8 Filipino Celebrities Fuel the Pickleball Boom—Here’s Your Nudge to J

Photo Credits to: Our Recess (https://www.instagram.com/p/C3FKhTpPBUo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link)

The soundtrack of 2025 might just be the crisp pop of a perforated ball. Pickleball—an easy-to-learn mash-up of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—has leapt from neighborhood courts to the celebrity circuit. The draw is simple: short games, friendly “open play” sessions, and a culture that welcomes first-timers as warmly as regulars.

In the Philippines, familiar faces are stepping in for serves and dinks, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Below, meet a few of the Filipino celebrities who’ve stepped onto court—and might inspire your first serve.

Anne Curtis

Curtis has been spotted in weekend “pickleball mode” since early 2024 and even surprised fellow celeb Heart Evangelista with a gift “for your pickleball era.” When fashion and fitness collide, expect more courtside cameos from the It’s Showtime host.

Christian Bautista

The singer tried pickleball for the first time this year and—like many beginners—was instantly hooked.

Rayver Cruz and Julie Anne San Jose

Pickleball is a doubles dream, and this power pairing dove right in. The couple joined friends for games in Quezon City, part of a growing wave of celebrity drop-ins at local clubs.

Photo Credits to: Julie Anne San Jose

John Prats and Isabel Oli-Prats

Directing by day, dinking by night. The Pratses have posted about lively open plays with their Cornerstone Entertainment family, and Isabel has even tagged a “hit up some pickleball!” night out.

Catriona Gray and Heart Evangelista

Miss Universe 2018 has embraced the sport with the poise of a champion. Gray has shared clips from brand events where she squeezed in “a few rounds of pickleball,” and this spring she hit the court with Heart Evangelista, running drills side by side.

Mimiyuuuh

True to form, the internet star tried something new—and fun. Mimiyuuuh dropped by The Pickle Yard in Parañaque, sharing why she “fell in love” with the venue and the sport’s good vibes. Hydration reminder included.