Marikina City, long celebrated for its shoe industry and vibrant community spirit, has found a new source of pride: the booming sport of pickleball. At the forefront of this craze is the Marikina Pickleballers Club (MPC), a community that has successfully blended the competitive thrill of the fastest-growing sport in the world with the warm, welcoming vibe Marikina is known for.
More than just a group that meets to hit a wiffle ball over a low net, the MPC is a testament to what happens when local passion meets accessible recreation. It’s where seasoned athletes find a new challenge, and absolute beginners discover a social outlet that keeps them active.
Being bitten by the Pickleball craze is always possible for this writer who happens to be what many people consider, a “natural athlete”. Still active playing basketball at 46, I used to be a varsity player for lawn tennis, and have also played competitive badminton during its heyday. Now, Pickleball is the “in thing”. What’s best, is that I get to enjoy some quality time with the wifey, who has been very supportive, and a also serious pickleball player
The Marikina Pickleballers Club is dedicated not just to playing, but to promoting the sport and fostering an inclusive environment for all skill levels. It started with founder Jason Pacaira’s curiosity about an easy-to-learn sport that was gaining popularity. Armed with just a paddle and net ordered from the orange app, Jason’s passion for pickleball sparked what would become a thriving community.
The club was founded by Jason Pacaira, originally from Davao City, envisioned creating a space where people of all ages and backgrounds could come together through friendly competition, fitness, and camaraderie. Under his leadership, the club has quickly become one of the most active pickleball communities in the metro.
Guiding the club’s training and player development is Coach Billy Arceo, a respected figure in the local pickleball scene. Known for his technical expertise and hands-on coaching style, Coach Billy plays a key role in mentoring both beginners and competitive players, helping elevate the skill level of the club’s members. Currently, Coach Billy is a resident pickleball coach at Athlete Central in Cainta, Rizal.
Founded on June 8, 2024, MPC has quickly evolved from this humble beginning into a vibrant community of pickleball enthusiasts. In a historic milestone, MPC proudly registered with the Philippine Pickleball Federation on July 4, 2024, marking a special achievement as the 100th registered club with 100 dedicated members.
“We welcome players of all levels to join our regular open play sessions every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, where the sound of pickleballs and laughter fills the evening air. Find us on Facebook and Reclub to register for open play sessions and stay updated with club activities” said MPC Founder Jason Pacaira.
The core of the MPC experience is the regular Open Play. These sessions are scheduled across various popular Marikina venues, allowing members to simply show up and rotate partners, ensuring a constant flow of different games. The sheer variety ensures that whether you’re a high-level player looking for a competitive edge or a novice just learning the “dink,” there’s always a slot for you.
Though I live in Antipolo, a good friend of mine and an active but fit senior citizen, Rafael Marquez, or Paeng to many, he invited me to try and play Pickleball in Greenland Phase 2, Marikina.
The “Welcoming and Inclusive” Vibe is the most frequently cited reason for the club’s popularity is its genuinely supportive atmosphere. Sir Jason Pacaira and Sir Francis Ninop Rodriguez, MPCs admins welcome newcomers warmly, with laugh and delicios post game food. The club actively promotes a culture where players of all skill levels are valued, respected, and inspired to grow. This is critical for pickleball, which has a very low barrier to entry but offers limitless room for skill development. It’s a place where experienced players are happy to teach, and everyone leaves the court with a few new friends.
In a city known for its commitment to local community and quality living, the Marikina Pickleballers Club perfectly captures the spirit of the modern Filipino athlete—active, social, and perpetually ready for the next game. For anyone looking to pick up a paddle, make new friends, and find a vibrant way to stay fit, the MPC courts in Marikina are waiting. Just download the app, show up, and get ready to shout “Game on!”
