The Rise of Philippine Tennis: How Gentry Open Is Rallying a Growing Community Around the Sport

　　(From L-R)： Sarah Ofracio, Project Manager/Tournament Head – Gentry Timepieces & Gentry Open; Gela Villanueva, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager - Palawan Group of Companies; Miguel Mangabat, Marketing Manager - Palawan Pay; Chollo Pantera also known as Pareng Chollo – Gentry Timepieces; Patrick Rodriguez, Vice-President of Business Development – Gentry Timepieces; Hayb Anzures also known as Pareng Hayb, President & Founder - Gentry Open/Gentry Timepieces; Gerald Layug, SVP & Co-Founder – Gentry Timepieces; Coah Yatharth Bhardwarj – Skywarrior Philippines and Bobby Mangunay, Tournament Director - Palawan Pawnshop

　　For years, Philippine tennis has thrived through the dedication of players, coaches, parents, clubs, and volunteers who have kept the sport alive despite limited opportunities for large-scale competition. Today, that community is gaining fresh momentum, driven by private initiatives that are creating bigger stages for Filipino athletes to compete and grow。

　　Among those leading the charge is Hayb “Pareng Hayb” Anzures, founder of Gentry Timepieces and president of Gentry Open. What began as a personal passion has evolved into a broader commitment to helping strengthen Philippine tennis by bringing together athletes, partners, and the international tennis community under one platform。

　　That vision comes to life once again as Gentry Open 2026 returns from August 20 to 30 at the CSA Tennis Stadium in Bulacan under the theme “Building the Future of Philippine Tennis。”

　　With more than ₱3 million in total prize money, the tournament ranks among the country’s richest privately organized tennis events. For Anzures, however, the investment represents far more than rewarding champions—it is a commitment to creating opportunities for Filipino players and encouraging more young athletes to pursue the sport。

　　“Our goal has always been to help grow tennis in the Philippines,” Anzures said. “When players are given opportunities to compete at a high level, they become better athletes. When families, coaches, and partners come together behind one event, the entire community grows stronger。”

　　The tournament is expected to welcome players from India, the United States, and other parts of Asia, giving Filipino athletes valuable international exposure without the expense of traveling abroad. Organizers believe that competing against overseas players exposes local talent to different styles of play while preparing them for higher levels of competition。

　　The event will feature men’s and women’s open singles, doubles competitions, junior divisions, and amateur categories, reflecting Gentry Open’s commitment to making tennis accessible to players at every stage of their journey。

　　Hayb “Pareng Hayb” Anzures President & Founder - Gentry Open/Gentry Timepieces

　　Anzures said the decision to return to the CSA Tennis Stadium was guided by more than logistics. The venue offers the capacity to host the tournament’s growing number of participants while providing dependable playing conditions during the rainy season. More importantly, he said, it has become a place where the tennis community naturally comes together。