Highland Bali Villas, Resort, and Spa in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, has just given sports and wellness fans something new to look forward to. On May 29, the resort unveiled “The Prime,” an open-air sports hub that kicked off its soft launch with a pickleball event—yes, that fast-growing sport that’s a mashup of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
The launch wasn’t just about friendly competition. Comedian-actress Herlene Budol and her partner Kevin Dasom joined in on the fun, along with digital creator Ayah Flores Li, making the morning extra lively for the 50 guests who attended.
Pickleball on the Peak
Owner Cleofe "Tita Geng" Libunao Rodriguez shared her excitement, “Pickleball has become popular among people of all ages. We wanted Highland Bali to be part of that movement. The timing was just right—we launched The Prime at the peak of pickleball’s popularity.” But The Prime isn’t just for pickleball. The court is designed to easily convert for tennis and basketball, and there are plans to add even more sports and activities in the future.
A Place for All
Membership for The Prime is set at ₱1,750 per year, giving members a discounted open play fee of ₱200 (from the regular ₱300 for non-members and ₱250 for guests). Courts are open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, perfect for those who want to play with a view of the sunrise or sunset.
The Prime isn’t just about the games—there’s a mini bar for refreshments, and guests are welcome to relax, play, or just watch. According to Tita Geng, “We want our guests to arrive, settle into their rooms, grab a bite at Annada, our restaurant, and then enjoy a game, a spa session, or some water sports the next day. There’s always something to do.”
Looking Ahead
Highland Bali has plans to make pickleball events a regular feature, with hopes for celebrity tournaments and matches open to everyone—celebrities, politicians, business owners, and anyone looking for a unique getaway spot.
Tita Geng adds, “It’s my first time playing pickleball, and it’s really enjoyable, especially here at the top of the mountain with that view of the lake, forest, and sunset. There’s something special about playing in the open air—it’s relaxing and different from any other court.”
With the launch of The Prime, Highland Bali Villas, Resort and Spa continues to expand its offerings, giving guests even more reasons to enjoy their stay—whether they’re after a game, a workout, or simply a scenic spot to unwind.
