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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Pickleball champ Lauren Mercado tours SM Active Hub

Pickleball champ Lauren Mercado tours SM Active Hub

Fil-Am teen athlete brings inspiration to SM Active Hub's growing pickleball community.

Published Apr 30, 2025 04:42 pm

At A Glance

  • The rising star kicked off the tour at SM Mall of Asia, where she led a pickleball clinic for beginners, played exhibition games, and met fans and fellow enthusiasts. The event drew families, students, and aspiring athletes who were eager to try the sport and learn from one of its most promising young players.

Filipina-American teen athlete Lauren Mercado wrapped up her SM Pickleball Power Tour with SM Supermalls, bringing the excitement of pickleball to thousands of mallgoers across Metro Manila.

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Fil-Am pickleball athlete Lauren Mercado smiles, kicking off the SM Pickleball Power Tour at SM Mall of Asia, powered by SM Active Hub.

The rising star kicked off the tour at SM Mall of Asia, where she led a pickleball clinic for beginners, played exhibition games, and met fans and fellow enthusiasts. The event drew families, students, and aspiring athletes who were eager to try the sport and learn from one of its most promising young players.

The main goal of Lauren’s tour was to help promote pickleball as a fun and inclusive sport for everyone—regardless of age or skill level. As someone who started playing as a teen, Lauren showed that the game is not only competitive but also easy to pick up, making it perfect for people looking to stay active while enjoying a new sport.

Backed by SM Active Hub, the tour highlights how SM Supermalls is supporting health and wellness by creating accessible spaces for sports and recreation. With dedicated pickleball courts now open in SM City Bicutan, SM City Sta. Mesa, and SM City Marikina, SM Active Hub provides permanent venues for pickleball clinics, community games, and tournaments—promoting a growing community of players across the country.

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A young participant tries his hand at pickleball during a fun clinic at the SM Active Hub court in SM Southmall—showing that the sport is truly for all ages.
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Players rally with intensity at the SM Active Hub Pickleball Court in SM City Marikina.
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Young athletes stay focused during an intense pickleball match at SM City Bicutan.

Lauren also brought the tour to other key SM malls, including SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Marikina, SM City Bicutan, SM Southmall, and SM Megamall, each stop engaging more people and raising awareness about the sport's benefits.

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A friendly match with fellow players at the rooftop pickleball court of SM City Sta. Mesa.
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Toby’s Sports President Toby Claudio Jr. joins the pickleball action at SM Megamall’s SM Active Hub.

Download the SM Malls Online app to register for the SM Active Hub, discover upcoming events, and enjoy exclusive perks and offers from our tenants nationwide, while being part of the largest sports revolution in the Philippines.

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