it is also a game of willpower and strength of mind.

It became more evident that having a healthy and wellbalanced lifestyle is truly essential, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck two years ago. For many of us, sports are our way of coping with the stresses of our daily lives. Thus, despite the many restrictions imposed, we found ways to continue to enjoy this sport that was allowed to be practiced even under strict health protocols. This is because in tennis, players can freely play while maintaining a safe distance from one another, and trainings can be done even when one is alone facing a secured wall.

Although many of our tournaments were affected by the pandemic, we have managed to adapt new health protocols to make our

tennis courts a safe place for our players and supporters. Now, as we prepare to open our doors and grace the playing fields once again, we are well on our way to achieve a healthier and ultimately a stronger posture to face whatever challenges that may come our way.

Congratulations to the officers and members of the United Tennis Philippines. Together with you, the Palawan Pawnshop Group, will continue to provide tennis programs for all budding tennis enthusiasts.

Cheers to many more years of serving the Philippine tennis community!

DearUTP,

Sincere congratulations on your 5-year Anniversary!

It has been our privilege and pleasure to work together with you in providing unique experiences for young female tennis players from the Philippines who have participated in WTA Future Stars.

Many young female players have already benefited from the on and off court educational experiences which the WTA aims to provide through this programme.

We look forward to continued partnership with UTP for many years to come.

WTA FUTURE STARS TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR | WTA SUPERVISOR

DONNA KELSO

Universal Tennis is proud to work with Unified Tennis Philippines and support their mission of helping develop and grow tennis in the Philippines. Through our partnership, we hope to make tennis fun for players of all levels, continue to bring new players to the sport, and give those who are currently playing a pathway to achieve their goals.

SENIOR DIRECTOR, FEDERATIONS | UNIVERSAL TENNIS LLC. MIKE

MIRINGOFF

Hello all Filipino Tennis Enthusiasts,

My name is Ted Sayrahder, and I had the privilege of being the Head Tennis Professional from the “United States Professional Tennis Association“ — USPTA while conducting tennis clinics, lessons, coaching, and Certification Testing throughout the Philippines for twenty years, 1999 - 2019.

First, I want to congratulate UTP for it’s five-year anniversary. Second, a special thanks to Jean Henri Lhuillier for his sponsorship and enthusiasm. He helped lead the way for Elmer Doleras’ “Goodwill Tours” and my successful program of testing Filipino tennis instructors and coaches. Many became members of the USPTA and several went on to become Professional Certified Tennis Instructors with the USPTA. The USPTA is the World’s Largest and most respected teaching association.

Elmer, being a Filipino American, had a burning desire to provide Filipino tennis players with updated FREE World Class tennis clinics and instruction.

I was lucky that Elmer chose me in 1999 to help him create a program that both of us now, looking back on, was one of our most fulfilling tennis accomplishments. My tennis career ended in 2020 with 40 years as a Certified Teaching Professional with the USPTA and PTR.

Throughout my 9 different visits to the Philippine’s, I traveled to the three major regions and visited over 25 different cities. Several of my trips would include return visits to Manila and Cebu and others. I often had the help of other US teaching pros that I selected for different trips. We gave hundreds of Filipino tennis players a new and often unseen view of current teaching methods. I supervised several hundred Filipino tennis instructors

in Recreation Coaches Workshops, which was a 6 hour USTA training course. Among those teachers, over half of them became USPTA established members. Later, starting in 2008, many of those coaches and teachers wanted to become certified Professional Instructors by taking the USPTA testing course. I personally trained and certified through the testing process about 60 coaches and instructors. UTP’s very own CEO Jean Henri eventually became an “Elite” rated certified Professional and is the only Elite rated professional in the Philippines that received that rating through my testing events.

In closing, I would like to thank the many different people I met over the years. Several of them were very influential in our program’s success and my personal success in my 9 visits. A couple of them come to mind Rommie Chan sponsorship, Mario Craiz trip supervisor, John Pages sponsorship, Ken Salvo

assistant teacher, Raul Guerrero, trip coordinator, and Edward Puno, trip coordinator.

And a special thanks to the hundreds of Filipino students who took the time to attend our tennis events. You were very kind and generous in all your efforts. You were outstanding students and one of my major highlights in my tennis career. Thank You!

Best Wishes & Happy Hitting,

THE MAKING OF UNIFIED TENNIS PHILIPPINES

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Tennis is one of the sports that has a very rich heritage in the history of the Philippines. The sport was able to reach its peak during the time of legends, Felicisimo Ampon, Johnny Jose, Willie Hernandez, and Raymundo Deyro.

Felicisimo Ampon is considered to be the greatest Filipino tennis player in history, and at only 5 foot 3 inches tall, he was once considered the best pound-for-pound tennis player in the world.

He represented the country in several Davis Cup competitions, the premier international team event in men’s tennis, for almost 30 years, and holds the Philippine all-time record for the most singles (34-26) and with total wins (40-35) in Davis Cup history. He was known for winning the Gold Medals in the 1934 Far Eastern Games, the 1950 Pan American Games tennis singles, and the 1958 Asian Games tennis doubles, and in 1968 Chinese Recreational Club Open Tennis he also won the doubles title.

Johnny Jose, the last Filipino to win a tennis gold medal in the Asian Games in 1962 in Jakarta, Indonesia, posted a career record of 20 wins in the Davis Cup. The Emperor and Empress of Japan used to see Jose on the courts when the Davis Cup was held in Japan in 1959 and 1960. Jose even played tennis once with the Empress.

Willie Hernandez also represented the country in different international prestigious tennis tournaments. He played for the Philippines from 1958 to 1965. His achievements include playing against the great Rod Laver, beating the legendary Arthur Ashe, and playing at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the French Open in the 1960s.

He also set up the Willie Hernandez Tennis Academy at the Manila Polo Club that run for more than 8 years and developed some of the best players the Philippines has produced including Davis Cuppers, National Team members, and top Juniors like Felix Barrientos, Roland So, Raymond Suarez, Roland Kraut, Derrick Santos, Randy Villanueva, Tonito Payumo, and John Rey Tiangco.

Raymundo Deyro on the other hand won two gold medals at the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo, in the singles and men’s doubles. He defeated his doubles partner Felicisimo Ampon in the singles final. The Asian Games titles were the biggest wins of Deyro’s career, along with an Oslo tournament that he won in 1953, also against Ampon.

Deyro made nine Grand Slam singles appearances during his career. In 1946, at the U.S. National Championships, Deyro came close to upsetting fourth seed Alejandro Russell in the third round but lost in five sets. He also made the third round at the 1948 Wimbledon

Championships. In 1950, Deyro was eliminated in the first round of Wimbledon and the second round of the French Championships. At Wimbledon in 1951, he played against world number one Frank Sedgman in the opening round and lost in straight sets. His best performance came at the 1953 French Championships, where he made it to the fourth round, before being eliminated by second seed Gardnar Mulloy. Deyro had been seeded 15th and it would be the only time he entered a Grand Slam tournament as a seeded player. In the 1953 Wimbledon Championships, he had wins over Henry Billington and Tony Pickard, then lost to Australian Jack Arkinstall in a third-round match that went to five sets.

Upon their retirement, it took decades before the Philippines was able to produce world-class players and compete on a high level in the Davis Cup. The last time the Philippines was qualified to play for a spot in the World Group was in 1991 when it played against Sweden. The team was bannered by Felix Barrientos, Roland So, Camoy Palahang, and Raymond Suarez.

It took several years before the Philippines became competitive again in the Asia/Oceania Group, until such time when the national team was reinforced by Fil-Am Cecil Mamiit, Eric Taino and in recent years, Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales.

The Philippines, however, cannot just rely on foreign talents and must be able to develop world-class local talents in the long term. This motivated sports patrons Jean Henri Lhuillier and Bobby Castro to initiate a new tennis federation with the end goal of helping develop local talents to become competitive on the world stage.

chapter 2: THE

ORGANIZATION

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THE COIN TOSS: THE LAUNCH OF UTP

Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP) was established on October 12, 2017. Headquartered at the JHL Plaza in BF Homes, Paranaque City. The organization’s training center is located in a private court owned by the President of UTP, located at Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa City which also serves as a venue for meetings and tennis events.

The tennis organization is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission as a non-stock, non-profit tennis association that aims to provide an opportunity for players of all levels nationwide to learn and pick up the sport with easy access to facilities, coaching, affordable equipment, and sponsorship grants.

Since 2018 and prior to the start of the pandemic, it has organized more than 100 tournaments for juniors, professionals, and recreational players. Thirty-one elite juniors have been sponsored in ASEAN Tennis Federation (ATF), International Tennis Federation (ITF), and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Future Star event.

UTP is the official partner of Universal Tennis, a new global tennis organization recognized by the WTA, ATP, and ITF.

OBJECTIVES

• To implement a national grassroots development program that is sustainable by organizing tournaments for all levels nationwide and sponsor elite junior athletes in ATF, ITF, and WTA Future Stars events.

• To increase the awareness and participation of players by making the sport more accessible in terms of facilities, coaching, and affordable equipment.

• To introduce the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) system to all level of players.

• To improve the standing of Philippine Tennis in international competitions.

VISION

Be an avenue for the development of the sport, through programs, innovations, and providing opportunities that make tennis accessible to everyone.

MISSION

To be a world-class tennis association guided by the mission of serving, developing, and promoting tennis in the Philippines. The UTP believes in the spirit of volunteerism as the backbone of the association.

CORE VALUES

• Excellence

• Integrity • Honesty

• Teamwork

• Patriotism • ●Inclusiveness

• ●Accountability

JHL giving opening remarks during UTP inauguration last October 12, 2017 at the Makati Sports Club

JHL and Vice President Mr. Bobby Castro with Regional OICs

UTP Regional OICs

chapter 3:

THE MEN AND WOMEN BEHIND THE TENNIS ORGANIZATION

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PEOPLE BEHIND UTP

FOUNDING MEMBERS

JEAN HENRI LHUILLIER

• Philippine tennis patron for the past 20+ years

• Davis Cup Team Manager since 2003

• South East Asian (SEA) Game Team Manager in 2003

• Started and heads the Cebuana Lhuillier AgeGroup Tennis since 2006

• Co-owner and Team Manager of International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) Philippine Mavericks

• Director of Philippine Tennis Academy

• Elite Professional of United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc.

• Member of Professional Tennis Registry (USA) for more than 10 years

• President of Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL)

• President and CEO of PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies, parent company of the Cebuana Lhuillier brand

• Director and Chairman of the Board of Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc.

• Official Knight of the Equestrian Order of Saint Agatha conferred by Minister Pasquale Valentini of the Department of Foreign Affairs in San Marino

• President of the Chamber of Pawnbrokers of the Philippines, Inc.

SEN. SONNY ANGARA

• Elected senator in 2013 as a member of the 17th Congress, serving as Chair for the Local Government and Ways & Means Committees

• Lawmaker of 12 years, with more than 60 laws under his belt, most notably of which is the push for tax-reform to increase take home pay for workers

• AS a congressman during the 16th Congress, the Senator chaired the Committee on Games, Amusement and Sports, and has sponsored laws, establishing sports academies and training centers in Talisay, Cebu; Alfonso, Cavite; Dapa, Surigao del Norte; Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental; and Tagum, Davao del Norte to hone the skills and raw talent of young athletes from the provinces and jumpstart grassroots sports development

• As a congressman, authored the Personal Equity and Retirement Account Act, the Credit Information System Act, the Pre-Need Code, the Magna Carta of Women, the Salary Standardization Law 3 that raised the salaries of government workers including public school teachers, RA 9504 that exempts minimum wage earners from paying income taxes, the Tourism Act, the Universal Healthcare Act, and the Renewable Energy Act

• Recognized as one of the country’s Ten Outstanding Young Men for government service and legislation in 2010

BOBBY CASTRO

• Tennis enthusiast for more than 30 years

• Started the Palawan Pawnshop Palawan Express Pera Padala Tennis Tournament in Palawan in 1995

• Started and heads the Palawan Pawnshop Palawan Express Pera Padala Regional Age Group Tennis since 2010

• Regional Vice President of Philippine Tennis Association

• Former President of Puerto Princesa Tennis Club

• Sponsors Community Coaches Conferences & Free Tennis Clinics

• President and CEO of Palawan Pawnshop Services Group of Companies

GERARDO MARONILLA

• Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) Board of Trustee Member since 2014

• Team Captain of Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Team

• Active tennis player and aficionado

• Team Captain of University of the Philippines Los Baños Tennis Varsity in 1990

• Team Captain of La Salle Green Hills Tennis Varsity from 1985 to 1986

• Tennis Age grouper from 1981 to 1986

• President of Food Projects Inc.

• Managing Partner of The Fruitas Group Inc.

• Director of Amigo Travel and Tours Corp.

SEN. JUAN MIGUEL ZUBIRI

• A veteran legislator, with more than nine years of experience as a congressman service since the 11th Congress in 1998

• The principal author of major laws such as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the Rent Control Act, Wildlife Conservation Act, National Service Training Program and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Rate Pay Base Increase Act

• Regarded as the father of the Biofuels Act of 2006

• A firm advocate of social reform, filing bills for Workers’ Rights; Increasing the Entry-Level Pay and Retirement Pension of Public School Teachers; Barangay Officials Monthly Honorariums, Retirement and Benefits; SSS Penalty on Loans Condonation, Strengthening the Security of Tenure; and Increasing the Pension of All Retired Government and Employees

• Trained first aider and certified rescue diver, he is a governor of the Philippine National Red Cross; and an active member of the Red Cross Youth Committee and Concerned Divers of the Philippines

RANDY VILLANUEVA

• Elected Board and Director of Asian Tennis Federation (2015-2017)

• Honorary Board of Director of Asia Tennis Federation (2013-2015)

• Tournament Director and Chief Organizer of 2016 ATP CHALLENGER MANILA

• Tournament Director and Chief Organizer of 2015 and 2016 – ITF MENS Futures Manila

• Philippine Officiating Head of International Premier Tennis League – Manila Leg in 2014 & 2015

• Administrator and Tournament Director of Philippine Davis Cup from 2006-2016

• Tournament Director of 2005 Asia Oceania Jr. Davis Cup

• Tournament Director of 2005 SEA Games Tennis Event Manila

• Co-founder of Subic International Tennis Center

• PCA Open Organizing Committee Member (2002, 2015 and 2016)

• Valle Verde Country Club Tennis Committee Member from 1999-2009

• Director of Tower Stones Incorporated

• President and Managing Director of Tru-Flex Sports Surfacing Corporation

• Vice President and part owner of Persiana Food Corporation

JULITO VILLANUEVA

• Founder & Chairman of Junior Tennis Association (Juntaphil)

• Former President of Philippine Tennis Association (from 2010-2012)

• Founder, Chairman Towerstones, Inc.

• Founder, President Biochemica, Inc.

• Executive Vice President of Aurea Ceramics

• Vice President of Sarmiento Group

• Vice President of Escaler Group

JACKIE TOMACRUZ

• Assistant Team Captain – Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Team

• National Seniors Double Tennis Champion

• National Junior Tennis Player

• Junior and Senior Varsity Tennis Player of Colegio San Juan De Letran

• Former executive of Wyeth Philippines, Caltex Star Station and Isuzu Automotive Dealership, Inc.

UTP Board of Directors (L-R) Gerard Maronilla, Julito Villanueva, Jackie Tomacruz, Jean Henri Lhuillier – President, Bobby Castro – Vice President, Randy Villanueva

INDUCTION OF DERRICK SANTOS TO UTP

On

September 24, 2021, UTP President Jean Henri Lhuillier inducted Derrick Santos into the UTP Board. An outstanding player during his junior days, Derrick has always remained very passionate about the sport to this day. He is an active recreational player and loves to teach junior players in his free time. Derrick is a great addition to the Board.

UTP’S BACKBONE: UTP REGIONAL OICS

With the belief that volunteerism is the backbone of the association, UTP initially nominated 14 regional OICs but was subsequently expanded to 26 nationwide to oversee and help the association in the implementation and monitoring of its programs.

UTP also nominated OICs in different countries such as Singapore, the USA, Australia, and Great Britain as there is a big number of active Filipino tennis players in these countries.

These OICs are very passionate to help contribute to the development of the sport in their respective areas.

Regional OIC Luzon Summit Participants

Regional OIC Mindanao Summit Participants

Regional OIC Visayas Summit Participants

Regional OIC Luzon Summit Participants

Regional OIC Mindanao Summit Participants

Regional OIC Visayas Summit Participants

METRO MANILA COVERAGE REGIONAL OIC

North Metro Manila

Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela and Quezon City Atty. Jason Benitez

South Luzon - D Bicol Engineer Nards Gonzales

VISAYAS COVERAGE REGIONAL OIC

South Metro Manila

East Metro Manila

Paranaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Pasay Jojo Miranda

San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig and Rizal Ritchie Lozada

West Metro Manila Makati and Manila Julius Kraut

LUZON COVERAGE REGIONAL OIC

North Luzon Pangasinan, La Union, Baguio, and Ilocos Billy De Myer

Central Luzon - A Pampanga and Tarlac Vacant

Central Luzon - B Bataan, Olongapo and Zambales Cris Sioson

Central Luzon - C (New) Bulacan Vacant

Central Luzon - D (New) Nueva Ecija and Cagayan Valley Cris Sioson

South Luzon - A Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Quezon Jonathan Bernardo

South Luzon - B Palawan John Bona & Mon Hitosis

South Luzon - C Mindoro, Romblon, and Marinduque Butch Buenaventura

Central Visayas -A Cebu John Pages

Centrral Visayas -B Bohol Tingardz Uy

Western Visayas -A Negros Occidental and Oriental Criston Carmona

Western Visayas - B Capiz, Iloilo, Aklan, and Antique Alquin Flores

Easern Visayas Samar and Leyte Remberto Aya-ay

MINDANAO COVERAGE REGIONAL OIC

Northern Mindanao - A Bukidnon and Cagayan De Oro Atty. Tibs Palasan

Northern Mindanao - B Oroqueta and Zamboanga Del Norte Ken Agustines

Northern Mindanao - C Ozamiz City, Zamboanga Del Sur, and Lanao Del Norte Ian Villanueva

Southern Mindanao -A Davao City, Oriental, Del Sur and Del Norte Dong Velez

Eastern Mindanao - A General Santos and Sultan Kudarat Rex Bentillo

Eastern Mindanao - B North Cotabato Reyman Saldivar

Western

Western

GLOBAL COVERAGE REGIONAL OIC

U.S.A.

Great Britain London Bambi Huab Singapore Singapore Ronald Martin

Mindanao -A Butuan and Agusan Engineer Joselito Maban

Mindanao -B Surigao Engineer Ruperto Tortal

West Coast Alex Marcial Australia Melbourne Pat Puzon

4:

THE UTP SYSTEM

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UTP PARTNERS WITH UNIVERSAL TENNIS

Unified Tennis Philippines and Universal Tennis are pleased to announce a new partnership to grow the game of tennis in the Philippines.

Universal Tennis is the company behind the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR), which is being quickly adopted by the tennis world thanks to its accurate, real time tennis rating that is based purely on tennis results.

Universal Tennis’ mission is to create more opportunities and pathways to the game by bringing cutting edge analytics and community-based technology to players worldwide independent of level. UTR is the world’s most accurate tennis rating system and rates all players, regardless of age, gender, or geography on the same scale.

We are looking forward to working with UTR and hope to implement not only the global rating system but the other programs as well. UTR is a game changer and will make the sport more balanced, exciting, and competitive, said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President of Unified Tennis Philippines.

Unified Tennis Philippines joins countries and federations from every continent that are submitting results to UTR and using the global system to organize events and help tennis players worldwide.

HOW UTR WORKS:

The Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) is an algorithm-based system for tennis that allows anyone to identify, measure, track and develop the level of a player. Every player receives a rating between 1 - 16.5 that reflects their level of play. Three factors go into the rating: strength of opponent, the score (based on games won), and recent history. Players can use their UTR to gain an accurate, real-time measurement of their skill level and find more opportunities to play. Coaches and organizers can use UTR to evaluate player ability, organize more competitive events and create more opportunities for players of all levels to participate in the game.

LAUNCH OF THE TENNIS FEDERATION SYSTEM OR TFS

In collaboration with 10 iS, UTP developed an automated system called Tennis Federation System or TFS.

Since competitive tennis started in the Philippines, registration in any tournament is purely manual which means that players have to call or text the tennis organizers or physically go to the tournament site to officially register. But, with TFS, players can now register in any UTP tournament online. The system also stores the players’ information and the results of the tournaments.

LAUNCH OF THE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP WITH CHRIS SPORTS

Players of all levels have the privilege of signing up to become a member of UTP. The membership allows players to participate and compete in all tournaments sponsored by different companies and organizations like Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Pawnshop, and UTP Tennis Challenge Series, nationwide. These tournaments vary from juniors, professionals, and recreational players.

UTP members can also avail of special perks and discounts in all Chris Sports stores. Members enjoy a 10% discount for cash and a 5% discount for card transactions.

Participants of the 2019 CL Age Group Makati Sports Club flashing their UTP Cards

Participants of the 2019 CL Age Group Oroquieta flashing their UTP Card

Participants of the 2019 CL Age Group Cebu flashing their UTP Cards

UTP signs partnership with Chris Sports

Chris Sports Glorietta with the UTP Members Accepted sign

UTP Membership in partnership with Chris Sports

UTP Directors Randy Villanueva and Jackie Tomacruz with Chris Sports President Mr. Gilbert Tang and Kathleen Gonzales

UTP Membership Card

A LONG RALLY: UTP IN ACTION

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UTP SANCTIONED TENNIS TOURNAMENT SPONSORS: CEBUANA LHUILLIER

The PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies through its marketing and corporate social responsibility arm, Cebuana Lhuillier Sports (CLS) organizes and sponsors tennis tournaments for all levels of players nationwide. On average, CLS directly organizes at least 30 tournaments for juniors and professional players all year round.

Cebuana Lhuillier Sports has been at the forefront of Philippine Tennis for a long time now. Its core program of organizing tennis tournaments is designed to help boost grassroots development, enhance the competitiveness of juniors, professionals, and recreational players.

The tournaments are organized nationwide to allow local players to compete in a tournament without having to travel to Manila or other areas, as competing in other areas entails cost and expense.

Bringing the tournaments on the local level is also an opportunity to help in the development of the sport in the community and encourage the youth to live a healthy and active lifestyle. It also allows residents to enjoy the thrill of watching a tennis competition.

2019 CL Age Group Bais, Negros Oriental

Bais Participants reciting the Oath of Sportsmanship

Elaine Rose Bahonsua in action in the 2019 CL Age Group Bais,Negros Oriental

2018 CL Age Group Cabanatuan

2019 Winners of CL Age Group Pampanga

2018 Winners of CL Age Group Cabanatuan

Participants and spectators of CL Age Group Pampanga

Players love the new Dunlop AO Balls

2019 CL Age Group Lanao Del Norte

Lanao Del Norte participants pose behind an Enervon Banner

2018 CL Age Group Tagum

CL Age Group participants in Tagum flashing the Cebuana sign

Participants in Tagum queuing to register

2018 Winners of CL Age Group Valle Verde

2019 CL Age Group Bohol

2019 CL Age Group Cebu

2019 CL Age Group Dumaguete

2019 CL Age Group Southwoods, Cavite

2019 CL Age Group Southwoods 18 Under Champion Macky Del Rosario and Finalist Seb Lhuillier

2020 CL Age Group Dipolog

2020 CL Age Group Meralco, Pasig

2020 Winners of CL Age Group Kidapawan

2109 CL Age Group Maasin, Leyte

Chezka Malaki and Anika Diwa with their tropies in the 2019 CL Age Group Pulilan, Bulacan

Alfonso Infante in action during the 2020 CL Age Group Brent, Laguna

Dominique Lhuillier in action in the 2019 CL Age Group Meralco, Pasig

Gio John Manito in action in the 2019 CL Age Group Cebu

Ivan Charles Manila in action in the 2020 CL Age Group Pulilan, Bulacan

Jean Henri Lhuillier visiting the 2020 CL Age Group in Meralco, Pasig

Joaquin Palo in action in the 2019 CL Age Group Cotabato

Joss Po in action during the 2020 CL Age Group Brent, Laguna

John David Velez in action in the 2019 CL Age Group Oroquieta

Julien Lhuillier in action in the 2019 CL Age Group Brent, Laguna

Lexious Cruz in action in the 2019 CL Age Group Pulilan, Bulacan

Matthew Moris in action in the 2019 CL Age Group Dumaguete

Matteo Rivas in action in the 2019 CL Age Group Makati Sports Club

Nash Agustines in action in the 2019 CL Age Group Oroquieta

Players enjoying the moment at the clubhouse of Brent Tennis Center

Vice Mayor Criston Carmona, UTP OIC and Tennis Patriarch of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

2017 CL Girls Tennis Challenge Participants

2019 CL Girls Tennis Challenge Participants

2018 CL Girls Tennis Challenge Participants

Justine Maneja and Alexa Milliam earned the slots for the 2019 WTA Futures Stars in Shenzhen, China

Cebuana Posters

2019 CL ProAm Champions Johnny Arcilla and Jean Henri Lhuillier and Runner-ups Alvee Villamor and Joey Koh

2019 CL ProAm in Makati Sports Club

ProAm players in action

2019 Makati Sports Club - Cebuana Lhuillier Men’s Champion Johnny Arcilla and Runner-up Leander Lazaro

2019 Makati Sports Club - Cebuana Lhuillier Women’s Champiopn Justine Maneja and Runner- up Jade Ann Capadocia

2019 Makati Sports Club - Cebuana Lhuillier Open

Johnny Arcilla in action

Justine Maneja in action

Niko Peralta in action and the olderst player in the draw. He still loves the game!

Leander Lazaro in action

UTP SANCTIONED TENNIS TOURNAMENT SPONSORS: PALAWAN PAWNSHOP

Service to the Filipino people has always been the driving force behind each and every undertaking of the Palawan Pawnshop Group (PPG), through Palawan Pawnshop - Palawan Express Pera Padala. Aside from offering financial services, one other way that the company finds its way to the hearts of our countrymen is through its corporate social responsibility efforts. As the company grows, and as part of our commitment to share our blessings, our appetite for helping the marginalized and less-privileged sectors has also grown to more ambitious projects that hope to provide better opportunities to more people. By focusing on education, environmental protection, and sports development, the company’s various sustainable and high-impact philanthropic projects continue to provide the spark that helps brighten the future of the lives of our beneficiaries.

In 2010, Palawan Pawnshop established the Palawan Pawnshop National Age-Group Tennis Tournament series as part of PPG’s sports development project. A tennis enthusiast himself, Bobby L. Castro naturally found a way to give back to the sport that he loves by providing an avenue for young tennis athletes to enhance their skills and develop potential talent.

As the company extended its reach across the country through the years, so too did the Palawan Pawnshop National Age-Group Tournaments. Now known as Palawan Pawnshop Tennis Championships, PPG’s tennis events currently include Open and Legends categories aside from the usual Age-group events. Before the pandemic, PPG conducted about 50 legs of tennis age-group tournaments, 10 open tournaments, and 20 tennis clinics, nationwide yearly. Close to 8,000 players participated in these competitions ranging from 10 to 18 years old with about 2,500 participants each from Luzon and Visayas and 3,000 participants in Mindanao. These open tournaments were participated by about 300 players every leg where most of these players repeatedly join the tournaments and follow the series all year round.

The Palawan Pawnshop Tennis Championship has since continued to be a training ground for young athletes, providing them with opportunities to become varsity players of prestigious schools in the Philippines and abroad. It has also developed tennis coaches to world-class levels, which has opened opportunities for them both here and abroad.

2018 PPS Age Group Davao

Participants and spectators of PPS Age Group Davao

Seb Lhuillier in action in PPS Age Group Davao

Players registering in the TFS prior to their match

2019 Winners of PPS Ager Group Bacolod

Zamboanga Del Norte Age Group and Open

2018 PPS - Mac’s Crankit Open and Juniors

2018 PPS Age Group Gen San

2018 PPS Age Group Dipolog

2018 PPS Age Group Legaspi

2018 PPS Age Group Tagum

2018 Winners of PPS Age Group Antique

2018 Winners of PPS Age Group UBAY, Bohol

2018 Winners of PPS Age Group Ilo-ilo

2019 PPS -Actifit Age Group Valenzuela

2019 Winners of PPS Age Group Kabacan

2019 Winners of PPS Age Group Gen San

2019 Winners of PPS Age Group Kapatagan

2019 Winners of PPS Age Group Olivarez

2019 Winners of PPS Age Group Urdaneta

2019 Winners of PPS Age Group Sultan Kudarat

2020 PPS Top 8 National Junior Tournament - San Carlos City

Angel Denopol in action in the 2018 PPS Age Group San Carlos

Bruce Hurtado in action in the 2017 PPS Age Group Gen San

Angil Balaoing in action in the 2018 PPS Age Group Sultan Kudarat

Cesdrix Bravo in action in the 2018 PPS Age Group Baybay, Leyte

Feb Nicole Villar in action in the 2019 PPS Age Group Cebu

Immanville Gervacio in action in the 2017 PPS Age Group Oroquieta

Fern Alexander Po in action in the 2018 PPS Age Group Ilo-ilo

John David Velez in action in the 2018 PPS Age Group Ozamis

Kristoffer Salimbangon in action in the 2018 PPS Age Group Ormoc

Minette April Bentillo in action in the 2017 PPS Age Group Sultan Kudarat

Mica Ella Emana and Kaye Anne Emana with their trophies in the 2019 PPS Age Group Brookside

Minette Bentillo and Jillian Manangking with their trophies in the 2018 PPS Age Group Davao

Nikhel Nowlakha in action at a 2019 PPS Age Group Event

Pete Rafael Bandala in action in the 2018 PPS Age Group Sindangan

Paula Ysabelle Uy in action at a 2020 PPS Age Group Event

Princess Debbie Gom-Os in action in the 2017 PPS Age Group Liloy, Zamboanga Del Sur

She Ann Ramillete, Ella Ramirez and Rovie Baulete with their trophies in the 2018 PPS Age Group Oroquieta

2017 PPS Open Brookside Men’s Champions Toto Joven and Johnny Arcilla with Mr. Bobby Castro, CEO of PPS

2017 PPS Open Brookside Ladies Champions Clarice and Christine Patrimonio with Mr. Bobby Castro, CEO of PPS`

2018 PPS Open - Richard Gomez Cup

2019 PPS - Actifit National Students Open

Noel Damian, Mark Alcoseba, Johnny Arcilla and Jeson Patrombon with their trophies

Leander Lazaro in action

2020 Winners of PPS Open - Father Suarez Cup Cebu

PPS Dagitab Open Singles Finalists Jeson Patrombon and Arthur Pantino 12_22_19

PPS - Activit Open Finalists Noel Damian, Jeson Patrombon and Mark Alcoseba and Neil Co.

SPONSORSHIP OF ELITE JUNIORS IN INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS

- ATF AND ITF EVENTS

It is the dream of every top junior to compete in international tournaments and be able to test their skills versus the best players of other countries. However, participating in tournaments outside of the Philippines is very expensive as it entails airfare, hotel, food, and registration fee among others.

Only a few can afford to pay for such expenses even if they are qualified to do so. One of the advocacies of UTP is to make this dream a reality. The top two juniors based on the UTP rankings after 12 months in the boys and girls of the 14, 16, and 18 under, are sponsored by UTP to compete in one ASEAN Tennis Federation (ATF) or International Tennis Federation (ITF) event as an incentive for doing well in the local UTP tournaments.

To date, UTP has sponsored 31 elite juniors in ATF, ITF, and WTA Future Stars events in Southeast Asia. It is a historic moment for all the players which includes Alex Eala. In 2018, Alex, who just turned 13, became eligible to compete in an ITF event for the first time. She was part of the UTP national team that played in a level 5 ITF event in Jakarta, Indonesia where she made it all the way to the finals in her first maiden ITF event.

The UTP National Team that played in the ATF event in Kuching, Malaysia in 2018 and 2019 had great results as members of the team swept all the titles in the singles and doubles event.

It was a first time for most of the players that UTP sponsored, and the experience was simply momentous!

Left to Right: Gerard Maronilla, Jean Henri Lhuillier, Rainier Selmar, John David Velez, Alexa Milliam, Brent Cortes, Rupert Tortal, Coach Roland Kraut, Jackie Tomacruz, Randy Villanueva, and Dong Velez.

2018 UTP National Team in Kuching Malaysia: John David Velez, Alexa Milliam, Brent Cortes, Rupert Tortal, John David Velez, and Rainier Selmar

2018 UTP National Team in Kuching, Malaysia

2018 UTP National Team in Jakarta, Indonesia

Sibling finalists, Alex Eala and Michael Eala with Jackie Tomacruz

2018 Team Jakarta: Randy Villanueva, Gerard Maronilla, Bobby Mangunay, Manuel Balce, Michael Eala, Melanie Dizon, Alex Eala, Bea Acena, and Jackie Tomacruz

2018 Team Melaka. Coach Karl Santamaria, Randy Villanueva, Jackie Tomacruz, Coach Jun Tabura, Stephen Guia, Pherl Coderos, Denise Bernardo, Ana Laura DeMyer, Marc Suson, Jean Henri Lhuillier, Gerard Maronilla, and Coach Roland Kraut

2019 Team Kuching. Left to Right: Jackie Tomacruz, Alexa Milliam, Marielle Jarata, Exequiel Jucutan, Joewyn Pascua, Coach Leander Lazaro and Gerard Maronilla.

2018 UTP National Team in Melaka, Malaysia

2019 ATF Doubles Champions Alexa Milliam and Maxie Jarata

2019 UTP National Team in Kuching Malaysia. Joewyn Pascua, Alexa Milliam, Andrei Jarata and Partner, Alexa Milliam and Mariella Jarata

Andrei Jarata in action in the 2019 event in Kuching, Malaysia

Alexa Milliam in action in the 2019 ATF event in Kuching, Malaysia

Joewyn Pascua in action in the 2019 ATF event in Kuching, Malaysia

Kiel Magno Jucutan in action in the 2019 ATF event in Kuching, Malaysia

Participants of the 2019 ATF event in Kuching, Malaysia

Maxie Jarata in action in the 2019 event in Kuching, Malaysia

2019 ATF Singles Champions Joewyn Pascua and Alexa Milliam were in the healdline of a local newspaper

2019 Team Selangor. Left to Right: Coach Leander Lazaro, Sydney Enriquez, Macie Carlos, Eric Tangub, Denise Bernardo, Bliss Bayking, Jackie Tomacruz, and Gerard Maronilla.

2019 UTP National Team in Selangor, Malaysia

SPONSORSHIP OF ELITE JUNIORS IN WTA FUTURE STARS

The WTA Future Stars program is a junior development platform by the Women’s Tennis Association that aims to inspire the next generation of young girls around the world to achieve their goals through tennis competition, camps, mentorship, and education.

Launched in 2014 to assist promising tennis talents from 12 countries and regions in Asia-Pacific, the program’s reach and influence have nearly doubled in the six years since then to become a year-round development program for young athletes from 26 countries and regions.

UTP through its institutional partner Cebuana Lhuillier is the official partner of WTA in this event. In the last 5 years, Cebuana Lhuillier has organized an annual qualifying event called Cebuana Girls Tennis Challenge for the top 8 girls in the 14 and 16 categories where the champion earns the right to represent the country.

This event is truly a momentous experience for all participants as they get the chance to meet and watch the top eight of the seasons ending WTA Finals.

Alex Eala receiving a racquet from Garbine Muguraza during WTA Finals draw ceremony

Representatives to WTA Future Stars 2017 - Coach Roland Kraut, Tracy Llamas, and Alex Eala

Bliss Bayking and Macie Carlos with WTA Vice President Melissa Pine Bliss Bayking, Macie Carlos and Jackie Tomacruz in one of the practice sessions

Jackie Tomacruz, Macie Carlos and Bliss Bayking with Judy Murray during the WTA Tennis Clinic Macie Carlos and Bliss Bayking practicing at Kalang Tennis Center

Macie Carlos receivng the Li Na Sportsmanship Award from Jennifer CapriatiMacie Carlos is the recipient of the Li Na Sportmanship Award for the 14 Under Girls

Macie Carlos, Bliss Bayking with Kim Clijsters

Players with the clinic participants, Judy Murray and Kim Clijters

Alexa and Justine receiving their WTA Future Stars Medals

Alexa, Justin and WTA Future Stars players with tennis legends Martina Hingis and Mary Pierce

Alexa Milliam and Justine Maneja at the Shenzhen Tennis Center

Alexa and Justine with Elina Svitolina

Justine and Alexa with Naomi Osaka

Alexa, Justine and other players with Ash Barty

Jackie Tomacruz,, Alexa Milliam and Justine Maneja with Vania King

UTP National Team bound for WTA Future Stars in China

WTA Future Stars Participants

Justine and Alexa with UTP President Jean Henri Lhuillier

LAUNCH OF THE UTP TENNIS CHALLENGE SERIES –A UTR BASED DOUBLES TOURNAMENT

The Philippines is actually one of the few countries in Southeast Asia that organizes more than 50 local junior events nationwide. While we are above par at this level, what is lacking are the tournaments for the recreational players.

Recreational players are the adult players of tennis clubs who play the game for exercise and leisure. To add more excitement for these types of players, the UTP Tennis Challenge Series through its institutional partner Cebuana Lhuillier was launched in 2018.

The idea was to group the male and female players based on their skill level and not on age to make the match balanced and more exciting. All matches are submitted to UTR so players can establish their own rating which is globally recognized.

The concept was such a hit that all UTP Tennis Challenge Series are fully booked in terms of available playing slots and at times exceedingly more than 150 players from different tennis clubs!

2019 Actifit- UTP Tennis Challenge Series in Valenzuela

2019 UTP Members and Officials Fellowship Games

2019 UTP Tennis Challenge Series in Cavite

2019 Madison Galeries - UTP Tennis Challenge Series in Brent Tennis Center

2019 UTP Tennis Challenge Series in PCA

2019 Father Suarez - UTP Tennis Challenge Series in Brent Tennis Center

Fr. Suarez UTP TCS Grouping

Jun Tabura and Jackie Tomacruz with their Gold Medals in the 8.0 Group

Romy Artajo of Chrysanthemum Tennis Club in action

Royce Mendiola and Rico Hundana with their Gold Medals in the 7.5 Group

2018 Madison Galeries - UTP Tennis Challenge Series in Hillsborugh Hampton Court

2019 Participants of the 7.5 Group: Joel Rustia, Nagi Zeitouni, Julius Tejada, Father Fernando Suarez, Roland So, Dodi Mariano, Mike Caseres and Emerson Paralejas. Also in photo are tournament organizer Vicky Barbaro, and Jackie Tomacruz of UTP.

2019 Madison Galeries - UTP Tennis Challenge Series in Hillsborough

2020 Finalists of the 8.0 Group: Runner up Rommel Canillas / Barry Lee and Champions Mong Tesorio and Jean Henri Lhuillier.

2018 La Consolacion - UTP Tennis Challenge Series

Father Fernando Suarez and Roland So are one of the participants

Ernie Dinio and partner registers for their match

Father Fernando Suarez, Raymond Suarez and Marty Ilagan sharing a moment while waiting for their match.

Capt. Glen Cunanan and Jeff Go getting ready for their match

UTP President Jean Henri Lhillier awarding the medals to the winners.

Top ladies of the Inaugural Event

Players posing with Father Suarez

SPONSORSHIP OF TEAM-BASED RECREATIONAL EVENTS

The popularity of recreational events soon caught fire with other tennis enthusiast groups and started organizing their own events. UTP, through Cebuana Lhuillier Sports, fully supports tennis events and activities.

ATT founding organizers Rommel Canillas and Barry Lee

Actor Marvin Agustin enjoying the ATT games

2019 ATT in PCA

2019 ATT 2nd Leg in Manila Polo Club

Allen Manubay at the Players Registration Booth

Players cheering for their respective teams

Participants gather for a group picture

The inaugural event in PCA was a huge success with 80 players from different tennis clubs seeing action

2018 TFP 2nd Leg in Meralco Tennis Center

2019 TFP Champion Team

2019 TFP in Brent Tennis Center

2019 TFP in Meralco Tennis Center

THE TENNIS TREASURES: RE-LAUNCH OF THE SENIORS AND LEGENDS TOURNAMENTS

In the 1970s, players starting from the age of 40, 50, and 60 above had regular Senior’s tournaments. It is a prestigious event as former national players continued their passion and love for the game. These included Filipino legends like Felicisimo Ampon and Raymundo Deyro who until their senior years played brilliantly.

More importantly, it is a big source of inspiration for young kids as they get to watch their dads play competitively alongside some of the best former national players.

Unfortunately, these tournaments were not sustained and disappeared by the late ’80s. UTP’s institutional partner, Palawan Pawnshop took the lead on this event and re-launched the “The Legends Tour”, nationwide.

2019 PPS Legends Iloilo

2019 PPS Legends San Pablo 50 and Above Champion Jackie Tomacruz, and Henry Escalante

2019 PPS Legends San Pablo 40 and Above Champion Jonathan Bernardo, and Aldrin Geluz

Winners of the 2018 PPS Legends - Cabanatuan: (L-R: Henry Escalante and Jackie Tomacruz (40 and above Doubles Champion), Lito Galenito and Aldrin Geluz (40 and above Doubles Runner-up), Mario Villasan and Jimmy Tomacruz (50 and above Doubles Champion), Ed Gata and Bebot Gardon (60 and above Doubles Champion), Bobong Velez and partner (60 and above Doubles Runner-up). Also in photo is Johnel San Vicente, Nueva Ecjia Sports Representative.)

PPS - Father Suarez Legends Cup 50 and above Champion Nasser Mortiga and Aldrin Geluz and Finalists

Jackie Tomacruz and Henry Escalante

2019 PPS Legends San Pablo 60 and Above Champions - Ernie Dinio, and Capt. Jose Remo Librodo

Winners of the 2019 PPS Legends in San Pablo

Venue of the tournament is at AERA Tennis Club, San Pablo City, Laguna

Winners of the 2018 Don Escudero Seniors Tournament

Men’s Doubles 50 and above champions Henry Escalante and Jackie Tomacruz

2019 Dunlop Legends National Open

UTP TOURNAMENT VENUES

The tennis community is blessed to have a good number of private tennis clubs in NCR and public tennis clubs in almost every major city around the country. UTP is very thankful to all the tennis clubs that have hosted its tournaments and hopes to continue its partnership once tennis resumes under the “New Normal”.

Some of the tennis clubs that have hosted UTP’s major tournaments are: Makati Sports Club, Brent Tennis Center, Meralco Tennis Center, Hillsborough Hampton Court, and Citigreen Tennis Resorts.

Brent Tennis Center

Makati Sports Club

Hillsborough Hampton Court

Meralco Tennis Center

HONORING THE TOP TIERS

https://www.cebuanalhuillierjewelry.com | https://www.facebook.com/cebuanalhuillierjewelryonline

RECOGNITION OF TOP TENNIS ATHLETES IN 2019

In January 2020, UTP made it a point to recognize the top tennis athletes who did exemplary well in 2019. Topping the roster were Francis Alcantara and Jeson Patrombon for winning the Gold Medal in the doubles event of the 2019 SEA Games in Manila.

Alex Eala was feted for winning the 2019 Australian Open Girls Doubles event. Also recognized was Raul Guerrero, a tennis enthusiast who started the Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group tennis circuit.

Left to right: Gerard Maronilla, Jean Henri Lhuillier, Raul Guerrero, Alex Eala, Francis Casey Alcantara, Mike Eala and Jackie Tomacruz

TOP 10 JUNIORS AND PROFESSIONALS

AS OF MAY 31, 2022

In the ’80s and ’90s, most of the top junior and professional players were mostly coming from NCR and nearby Luzon provinces as most of the tournaments were only held in Manila, particularly in Rizal Memorial.

Tournaments in the Visayas and Mindanao were scarce and players from these areas found it more difficult to participate in NCR due to the high cost of transportation, board, and lodging. The situation was soon recognized by Palawan Pawnshop and Cebuana Lhuillier and in the early part of the 2000s, both companies started to organize tournaments in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Such move brought the tournaments in the provinces eventually inspired more locals to pick up the sport and play competitively. As of the latest rankings of UTP dated May 2020 or before tournaments were suspended because of the pandemic, there is now a good balance of talent as the top 15 Junior boys and girls are equally distributed in NCR, Visayas, and Mindanao at 33% per region.

In the top 15 professional men’s category, 53% are from Luzon, 20% from the Visayas, 27% from Mindanao. Meanwhile, in the women’s category, 67% are from Luzon, 13% from the Visayas, and 20% from Mindanao.

This initiative is a huge success and critical in the development of grassroots tennis nationwide!

UNISEX - 10 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022)

RANK NAME POINTS LOCATION

1 ZAPATOS, Theriz Jez 200 VIS-MIN

2 ALCARDE, Diana Frances 150 VIS-MIN

3 MEJIA, Andre 100 VIS-MIN

4 MIANO, Juliano Joel 70 VIS-MIN

GIRLS - 12 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022)

1 LANZA, Adriana Elle 440 LUZ-NCR

2 OMOS, Stephanie 320 VIS-MIN

3 VILLAMEJOR, Rylie Raine 270 VIS-MIN

4 TORRECAMPO, Maristella 240 LUZ-NCR

5 JALLORINA, Loraine 200 VIS-MIN

CRUSPERO, Mitch 175 VIS-MIN

RANK NAME POINTS LOCATION

8

BOLADO, Giann Gabrielle 120 VIS-MIN JUMAWAN, Hannah 120 VIS-MIN COLLADO, Divine Claire 120 VIS-MIN CAILING, Shandy Rose 120 LUZ-NCR

CELESTE, Julienne Beatrice 100 VIS-MIN

BARRIOS, Nathalie Kyle 100 VIS-MIN

FIEL, Ma. Caroliean 100 VIS-MIN TAN, Molly Heloise 100 VIS-MIN

OLIVEROS, Xophia Ronielle 100 LUZ-NCR

9

PALIWAG,Rousey Drew 100 VIS-MIN YOUSEF, Aaisha Karim 100 VIS-MIN

6

DIAMANTE, Donna Mae 175 VIS-MIN

CAUTIVO, Julliene Kylie 175 LUZ-NCR

7 ZAPATOS, Theriz Jev 150 VIS-MIN

MANAHAN, Alexa Kate 120 VIS-MIN

8

LAGUNA, Chrystell 120 LUZ-NCR

CLARKE, Zita 120 VIS-MIN

MAMEBPED, Shanelle Lorraine 100 VIS-MIN GILBANG, Ayeesa Czusaine 100 VIS-MIN

BULANADI, Dania 75 LUZ-NCR

FANDIÑO, Carolino 75 LUZ-NCR

SUMALA, Athena GIzel 100 VIS-MIN 10

BULADA, Giann Gabrielle 75 VIS-MIN CAGAS, Vienna 75 VIS-MIN

RANK NAME POINTS LOCATION

10

CLARKE, Seanna 75 VIS-MIN GOM-OS Sherylle Ann 75 VIS-MIN SARSABA, Marian Mitch 75 VIS-MIN AGRAVANTE, Andrea Ezmee 75 VIS-MIN

GIRLS - 14 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022)

RANK NAME POINTS LOCATION

10 OMOS, Stephanie 175 VIS-MIN

GIRLS - 16 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022) 1 DIAZ, Jana Jelena 490 LUZ-NCR 2 BRODETH, Kimi 420 VIS-MIN JARATA Marielle Alexi 420 LUZ-NCR 3 PADILLA, Judy Anne 415 VIS-MIN 4 ACABO, Aj 395 VIS-MIN 5 GAURAN, Daveaine 370 VIS-MIN 6 GULAGULA, Christine 345 VIS-MIN 7

JARAN, Jasmin 250 VIS-MIN BAUTISTA, Sandra 250 LUZ-NCR 8 EMANA, Mica Ella 240 LUZ-NCR 9 PALIWAG, Shara Louise 220 VIS-MIN 10 DIVINAGRACIA, Mariahannah 200 VIS-MIN MESIONA, Marlyn Rose 200 VIS-MIN

VILLA, Queen Chanell 175 VIS-MIN ABELLERA, Elyssa 175 VIS-MIN

1 DIAZ, Jana Jelena 600 LUZ-NCR 2 GAURAN, Daveaine 520 VIS-MIN 3 MESIONA, Marlyn Rose 480 VIS-MIN 4 CRUSPERO, Mitch 315 VIS-MIN 5 BAUTISTA, Sandra 275 LUZ-NCR 6 ANSAY, Avegail Joy 225 LUZ-NCR 7 JALLORINA, Loraine 220 VIS-MIN PALIWAG, Shara Louise 220 VIS-MIN 8 GONZALES, Cielo 200 VIS-MIN 9 FIEL, Ma. Caroliean 195 VIS-MIN 10

LANZA, Adriana Elle 175 LUZ-NCR

GIRLS - 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022) 1 PADILLA, Judy Anne 560 VIS-MIN 2 BRODETH, Kimi 390 VIS-MIN

GIRLS - 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022)

RANK NAME POINTS LOCATION

3 JARATA, Marielle Alexi 365 LUZ-NCR 4 GULAGULA, Christine 345 VIS-MIN 5 ACABO, Aj 320 VIS-MIN 6 HERNANDEZ, Jiana 275 LUZ-NCR 7 COCOY, Jufe Ann 270 VIS-MIN 8 EMANA, Kaye Ann 240 LUZ-NCR 9

MILLIAM, Alexa Joy 200 VIS-MIN JARAN, Jasmin 200 VIS-MIN EMANA, Mica Ella 200 LUZ-NCR 10 DIZON, Melody Francine 175 LUZ-NCR

BOYS - 12 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022) 1 CALLAO, Rafa Aerl Lorence 440 VIS-MIN

SEPULVEDA, David Ezra 440 VIS-MIN 2 RODRIGUEZ, Adrian 250 VIS-MIN SERILLO, Armik Gabrio 250 VIS-MIN 3 URSAL, Pazz Rj 240 VIS-MIN 4 MONTENEGRO, Kurt 225 VIS-MIN

RANK NAME POINTS LOCATION

4 NAREDO, Julio Yñigo 225 LUZ-NCR 5 ABELLERA, Khian Marcus 220 LUZ-NCR 6

OLIVAREZ, Pablo III 200 LUZ-NCR ACABO, Vanizer 200 VIS-MIN 7 MORALES, Brendan Zachary 175 LUZ-NCR 8

SANTIAGO, John Rafael 150 VIS-MIN GOM-OS Sherwin Brylle 150 VIS-MIN 9 BARRERA, Clemente III 145 VIS-MIN CANOY, Carlouie 145 VIS-MIN 10

PALAROAN, Dean Jaekob 125 LUZ-NCR CAGANG, Dirk Russel 125 VIS-MIN GALLEGO, Fil Anthony 125 VIS-MIN CENTINO, Price 125 VIS-MIN LANTICSE, Deem 125 VIS-MIN

BOYS - 14 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022) 1 BRAVO, Reynante 640 VIS-MIN 2 LIM, Josh Benedict 480 VIS-MIN 3 BONA, John Kendrick 470 LUZ-NCR

RANK NAME POINTS LOCATION

1 BRAVO, Reynante 640 VIS-MIN 2 LIM, Josh Benedict 480 VIS-MIN 3 BONA, John Kendrick 470 LUZ-NCR 4 BANDALA, Pete Rafael 395 VIS-MIN 5 BARRERA, Kurt Clement 320 VIS-MIN 6 DILAO, France Vhielle 300 LUZ-NCR 7 DILAO, Frank Nhiele 275 LUZ-NCR 8 RODRIGUEZ, Adrian 225 VIS-MIN LICAYAN, Al Tristan 225 LUZ-NCR 9 MARAVILLA, Reign 210 LUZ-NCR 10 CALLAO, Rafa Aerl Lorence 180 VIS-MIN

BOYS - 16 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022) 1 GABUAT, Thomas Roddick 415 VIS-MIN 2 BONA, John Kendrick 410 LUZ-NCR 3 VILLAMAR, Kale Cyd 340 VIS-MIN 4 LIM, Josh Benedict 300 VIS-MIN 5 GOMERA, Mcleen 295 VIS-MIN 6 RAMACHO, Kirby 250 VIS-MIN

BOYS - 16 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022)

RANK NAME POINTS LOCATION

7 BARRERA, Kurt Clement 245 VIS-MIN 8 MIASCO, Carl 240 VIS-MIN 9 PASTER, Cyril 230 VIS-MIN 10

BRAVO, Reynante 225 VIS-MIN ILLUSORIO, Herman 225 VIS-MIN DILAO, France Vhielle 225 LUZ-NCR

BOYS - 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022) 1 JARATA, Marc Andrei 450 LUZ-NCR 2 CABELLON, Hans 320 VIS-MIN 3 GABUAT, Thomas Roddick 295 VIS-MIN 4 RODRIGUEZ, Pete Andre 275 VIS-MIN VILLAMAR, Kale Cyd 275 VIS-MIN 5 VELEZ, John David 240 VIS-MIN SONSONA, John Christopher 240 VIS-MIN 6 JUCUTAN, Exequiel 230 LUZ-NCR 7 MIASCO, Carl 225 VIS-MIN 8 PO, Fern Alekzander 220 VIS-MIN

BOYS - 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER (AS OF MAY 31, 2022)

RANK NAME POINTS LOCATION

NOWLAKHA, Nikhel 200 VIS-MIN ILLUSORIO, Herman 200 VIS-MIN 10 SERNA, Vince 195 VIS-MIN GOMERA, Mcleen 195 VIS-MIN

WOMENS - SINGLES (AS OF MAY 31, 2022) 1 PATRIMONIO, Anna Clarice 730 2 PATRIMONIO, Anna Christine 700 3 CAPADOCIA, Marian Jade 600 4 MANEJA, Justine 400 5 SANTOS, Alexi 310 6 IGLUPAS, Khim 300 7 CAPADOCIA, Jade Charito 280 8 LIM, Patricia 240 9 VELEZ, Patricia 230 10

ROGAN, Aileen 160 VITALIANO, Miles 160 MILLIAM, Alexa 160

MENS OPEN - SINGLES (AS OF MAY 31, 2022)

RANK NAME POINTS LOCATION 1 PATROMBON, Jeson 800 2 ANASTA, Vicente Alberto “Onyok” 600 3 ARCILLA, Johnny 560 4 OLIVAREZ, Eric Jr. 440 5 LAZARO, Leander 280 6 ALCOSEBA, Mark Anthony “Mac” 240 7

VERDAD, FRITZ 160 RUEL, Rolando Jr. 160 8

DAMIAN, Noel Jr. 120 SAARENAS, BRYAN 120 TESORIO, Kristian Joy 120 9

KINAADMAN, Charles Joshua 80 ENRIQUEZ, NORMAN 80

ALTICHE, John Marie 80 VILLAMOR, Alberto 80 GASPAR, Euridice 80 DIAZ, Raymund 80

RANK NAME POINTS LOCATION

TIAMSON, Gabriel 80

9

GELUZ, Elvin Joseph 40

GURRIA, Stefano 40

TRIA, Antonio 40

ESTANISLAO, Daniel 40

BALCE, Manuel III 40

PASCUA, Joewyn 40

EDANGGA, Jarel 80 10

CARBONILLA, Heinz Aslan 40

NOWLAKHA, Nikhel 40

TALATAYOD, Aljon 40

JUCUTAN, Exequiel 40

ATIENZA, Joel 40

THE TENNIS SPONSORS, PARTNERS, TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

https://www.arawhospitalitygroup.com

UTP INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS, CORPORATE SPONSORS, AND STAKEHOLDERS

UTP had several milestones since its inauguration and these were made possible by the generous support of its institutional partners led by Palawan Pawnshop and Cebuana Lhuillier Sports, Corporate Sponsors led by Unilab, NAVEGAR, PhilCare, Madison Galeries, DFNN, Cotton & Diaz, Mr. Freeze, Dunlop as the Official Ball Sponsor, and Chris Sports.

UTP also wishes to thank all the tennis stakeholders, players, parents, coaches, hitting partners, and ball boys for supporting its activities.

MESSAGE FROM THE SPONSORS

My warmest greetings to the Unified Tennis Philippines as you commemorate your 5th Anniversary. The creation of UTP was indeed a visionary and inclusive step towards a sustainable approach in developing the sport from the grassroots and providing opportunities to players from all levels to progress themselves.The model of UTP is one of dedication, collaboration, and dynamism. Through thesevalues, UTP is able to harness the potential inherent in our players, that in time they may rise as world-class players.

We at Unilabshare the same values with UTP. We remain committed to partner with UTP in its mission to develop and promote the sport in the Philippines. Over the course of our 77 years of existence, we have created value in collaborations, anchored on the spirit of Bayanihanand driven by a shared vision of a healthier Philippines. The goal is always to move from strength to strength. Today, in a period of uncertainty and difficulties brought by the pandemic, we are all tested and constantly pushed to our limits.I am confident that UTP will surmount the challenges, as I am deeply encouraged by UTP’s first two years prior to the pandemic, making headway and gaining traction with its multitude of programs. Thus let us take this occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the value of how much UTP has advanced its mission. Building on these gains is huge and we are more than willing to be a partnerof UTP towards pushing Philippine tennis to the next level. Together, we will emerge from the pandemic more united and move forward stronger.

More power to UTP and have a meaningful celebration.

Mr. Clinton Campos Hess CEO | UNILAB

MESSAGE FROM THE SPONSORS

Tennis has been and will always be part of my life. I grew up watching my father playing almost everyday until the day that I became an enthusiast myself. The core values such as discipline, competence and humility have molded and moved me vitally as I embarked to my ice business.

Tennis and Mr. Freeze go hand in hand as both aim to impact the lives of many, whether it be as an achiever and or a highly social responsible entrepreneur.

Having said these, hats off to Unified Tennis Philippines for establishing such platform to engage and direct the professionals and afficionados to shine through especially amidst the challenging times. Cheers!

President and CEO | Mr. Freeze

Gerry Santos

Mr. Gerry Santos, CEO of Mr. Freeze

MESSAGE FROM THE SPONSORS

Madison Galerìes, an Alabang community mall, is very happy and proud to be called on as one of the continuing sponsors of Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP). The organization’s vision, led by the founder, principal sponsor, and tennis enthusiast, Mr. Jean Henri Lhuillier, is to discover and develop new tennis talents, to support existing players, as well as to create a bigger and better tennis awareness in the country.

The success and growth of UTP would not be possible if not for the dedicated stakeholders, directors, officers, organizers and of course the participants that supported it. This pandemic may just be a bump in the road for now but the future of UTP shines bright.

Congratulations on your 5th year and may you have more programs, tournaments, and success in the coming years. Cheers!

Joel Rustia President and CEO | Madison Galeries Lifestyle Mall

MESSAGE FROM THE SPONSORS

At PhilCare, we have always defined health as not merely the absence of sickness but the state of overall wellness. Through the past 40 years, we have embarked on a journey with our clients as they discover and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

In this journey, we also have found partners like Unified Tennis Philippines, who share our advocacy and values. We are grateful and inspired by the many projects we have worked on together as we help our fellow Filipinos attain the true state of wellness.

As you achieve your five-year milestone, I can assure you of our continued help and support. Here’s to many more meaningful projects together and a unified push for smarter healthcare.

Jaeger L. Tanco President | PhilCare

UTP Board with PhilCare CEO, Mr. Jaeger Tanco

MESSAGE FROM THE SPONSORS

Happy 5th Anniversary UTP! It’s a pleasure working with you in promoting and developing tennis. We look forward to our continued partnership for many years to come.

John Christopher L. Tan Vice President

| Asiatraders Corporation

We would like to congratulate Unified Tennis Philippines on their 5th Year Anniversary.

Daisuke Ishi Vice

President | Cotton & Diaz Insurance Services, Inc

Mr. Daisuke Ishii, Sales Manager of Cotton and Diaz Insurance Brokers

Mr. Chris Tan, Vice President - Asiatraders Corporation

MESSAGE FROM THE SPONSORS

We at DFNN believe in UTP’s vision in what they are trying to achieve. Not only does the sport bring benefits to physical health but to the nation’s mental resilience, by elevating qualities such as determination, discipline and passion in the psyche of the Filipino nation.

Calvin Lim CEO | DFNN, Inc.

Mr. Calvin Lim, President and CEO of DFNN

MESSAGE FROM THE SPONSORS

Over the last five years, Unified Tennis Philippines has done a fantastic job promoting tennis in the Philippines. Navegar is proud to be a partner, and we’re thrilled to support their work in developing Filipino tennis players.

Javi Infante and The Navegar Team

Mr. Javi Infante, CEO of NAVEGAR

MESSAGE FROM THE SPONSORS

Congratulations to Unified Tennis Philippines for the 5th year anniversary milestone!

It is an honor and privilege for Chris Sports to be supporting the Filipino Tennis Players. Perseverance, consistency, and passion – UTP proved to be a remarkable group that deserves only the best, and we are committed to continue providing premium and top-grade tennis equipment

Keep bringing the ace and Chris Sports will be with you in every game!

Gilbert Tang Managing Director Chris Sports

DUNLOP - OFFICIAL TENNIS BALL OF UTP

Dunlop is the official tennis ball of all UTP sanctioned events. UTP is very grateful to AsiaTraders Corporation, Distributor of Dunlop Tennis Balls and Dunlop Tennis Rackets in the Philippines for its generous and continuous support since the founding of UTP in 2017.

Chris Tan signing contract with Jackie Tomacruz making Dunlop AO as the official ball of UTP sanctioned tournaments.

Chris Tan with PPS Tournament Director Bobby Mangunay and UTP Gen. Manager Jackie Tomacruz

OUR PARTNERS: PALAWAN PAWNSHOP / PALAWAN EXPRESS

PERA PADALA AND CEBUANA LHUILLIER TENNIS OFFICIALS

UTP gratefully acknowledges the tennis directors and officials of its institutional partners led by Palawan Pawnshop and Cebuana Lhuillier Sports.

UTP salutes the people behind each tournament led by UTP Technical Officer Pereme Alina, the team of Palawan Pawnshop headed by its Tournament Director Bobby Mangunay, the team of Cebuana Lhuillier consisting of Henry Escalante, Tournament Director for Luzon, Jun Tabura, Tournament Director for Visayas and Mindanao and Francis Hidalgo, Assistant Tournament Director for Visayas and Mindanao. These people tirelessly work on weekdays and weekends to organize tennis tournaments nationwide.

These are the officials who are looking for strategic locations in terms of functional venues, accommodation, transportation and to ensure maximum participation.

Bobby Mangunay, PPS Tournament Director, Pereme Alina, UTP Technical Supervisor and CL Tournament Director with Jackie Tomacruz

Henry Escalante, Tournament Director of CL Age Group Luzon with Jackie Tomacruz and Bella Gaskell

Francis Hidalgo, Tournament Assistant of CL for Visayas and Mindanao

Jun Tabura, Tournament Director of CL for Visayas and Mindanao

UTP officals Randy Villanueva, Jackie Tomacruz and Gerard Maronilla with PPS President Mr. Bobby Castro and PPS Tournament Director Mr. Bobby Mangunay

UTP - USPTA COACHING CERTIFICATION

UTP partnered with USPTA coach Ted Sayrahder to organize coaching programs and certification exams for local coaches. The objective is to help local coaches and trainers improve and upgrade their teaching skills in the fundamentals and techniques of the game.

This is a big step as most of the trainers in tennis clubs have not formally attended coaching programs and are teaching from experience only. At the end of each UTP – USPTA coaching program, participants take the certification exams and those who passed receive a Coaching Certificate.

Passers are also eligible to apply as a member of the USPTA which allows them access to year-round coaching modules of the USPTA.

The following members are USPTA-certified testers, who are carefully selected and trained. They organize a Certification Exam from start to finish and provide the first USPTA experience for many new members. Testers work closely with local clubs, their divisional board of directors, and the World Headquarters to help the Association grow and maintain its high standards.

USPTA Coach Ted Sayrahder conducting a seminar in PCA in 2018

USPTA Coach Ted Sayrahder conducting a seminar in PCA in 2018

Coach Ted in Citigreen Tennis Resorts in Cebu City

THE COVID-19 ERA: A CHALLENGE TO THE ECONOMY AND SPORTS COMMUNITY

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The COVID – 19 pandemic has spread with alarming speed, infecting millions, and bringing economic activity to a near-standstill as countries imposed tight restrictions on movement to halt the spread of the virus.

As the health and human toll grows, the economic damage is already evident and represents the largest economic shock the world has experienced in decades.

With regards to sports, the Games and Amusement Board, Department of Health, Philippine Sports Commission, and in accordance with the omnibus guidelines on the implementation of the community quarantine by the IATF, released a circular reiterating that non-professional sporting events such as tournaments, competitive events, and athletic meets shall not be permitted.

Since the first lockdown was imposed in the Philippines on March 15, 2020, UTP suspended all its official tennis tournaments.

MORE THAN JUST AN ORGANIZATION

UTP GIVES BACK TO THE TENNIS COMMUNITY

The underprivileged sector of the tennis community also lost their means of livelihood as tennis clubs had to close during hard lockdowns. In its own small way, UTP reached out to some of its tennis club partners to provide food and financial assistance to the hitting partners and ball boys.

UTP donates face masks and face shields for the trainers and ballboys of Makati Sports Club

UNSTOPPABLE: CONTINUING THE HUSTLE

UTP PIVOTS TO ONLINE ACTIVITIES

At the onset of the pandemic, UTP pivoted to online activities through its social media platforms with a focus to help the tennis community to stay fit while at home.

Weeks after the first lockdown on March 15, 2020, UTP launched the “Stay Home Stay Fit” campaign, a home fitness video shared by Cebuana Lhuillier’s Elite Team led by Francis Alcantara, Treat Huey, Ruben Gonzales, Johnny Arcilla, Leander Lazaro, Fritz Verdad, Macky Del Rosario, and Sebastien Lhuillier.

This was followed by a series of UTR Webinars on coaching and tennis techniques, Fitness Challenge, and podcasts by Randy Villanueva and Pereme Alina. An online newsletter was also launched to communicate significant updates on tennis.

As the pandemic lingered on in 2021, UTP in collaboration with its corporate partner PhilCare, launched two online initiatives to keep the tennis community motivated and active. First was “Tennis Talks”, a series of inspirational quotes from tennis legends, coaches, patrons, Davis Cuppers, and top national players. It also included an exclusive interview with Alex Eala by Francis Alcantara.

UTP also organized the “Tennis Walks”, a series of instructional videos by Coach Roland Kraut focused on tennis stretching exercises, drills, and techniques. The players in the video were Clarice Patrimonio, Macky Del Rosario, Gavin Kraut, Julien Lhuillier, and Iverson Zerna.

Beyond routines and exercises, its social media was also used to keep the members and players updated with the latest tennis news. This includes the highlights of the Major Grand Slams and the significant achievements of local players.

Home Fitness Video by Fritz Verdad

Home Fitness Video by Macky Del Rosario

Home Fitness Video by Leander Lazaro

Tennis Talks Online Teaser Ad

Home Fitness Video by Sebastien Lhuillier

Podcast guest

Podcast guest Podcast guest

Podcast host Tennis Talk Poster

Podcast guest Podcast guest

UTR talk

Tennis Talks Online Guest - Alex Eala

Tennis Talks Online Host - Francis Alcantara

Baseline Groundstroke Drills with Iverson Zerna

Dynamic Stretching Drills

Dynamic Stretching Drills 2

Interview with Clarice Patrimonio

Run-around drill with Clarice Patrimonio

Interview with Macky Del Rosario

Run-around drill with Macky Del Rosario

Tennis Video Drills and Techniques by Coach Roland Kraut

Traffic Light Drills with Julien Lhuillier and Gavin Kraut

UNSTOPPABLE: CONTINUING THE HUSTLE

LAUNCH OF THE UTP ONLINE STORE

In the midst of the pandemic, UTP also launched its online store that offers basic tennis and safety items to the tennis community in a more convenient, easier, and safer way. The online store sells different tennis products from Dunlop AO Balls, washable and disposable masks, face shields up to the selected Babolat tennis gears.

A RESTART OF UTP TENNIS ACTIVITIES UNDER THE NEW NORMAL

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UTP RESTARTS ITS TENNIS TOURNAMENTS

After almost two years since the first lockdown due to the COVID –19 pandemic, the Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP) is finally restarting its tennis tournaments. UTP will prioritize areas which have been deescalated by the IATF to alert level 1 which allows the resumption of sports activities.

Last March 8, 2022, UTP kicked off its tournaments with the Tennis Challenge Series, a recreational event for club level players. Furthermore, it will officially launch its Junior Age Group and other events in April under its partnership with Palawan Pawnshop and Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Tour.

UTP President Jean Henri Lhuillier said that it’s about time to enjoy the thrill of competition again and to serve the tennis community!

UTP is also proud to announce that all its sanctioned events will now be using the Universal Tennis tournament platform. Universal Tennis is the company behind the UTR Rating, a global rating system that promotes fair and competitive play across the tennis world.

All players, regardless of age, gender, geography, or skill level are rated on the same scale between 1.00 and 16.50 based on actual match results. It is recognized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). US College coaches use UTR as one of the parameters in recruiting players. Local players playing a UTP sanctioned event will now have a UTR Rating. UTP is the official partner of Universal Tennis in the Philippines.

Participants of the UTP Tennis Challenge Series led by UTP President Jean Henri Lhuillier

The UTP Tennis Challenge Series is designed for recreational players to enjoy the thrill of fair competition.

Bacolod

Iloilo

Sindangan

Participants signing up for the tournament

Dipolog

Finalists and Champions of PPS Sindangan

Finalist and Champions of PPS Bacolod Legends

Finalists and Champions of PPS Dipolog

Finalists and Champions of PPS Bacolod

Finalists and Champions of PPS Iloilo

Finalists and Champions of PPS Iloilo Legends

Finalists and Champions of PPS Iloilo Legends

Finalists and Champions of PPS Iloilo Legends

Kurt Barrera, an EDL player, wins his first 14U - Boys Championship

Participants of CLTT - Bais, Negros Oriental

Only in Bais, enjoying the shade of an old tree

Players queuing up to register

They love flashing the C sign

Bblin Fiel, an 8 year old wonder from Ormoc, Leyte

Jun Tabura, CLTT tounament director for VisMin helping players register online.

Winners of CLTT - Bais, Negros Oriental

WInners

Participants of CLTT - Ormoc, Leyte

Players and parents enjoying the matches

Spectator at rest

Mayor Richard Gomez giving an insprational talk to the players

of CLTT - Ormoc, Leyte

Participants of CLTT - Pulian, Bulacan - Girls Division

Players flashing the C sign.

Participants of CLTT - Pulilan, Bulacan - Boys Division

Winners of CLTT - Pulilan, Bulacan - Girls Division

Winners of CLTT - Pulilan, Bulacan - Boys Division

Players waiting for their matchesSantillan, a new face in the CLTT tour

Participants of CLTT - San Pablo

A tennis moment for father and son, Javi and Alfonso Infante

CLTT Restarts its Junior Tournaments in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna

Champions and Finalists of CLTT Sta. Rosa City, Laguna

Girls just wanna have fun!

The Solid North

Teo Rivas seeing action after two years

Players love UTR

Kid Jucutan back in action in CLTT - Sta. Rosa

chapter 10:

HONORING THE MEN WHO GAVE SO MUCH FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

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TRIBUTE TO RANDY VILLANUEVA, UTP FOUNDER

Message of Mr. Lito Villanueva

(Dad of Randy Villanueva)

Randywas always an active kid since he started walking. At age of 2 he learned how to ride a skateboard, not minding if he gets bruises. When I gave a tennis lesson to his older siblings, he insisted that he join the group. He was very interested, and he was pressing the coach to have extra sessions with him alone. He immediately pick up the game. When he went to school, he was always active in physical activities.

One time, he went home with dirt all over his shirt, and when I asked him what happened, he said he played and won all the marbles. He pressed to join a tennis tournament when he was nine but always came up as runner up to the son of the trainer. Later, he insisted to keep on playing with this kid until he became more competitive such that before moving over to 14 below age group tournament, he finally beat the kid. The kid’s father became so mad that he abandoned the kid crying. I took pity on him so I just brought him home.

He went on winning and losing in age group tournaments until he became the top of his group. He started representing the country abroad all-around Asia. He, at one time became the overall champion in his age category beating everyone from different, countries. It was the highlight of his early tennis career. When our home club, Rizal Sports Club was closed, we moved over to a nearer private court, The Valle Verde Tennis Club. He played there constantly.

As he became a youngster, I wanted to check on how he was doing with his tennis skills. Upon arriving in Valle Verde, I went straight to the court and Randy was nowhere to be found. His friends were watching me smiling and joking as I went around the club. Later, since they know me well , they asked me to check around the badminton court. I cannot imagine Randy playing badminton. Then I saw Randy playing the game with his crush, Chiqui Ferrer. And the rest was history, he finally married Chiqui and bore two beautiful girls.

His interest in tennis continued, organizing training for young kids and later on sponsored the “Truflex Age Group Tennis Tournamen”. The Philippine Tennis Association took cognizance for his effort to improve the Philippine team of tennis such that he was later on invited to join the board. He stayed there and did what he

needed, so that he rose to become the vice president of PHILTA. He could have risen to become President if not for some illegal manipulation of some members of the board.

This lead him to resign and actively help tennis through another organization, “Unified Tennis Philippines.” Eventually everyone in the family started playing tennis competitively and brought the enthusiasm into the next level of joining tournaments.

Just like Randy, his girls Rafa and Alessi joined age group tournaments and became part of the DLSZ tennis varsity team in grade school and in high school. In the long run, this opened doors for college scholarships in the U.S. Rafa being a recipient of an athletic scholarship at the University of North Georgia, while Alessi navigated through the academic path and received a scholarship as well at the Georgia Southern University.

Randy was also a part of Tru-Flex sports surfacing company, a family-owned business that he helped thrived in the sport surfacing industry. Since he was already an established elite tennis player, it was inevitable for him to navigate through the business side of the sport; thus, making him successful.

Randy’s love for the sport and being in the forefront of developing potential athletes, honing their craft to an optimum level who will eventually ready compete not only in the local arena but also in the International level was his battle cry. This led him to help organize Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP), a group operated by the National Lawn Tennis Association, a non-stock, non-profit, and an SEC registered sports organization. It is supported alongside with the biggest patrons and aficionados. One such patron of tennis who incidentally is the President and also the founding member of UTP is Jean Henri Lhuillier, who contributes much to the efforts of making UTP a flourishing and inclusive organization you see today. UTP stages more than 100 tournaments all year round and is supported mainly by Cebuana Lhuillier and Palawan Pawnshop.

To Randy, it was a start of a glorious dream coming to pass leaving a mark of his love for tennis. But unfortunately, his life had to come to an end much too soon. Randy will be missed by everyone. His selfless, free-spirit and joyous character will always remain in our hearts forever!

MESSAGE OF CHIQUI VILLANUEVA

(WIFE OF RANDY VILLANUEVA)

It all started in the mid 90’s when Randy and I met in Valle Verde Country Club. This was during the popularity of the sport badminton when I met and played regularly with the MWF group. Eventually his friends became regular badminton players who tagged him along to play as well. Anyone who knew Randy in the club and the tennis community would undeniably agree that he was a very good class A tennis player from the time he was in juniors doing the ITF circuit and up until his adult playing years. The temporary shift from playing tennis to badminton was just a walk in the park. In tennis lingo; it was a walkover.

Randy and I joined numerous badminton tournaments organized by the club and other badminton organizations in the metro and won a couple of trophies. We shared the same competitive spirit, a zest for life, love for sports, love for food, travel and just simply enjoyed each other’s company. That sealed the deal.

In 1999, my best friend and I got married; shortly after, we were blessed with two lovely girls whom we named Rafa and Alessi. Since we’re both into sports, it came as no surprise that our girls got into sports as well, tennis in particular. Randy paved the way for all of us to be involved in tennis. During their elementary and high school years, the girls were part of the tennis varsity teams of De La Salle Santiago Zobel, which led to opportunities for college scholarships in the U.S. Our eldest daughter Rafa graduated this May 2022 at the University of North Georgia and was offered to work for an investment company in Miami. Meanwhile, Alessi is currently a sophomore business and marketing major at Georgia Southern and decided to navigate through the academic path.

Randy being a sports surfacing contractor, played a pivotal role in scaling up the family-owned business Tru-Flex surfacing corporation to the next level. It is a testament to the products advantage and playability as opposed to its competitors in the region.

As Vice President of Philippine Tennis Association, (PHILTA) he propelled the potential of the Philippine Men’s National team to its optimum level during the Davis Cup tournaments. He was also an enabler for bringing the concept of the International Premiere Tennis League in Manila as one of the international venues to showcase top seeded players in the world.

Randy’s playbook and vision for Philippine Tennis would not have been realized without the amazing support running alongside with the biggest tennis patrons and tennis enthusiasts. This led to the organization of Unified tennis Philippines spearheaded by Jean Henri Lhuillier, a staunch patron who is the President and founding member responsible for the concerted effort of a thriving inclusive organization you see today.

Randy’s untimely death had taken aback both in the international and local tennis communities. The realization of his dream left an indelible mark not just in the sport that he was passionate about, but also touched the hearts of the people he had met along the way or had a close relationship with. His selfless, giving, and happy spirit will be greatly missed.

I love you so much my “Big Pupung”.

There’s not a day that I don’t think about you. You are the song in my heart.

Message of Rafa Villanueva

(Eldest daughter of Randy Villanueva)

My papa was one of a kind. He was always so full of life, in fact, most people would say that he was larger than life. Growing up, I was so blessed to have a dad so passionate about what he did that it was reflected so evidently in every area of his life.

From his professional life, to being my coach all throughout juniors, to being a true friend, and a loving family man. He lived such a colorful life as he touched the hearts of everyone he encountered from all walks of life. He is the epitome of hard work, love, and passion. He is everything I want to be. He embodied everything I could only hope to be.

One of the most important life lessons he taught me was that everyone works hard, but doing extra work, literally and figuratively going the extra mile is what will set you apart. That among many other lessons he has taught me has shaped my work ethic now and the person I am today. In his short life, he accomplished what most people couldn’t possibly do in two lifetimes. My papa will be my forever inspiration and my role model of how living life with passion can lead you to a life of happiness.

Message of alessi Villanueva

(youngest daughter of Randy Villanueva)

My papa was the perfect package except for one thing, he was too selfless. He didn’t want anyone to worry about him and that’s because his heart was so big and he had so much love for every single person he met. When my dad and I would have arguments or even when he would get mad at me for something, he would always apologize. Even if it was my fault. He never wanted us to fight, he never let us hold a grudge. He was the glue, not just between me and him but for my whole family. He always gave us reasons to love each other.

My dad could do it all. He can cook, sing, dance, and he can make you laugh endlessly, He can beat you in any game, and of course, play tennis like the champion he was. But what I admire the most about him was his patience, kindness, and hard work. I honestly don’t know how he did it all. He would work for hours but still have time to work on other things for me, Rafa, or my mom. But he had this never-ending patience and drive to work hard because he loved us. He loved my family, his parents, and his friends. He wanted to be able to provide everything and more. He made sure we were his priority and he never did anything without thinking about us. He was so kind and thoughtful. I couldn’t have been blessed with a greater dad. My papa was not only the best dad to me but also the best person I have ever known. There is really nobody like him in this world and there is nobody I will love more than him. There aren’t enough words in this world to describe how amazing my dad is, but he was truly a light in this dark world.

My dad is my hero and my life has been great because of him.

Randy and partner Lanlan Ruel clinching a critical victory for Cebuana Lhuilliner Tennis Team during the 2019 PCA InterClub Tournament

Randy giving a pep talk to UTP National Team bound for Indonesia

Randy in a meeting with PPS President Mr. Bobby Castro, Tournament Director Bobby Mangunay and UTP Directors.

Randy in a meeting with Mr. Chris Tang and Liza Tang of HEAD Philippines

Randy presiding over a UTP Board Meeting

TRIBUTE TO FATHER FERNANDO SUAREZ

“BORN TO SERVE”

This is the mantra of Healing Priest Father Fernando “Dho” Suarez always utters to his followers, friends, and tennis buddies. He is indeed born to serve God as a priest tending his flock and born to serve and play the game he loves, the game of tennis.

Despite his hectic schedule, holding mass all over the Philippines and abroad, he still finds the time and energy to play the game of tennis, this is a miracle in itself. His strong and unwavering faith can be seen in his tenacity to play each point as if it is championship point, hitting every down the line shots, running for every drop shots and hitting wins after another, with such precision and vigor. This is Father Dho we know and loved, his life was mirrored by his faith, miracles, and tennis.

As a priest with a gift of healing, he transcends all boundaries, healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually people from all walks of life, regardless of belief and race. This is the same with his passion and love for tennis. He encouraged and supported grass root tennis development, thru tennis development programs, tournaments, and the likes, all over the Philippines. Father Dho is the first person to say “YES” in this endeavors, all for the love of tennis, his passion for tennis is unquantifiable as his faith.

I asked him once, “Father, of all sports, why were you drawn to love tennis?” He said, “Tennis is where I find peace, all by yourself, with a singular thought of hitting the tennis ball over the other side of the net and be a better person/player win or lose, respecting the game and respecting your opponent.”

Father Suarez in action in the 2019 Father Suarez Seniors Tournament - Bukidnon

Father Suarez in action in the 2019 Father Suarez Seniors Tournament - Bukidnon

Father Suarez with participants of the tournament in Bukidnon

2019 Father Suarez Seniors Tournament - Bukidnon

The two fisted forehand is the favorite shot!

Father Suarez with tennis players from Alabang Country Club

Father Suarez with Father Jeff and friends

Father Suarez playing in a tennis club in Paris, France

INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE TENNIS LEAGUE 2014 AND 2015

Jean Henri Lhuillier with Gael Monfils (first from the left)

Jean Henri Lhuillier with Daniel Nestor

Jean Henri Lhuillier with Jo-Wilfred Tsonga

Jean Henri Lhuillier with Carlos Moya

Jean Henri Lhuillier with Treat Huey

Jean Henri Lhuillier with Ana Ivanovic`

Jean Henri Lhuillier with Goran Ivanisevic

Jean Henri Lhuillier with Mark Philippoussis

Jean Henri Lhuillier with Mark Philippoussis

Jean Henri Lhuillier with Novak Djokovic

From left to right: Stephan Lhuillier, Rafael Nadal, Sebastien Lhuillier, and Jean Henri Lhuillier during the International Premier Tennis League in 2015

Jean Henri Lhuillier with Philippine Davis Cup team members

Rafael Nadal and Sebastien Lhuillier

Cebuana Lhuillier Elite Tennis team members: Fritz Verdad, Ruben Gonzales, Sebastien Lhuillier, and Treat Huey

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