Miguel Lagac is determined to keep his scorching form intact as he leads the charge in the new PPS-PEPP season, headlining the Arcillas National Juniors Tennis Championships at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex and Zaballa 1 courts in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Fresh from a pair of stirring back-to-back title sweeps, the fast-rising Cebuano has emerged as the player to beat in the Group 2 tournament, sponsored by Mayor Arlene Arcillas and Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas and sanctioned by Philta and the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR).
Lagac enters the tournament, which got under way Friday, brimming with confidence and momentum after asserting dominance in both the boys’ 16- and 18-and-under singles divisions. He first ruled the MAC’s Crank It tournament in Parañaque, then replicated the feat in the recent Zopiya Morales tournament in Pampanga, where he also pocketed the doubles crown, further cementing his reputation as one of the players to watch on the circuit today.
Still, Lagac knows the road to continued supremacy will not be easy.
A deep and talented field awaits him in Sta. Rosa. In the boys’ 16-and-U category, he faces stiff competition from Rafa Monte de Ramos, Matteo Calingasan, Marcus Sio and Nicholas Andal. The premier 18-and-U division, meanwhile, features seasoned contenders Frank and France Dilao, Antonio Ng Jr., and Gavin Kraut, all capable of derailing his title drive.
To accommodate the large turnout, the organizing PPS-PEPP has split the schedule, with the boys’ divisions, including the 12-, 14-and-U, – being contested this week, while the girls’ divisions will take center stage next week.
Action is also expected to be intense in the younger age groups. Tyronne Caro, Marcus Sio, Yuan Torrente and Jfsky Berille banner a loaded 14-and-U field, while Torrente, another Pampanga champion, leads the 12-and-U cast that includes Liam Harrow, Noel Zoleta and Rafael Cablitas.
Despite the depth across divisions, much of the spotlight remains on Lagac, whose rapid rise has made him one of the most compelling stories in the long-running nationwide PPS-PEPP circuit. The program was initiated by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro to nurture raw talent, expand competitive opportunities, and help shape the country’s future tennis champions.
“This program reflects our unwavering dedication to elevating Philippine tennis,” said Castro. “By working closely with local communities, coaches and sports organizations, we strive to build a sustainable platform for growth and achievement. We believe that every serve, every rally, and every match brings us closer to a brighter, more promising future for the sport.”
