As pickleball continues to gain popularity across the Philippines, most players have become accustomed to playing in converted gyms, covered courts, and crowded indoor facilities. The sport may be booming, but the setting often feels the same.
That is precisely why the soft launch of The Prime, the newest expansion of Highland Bali Villas Resort & Spa in Highland Valley, felt like such a refreshing departure from the norm.
Held on May 29, the exclusive launch introduced guests to Highland Bali’s newest attraction—a scenic multi-purpose court designed for pickleball and other sports, set against one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Central Luzon. Rather than being surrounded by concrete structures and city traffic, players found themselves immersed in panoramic mountain views, rolling hills, and fresh provincial air that immediately transformed the sporting experience.
From the moment guests stepped onto the property, the difference was impossible to ignore.
The journey to Highland Bali itself felt like part of the experience. Nestled within the serene surroundings of Pantabangan, the resort offered a dramatic contrast to Metro Manila’s fast-paced environment. The farther guests traveled from the city, the more the scenery shifted from highways and skyscrapers to open skies and lush greenery.
By the time the program officially began, the venue had already made a strong first impression.
Around 50 guests attended the exclusive launch, including sports enthusiasts, content creators, members of the media, and celebrity personalities eager to experience the new facility firsthand. Friendly matches quickly filled the court as participants tested the surface, exchanged rallies, and enjoyed the rare opportunity to play with an uninterrupted view of Highland Valley’s natural beauty.
Among those present were Harlene Budol and Aya Fernandez, who joined fellow guests in trying out the facility and adding excitement to the afternoon’s activities.
Unlike traditional court openings, where attendees simply observe demonstrations, the event encouraged participation. Guests were invited to step onto the court, experience the playing conditions themselves, and understand what makes the venue different from the growing number of pickleball facilities around the country.
The answer quickly became obvious.
The court was not just about the game—it was about the environment surrounding it.
Every serve and volley unfolded with mountain ranges in the distance, cool breezes flowing across the playing area, and an atmosphere that felt more like a weekend retreat than a sporting event. The setting transformed what could have been a simple exhibition into a memorable outdoor experience.
During the program, Highland Bali owner Cleofe Libunao Rodriguez and Chief Operating Officer Cris Libunao shared their vision for the newest addition to the resort.
Their goal, they explained, was to create a space that combines recreation, wellness, and accessibility. While the court was designed to meet the needs of serious pickleball players, it was equally intended for families, casual visitors, and resort guests looking for a fun and active experience during their stay.
The versatility of the facility reflects that philosophy.
Beyond pickleball, the court can easily be converted for badminton, volleyball, and basketball, allowing visitors to maximize the space according to their preferred sport. This flexibility ensures that the venue remains active and welcoming to a wide range of guests rather than catering exclusively to one community.
Adding to the convenience, refreshments are available near the playing area, allowing players to cool down and recharge without leaving the venue. It is a small detail, but one that contributes to the overall resort-style experience that Highland Bali aims to deliver.
Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects announced during the launch was the facility’s affordability.
Despite offering a premium setting and high-quality court, Highland Bali has positioned the venue as an accessible destination for sports enthusiasts. Membership packages and open-play options were introduced, making it possible for both regular players and occasional visitors to enjoy the facility without the premium costs often associated with exclusive sports clubs.
As the afternoon progressed, conversations naturally shifted beyond the game itself. Guests talked about future tournaments, weekend getaways, and the growing appeal of combining sports with travel. The court had become more than a recreational facility—it had become a reason to visit Pantabangan.
By sunset, the launch had accomplished more than simply unveiling a new sports venue.
It introduced a new way of experiencing pickleball.
In a sport often associated with urban settings and indoor courts, Highland Bali’s newest facility offers something increasingly rare: space, scenery, and the opportunity to slow down while staying active.
With the opening of The Prime, Highland Bali is not just joining the country’s pickleball movement—it is creating a destination where sport, leisure, and nature come together in one unforgettable setting.
And for players looking to trade concrete walls for mountain views, that might just be the biggest win of all. (with reports from Elle Grengia)
