With the support of Cebuana Lhuillier, the Unified Tennis Philippines has named the members of its national team following the successful staging of the 2026 UTP Elite Eight Playoffs, one of the country’s premier junior tennis championships.
The tournament, held from June 4 to 9 in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, brought together 64 of the country’s top junior players —32 from Luzon/National Capital Region and 32 from Visayas/Mindanao—who earned spots through a yearlong series of UTP sanctioned tournaments and the Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Tour.
Competing across four age-group levels for both boys and girls, the young tennis players also vie for the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the international stage.
The two finalists in each division have secured spots on the 2026 UTP National Team and will represent the country in two international tournaments in Malaysia.
The first leg is in Penang during the third week of November and the second leg is in Perlis during the fourth week of November.
In the girls division, Arianna Tiongko and Kyla Caguioa secured spots in the 12-under category; Ma. Caroliean Fiel and Shaner Gabaldon in the 14-under; Mitchellen Alexa Cruspero and Kathlyn Bugna in the 16-under; and Avegail Joy Ansay and Cielo May Gonzales in the 18-under.
In the boys division, Everett Enzo Niere and Val Ian Gairanod was named in 12-under category; Cristiano Matteo Calingasan and Xian Wynn Calagos in the 14-under; Matthew Morris and Rafael Monte de Ramos in the 16-under; and Aaron Kevin Tabura and Juvels Velos in the 18-under.
UTP president Jean Henri Lhuillier, who is also the president and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, lauded the players for their dedication and achievement.
“The UTP Elite Eight Playoffs represents the culmination of a year of hard work, commitment, and excellence,” said Lhuillier.
“We are proud of all the athletes who qualified for this event and especially those who earned the opportunity to represent the Philippines internationally. We look forward to seeing them showcase their talent and sportsmanship on the global stage.”
San Carlos City has hosted the UTP Elite Eight Playoffs for four consecutive years, thanks to its excellent sports facilities and the strong support of its local government led by Mayor Rene Gustilo, Vice Mayor Criston Carmona, Congressman Jules Ledesma IV and former congressman Gerardo Valmayor Jr.
The 2026 UTP Elite Eight Playoffs is made possible through the support of Cebuana Lhuillier, Unilab, Alternatives Food Corporation, Vetnext, Navegar, STI, PhilCare, Dunlop, Madison Galeries, and Mr. Freeze.
It is sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association.
