Camille Naredo

Article (news)

Tennis

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

Two contrasting stories headlined the quarterfinal results of the Palawan Open on Wednesday, May 27, as Filipino-American Christopher Papa and veteran Marian Capadocia both booked their places in the semifinals. Papa, 25, made it a successful Manila debut with a straight-sets win over Iggy Pantino, leaning heavily on a serve he described as being in fine form lately.“I’ve been serving well the last couple of weeks, so I’m trying to build off that,” he said. “I watched a little bit of his match yesterday. He had a pretty physical match, so I tried to expose some of the things I saw.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/4/14/tennis-philta-ranked-players-top-indian-netters-to-headline-2026-palawan-open-1628">Tennis: PHILTA-ranked players, top Indian netters to headline 2026 Palawan Open</a></div>The Southern California-based player is ranked 1120 in ATP Singles and 424 in doubles, and has made no secret of his desire to deepen his ties with the country. His mother grew up in Cebu, and this week marks his first time in Manila.He is currently exploring the possibility of securing a Philippine passport and representing the country on the international stage. Asked if he was open to it, Papa was direct: “Yeah.”Capadocia’s path to the semis was a far grittier one.The former national team athlete powered through a mid-match scare against third nationally ranked Steffi Aludo, dropping the second set and calling a medical timeout due to dizziness before rallying to take the match, 6-1, 5-7, 6-3.“I’m not really 100 percent on court,” she admitted after the match.Still, she dug deep in the decider, crediting sharper focus and renewed energy from life as a new mother.“Kasi galing ako sa pag-give birth, so feeling ko magaan ako this time, mas focused and mas eager,” she said. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/5/27/alex-eala-to-keep-on-working-keep-on-building-1317">Alex Eala to ‘keep on working, keep on building’</a></div>Her child, she noted, has become part of her motivation.&quot;Maka-Mama talaga siya. Minsan nagtatago ako ’pag naglalaro na ako, kasi whenever he sees me, talagang iyak siya,” Capadocia said with a smile. “When I hear him, I feel happy.”Papa will face an opponent yet to be confirmed in his semifinal, while Capadocia is set to take on 15-year-old rising star Louraine Jallorina on Friday, May 29, at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Centre.

Two contrasting stories headlined the quarterfinal results of the Palawan Open on Wednesday, May 27, as Filipino-American Christopher Papa and veteran Marian Capadocia both booked their places in the semifinals.

Two contrasting stories headlined the quarterfinal results of the Palawan Open on Wednesday, May 27, as Filipino-American Christopher Papa and veteran Marian Capadocia both booked their places in the semifinals.

Fil-Am Papa, veteran Capadocia advance to semis of Palawan Open

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

Fil-Am Papa, veteran Capadocia advance to semis of Palawan Open

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 28, 2026 10:33 PM PHT

Read More:

Christopher Papa

Marian Capadocia

Tennis

Palawan Open

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.