Cebuana Lhuillier continues to deepen its commitment to Philippine sports as the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems prepare to compete in the Pickle Yard Conference League (PYCL), the country’s first ever professional pickleball league.
The historic entry marks another milestone for the financial services company, which has long championed the development of Filipino athletes across multiple disciplines.
Leading the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems is the company’s president and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier, whose passion for sports development has helped propel numerous Filipino athletes onto the international stage.
“For many years, Cebuana Lhuillier has believed in the power of sports to inspire communities and develop Filipino talent,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier.
“The launch of the Pickle Yard Conference League is an exciting milestone for pickleball in the Philippines, and we are proud to be part of this historic moment through the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems. Our team reflects our commitment to supporting athletes and helping elevate the sport to new heights.”
Joining him on the roster is Philippine tennis legend Johnny Arcilla, whose experience and leadership add strength to the team’s campaign in the professional league.
Completing the Gems lineup are Hakim Boloto, Arianne Gajasan, Sofia Nipa, Diana Hughes, Jessy Ysyldjre Lira and Cyrill Dinle Robeniol, forming a balanced squad poised to make a strong impression in the league’s inaugural season.
Supporting the team’s campaign is Grace Woo, team manager, who oversees the Gems’ preparations and coordination throughout the league.
Pickleball has been steadily gaining traction in the Philippines in recent years, with a growing number of courts, clubs, and community tournaments emerging across the country.
Known for its fast-paced rallies and accessibility for players of all ages, the sport has quickly developed a dedicated following among both recreational athletes and seasoned racket sport competitors.
The Cebuana Lhuillier Gems are set to open their campaign with two highly anticipated matches in March.
Their first test comes on March 7 at 4:30 p.m. against the Born2Win Forex Bulls, followed by another match-up on March 8 at 3 p.m. against the Philex Vanguards.
These early games will serve as an opportunity for the Gems to establish their rhythm and demonstrate their competitive edge in a league that gathers some of the country’s most promising pickleball talents.
