RDC rides pickleball boom, builds community through sport and friendship

By Edwin Rollon

The rapid rise of pickleball is creating new opportunities for sports enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike, with Rally Dink Central (RDC) emerging as a new hub for a growing community of players seeking more court time, fitness, friendship and business connections in Metro Manila.

What started as a shared passion among friends who regularly traveled together has grown into a business venture for Jona Bendo and fellow entrepreneurs Amir Mangandog, Meriam Mangandog, Nor Tamano, Hanan Abdul Jabbar and Jonas Ibarrola, who transformed a former skating rink into a dedicated pickleball facility to help meet the increasing demand for playing venues.

For Bendo, who previously operated the Red Travel Bag travel agency, the decision to establish RDC came as more people embraced the sport but struggled to find available courts amid its growing popularity.

“We used to travel regularly, kaya nabuo yung friendship namin. Naging parang family. They also play pickleball, but with the growing number of players in the community, they find it hard to book a court. Marami na ring pickleball courts around Metro Manila, pero sa dami ng players, talagang may shortage sa courts,” Bendo said.

The group eventually found a vacant warehouse through a friend and saw an opportunity to turn it into a venue that could accommodate players from different parts of the metropolis, particularly Taguig, Antipolo, Pasig and Marikina.

“Naghanap kami ng place around the metropolis until we found out through a friend about this vacant warehouse. Accessible siya para sa mga players from Taguig, Antipolo, Pasig and Marikina, kaya we decided to pour out our resources,” she added.

Housed in a 3,000-square-meter warehouse, RDC features six international-standard pickleball courts equipped with a modern ventilation system designed to provide players with a comfortable environment for recreational games, training and friendly competition.

“Hindi mainit ang court, mas mag-e-enjoy ang paglalaro,” said Amir, a Mindanaoan who now resides in Cagayan de Oro City.

Amir said his regular business trips to Manila have also given him opportunities to play pickleball, which he considers an enjoyable way to stay fit and healthy while connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

“Because of business, regular ang dating namin sa Manila at malaking bagay yung paglalaro ng pickleball to stay fit and healthy. Marami tayong kapatid na Muslim na ito na ang hobby, kaya timely itong RDC,” he added.

The facility’s opening drew celebrity friends, including actors Christopher Martin and Andrew Muhlach, who took part in an exhibition match against some of RDC’s early walk-in clients, adding excitement to the launch of the new sports destination.

Beyond providing additional court space, RDC hopes to strengthen the growing pickleball community by bringing together players of different backgrounds and skill levels in an environment that encourages fitness, camaraderie and networking.

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., RDC accommodates walk-in players and advance reservations at ₱700 per hour per court. Bookings can be made through the facility’s official social media platforms.

As pickleball continues to gain traction, Bendo is inviting more enthusiasts to discover the sport and help expand its community.

“We’re inviting all pickleball enthusiasts, amateurs or even elite players, to come to RDC and let’s enjoy camaraderie and networking,” she said.