The Gentry Open Tennis Championships, which officially kicked off Friday, Oct. 10, at the world-class 2,000-seat, 11-court Tennis Center inside Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan, lured some of the bets and brightest local pro and amateur players.

“For just one year into tennis, the feeling and excitement are different compared to when I play basketball, football, or golf. The tennis community is so vibrant and welcoming,” said Anzures, who has quickly become one of the sport’s most passionate backers.

Anzures, 31, a Business Management graduate from Far Eastern University, said he was inspired by the success of Alex Eala on the global stage to invest his energy and resources into developing local tennis.

“The rise of Alex Eala on the world stage has given local tennis something to cheer for. I felt I had to do something to contribute and help further develop the sport in the local scene,” he said.

With a ₱2 million total prize pool, the Gentry Open now stands as the biggest local tennis tournament in terms of cash rewards — surpassing even the storied Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open.

“The men’s singles champion will receive ₱300,000, and we’ll be giving cash prizes and special gifts from our sponsors up to the 15th place in the main draw,” Anzures said during the tournament’s opening rites, where he led officials and guests in the ceremonial serve.

Headlining the men’s singles competition are the country’s top players AJ Lim and Eric Jed Olivarez, who banner a field that also includes veteran campaigners, rising talents, and fearless newcomers all eager to stake their claim in what is shaping up as the most anticipated local tennis event of the year.

The women’s singles division is equally competitive, led by promising stars Mikaela Vicencio and Tiffany Nocos, who will battle for the ₱100,000 champion’s purse, while the runner-up will take home ₱50,000.

The tournament, which runs until Oct. 19, is staged in partnership with Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express, and Palawan Pay as the Official Event and Tournament Partners.

“The Gentry Open is more than just a tournament — it’s a movement to elevate tennis as a mainstream sport in the Philippines,” said Anzures. “Through the support of Palawan Express and our platinum sponsors, we’re creating a stage that unites passion, performance, and purpose.”

Presented by GWM – Great Wall Motor Philippines, the Gentry Open 2025 enjoys strong backing from its platinum sponsors — Hiessēnce, Purse Maison, Mobile Cart, Primoshine, Sole Avenue, Dear Face, PDAX, Darling’s Fine Jewels, Luxetrust by Amethyst, The Watch Reserve, and Guapo Car Care Solutions. These brands share Gentry’s vision of promoting excellence, innovation, and national pride through sport.

Beyond the competition, the Gentry Open 2025 seeks to position Bulacan as an emerging hub for tennis and sports tourism — part of Anzures’ broader mission to build a sustainable platform for the sport’s growth.

“We’re not just organizing tournaments; we’re building a community and an ecosystem that supports players, coaches, and fans,” Anzures said. “My hope is that this becomes a yearly tradition that inspires the next generation of Filipino tennis champions.”