The sound of paddles hitting the ball, cheers from friends, and plenty of laughter filled Backyard Studio in Quezon City as Backyard Paddle & Co. officially opened its doors on July 18, 2026.
The grand opening brought together a lively mix of celebrities, content creators, friends, and family, turning the new pickleball destination into a celebration that felt more like a gathering of close friends than a traditional business launch.
At the center of the celebration were its owners and founders, including OPM artist Zack Tabudlo, content creator and actress Charuth, and their friend Jonathan “Jonats” Placido, whose initial idea helped bring the concept to life.
For Zack, Backyard Paddle & Co. represents an exciting step beyond music. While he has established himself through his work as an artist, he shared that he is gradually exploring the business world as another avenue where he can pursue his interests and build something of his own.
Interestingly, Zack admitted that he did not even know how to play pickleball when the idea was first introduced to him. Rather than letting that stop him, he chose to trust Jonats and believe in the vision behind the project.
That trust became part of what made the opening particularly meaningful. What started as an idea among friends had evolved into an actual space where people could gather, play, socialize, and discover pickleball for themselves.
Charuth also brought her own beginner’s perspective to the opening. She shared that she only played pickleball for the first time during the launch itself, making her experience a reflection of the welcoming approach the business hopes to offer. For her, stepping into Backyard Paddle & Co. also marks the beginning of her own journey into business.
The court quickly became the heart of the celebration as guests took turns trying out the sport. Instead of simply standing by for the formal opening, attendees were encouraged to experience the space firsthand, pick up a paddle, and join in the games.
Adding even more energy to the celebration was P-pop girl group KAIA, who joined the festivities and tried their hand at pickleball. Members of the Pencil Box Family, the creator group that includes Charuth, also came out to support the opening, making the event feel even more personal and community-driven.
Beyond the celebrity appearances, what stood out was how the new venue brought different groups of people together through a shared activity. Friends challenged one another on the court, first-time players learned the basics, and experienced players had the chance to enjoy the space with fellow enthusiasts.
Backyard Paddle & Co. is positioned as more than simply a place to play. Its opening highlighted the social side of pickleball—the opportunity to stay active while spending time with friends and meeting new people.
The choice of Backyard Studio as the setting also added to the relaxed character of the launch. The environment allowed guests to move freely between conversations, games, photos, and activities, creating an atmosphere that matched the casual and accessible nature of the sport.
For Zack, Charuth, and Jonats, the grand opening represented the realization of an idea they believed could become something bigger. For guests, it offered a first look at a new space where sports and social connection can come together.
And perhaps the most fitting part of the opening was that even some of the people behind the business were still discovering the sport themselves.
Backyard Paddle & Co. officially begins its journey with a simple invitation: pick up a paddle, step onto the court, and have fun. (with reports from Carlos Aragon)
