Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed 2026 UTP National Team Named

16 Junior tennis players to represent PH in Malaysia

With the support of Cebuana Lhuillier, Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP) has officially named the 2026 UTP National Team following the successful staging of the 2026 UTP Elite Eight Playoffs, one of the country’s premier junior tennis championships, held from June 4 to 9 in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

The tournament brought together the nation’s top 64 junior players—32 from Luzon/NCR and 32 from Visayas-Mindanao—who earned their places through a year-long series of Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Tour and UTP sanctioned tournaments.

Competing across four age-group divisions in both the Boys’ and Girls’ categories, the athletes battled for the opportunity to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

The finalists and champions in each division secured spots on the 2026 UTP National Team and will represent the country in two international tournaments in Malaysia: the first leg in Penang during the third week of November and the second leg in Perlis during the fourth week of November.

In the Girls’ Division, Arianna Tiongko and Kyla Caguioa secured spots on the 2026 UTP National Team in the 12-and-under category; Ma. Caroliean Fiel and Shaner Gabaldon in the 14-and-under; Mitchellen Alexa Cruspero and Kathlyn Bugna in the 16-and-under; and Avegail Joy Ansay and Cielo May Gonzales in the 18-and-under division.

In the Boys’ Division, Everett Enzo Niere and Val Ian Gairanod secured spots on the 2026 UTP National Team in the 12-and-under category; Cristiano Matteo Calingasan and Xian Wynn Calagos in the 14-and-under; Matthew Morris and Rafael Monte de Ramos in the 16-and-under; and Aaron Kevin Tabura and Juvels Velos in the 18-and-under division.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President of Unified Tennis Philippines and 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. 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,” said Lhuillier.

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, and was officially sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA).*