From Dream to Legacy: Filipino-American Brings Pickleball to Manila’s

As the sun sets over Sta. Cruz, Manila, the rooftop of Manila Central Adventist Elementary School still echoes with the lively sounds of pickleball. Children gather on the court each evening, practicing their serves and chasing down volleys, carrying on what has become a growing passion in their community. Though their coach, 66-year-old Filipino-American Gelfie Napoles, has since returned to the United States, the program he started lives on—along with the dream that brought him home.

And he did. After retiring from his job as an X-ray technician in Los Angeles, Napoles traveled to Manila in February, determined to bring pickleball to underprivileged children who might never have the chance to play. What began as a simple idea grew into a thriving community effort, with local kids meeting daily to learn the sport on a borrowed rooftop court.

A Sport for All

In a sport often seen as accessible only to those who can afford high-end gear and club memberships, Napoles wanted to make sure these kids felt it belonged to them, too.

With help from his network of friends and fellow pickleball players back in the U.S., Napoles gathered donated paddles, balls, and a net. Soon, he had everything he needed to launch free lessons, transforming an ordinary school rooftop into a training ground for new talent.

A Tournament to Remember

Napoles’ time in Manila wrapped up with a tournament on February 27th, a special event marking the end of his stay and celebrating the progress the children had made. For many of the players, it was their first time competing in an organized match—a moment of pride, excitement, and proof of how far they’d come.

Fourteen-year-old Jake Inacay, one of the thirty kids Napoles trained, still feels inspired by his coach’s dedication.

And while Napoles has returned to the U.S., his impact remains.

The Program Continues

Thanks to the support of the Manila Central Adventist Church, which owns the school’s rooftop court, the pickleball program didn’t end with Napoles’ departure.