Anna Bright on Manila: “I’ve Never Felt So Much Love”

Anna Bright arrived in Manila with high expectations, having seen the reception other visitors received and heard from Filipino fans who had been sending her messages. But even with an idea of what awaited her, the American pickleball star found herself surprised by the level of warmth that greeted her throughout her visit.

“My experience in Manila was absolutely incredible. I had pretty high expectations coming here, but my expectations were absolutely blown out of the water,” Bright shared

From cheering her on during exhibition matches to lining up for high-fives and asking for hugs, fans made sure Bright felt welcome both on and off the court. Even the smaller moments left an impression, turning what could have been a series of appearances into an experience she hopes to revisit.

“The fans made me feel absolutely so loved. I’ve never felt so much love.”

Fans Who Followed Her Everywhere

That enthusiasm was not limited to a single event. Bright recalled seeing two women who had followed her from one appearance to another, turning up at events at Ayala Malls Manila Bay and returning to see her again the following day. Their dedication stood out, especially as she noticed other familiar faces throughout her stay.

“That’s a very high level of dedication and I’m so appreciative. There were multiple people that I saw at a lot of different events, and I think that makes me feel just so loved.”

For Bright, the reception meant more than the excitement surrounding a visiting athlete. She saw it as a sign that people were connecting with her work to grow pickleball, whether through her performances on court or the way she encourages others to take the sport seriously.

“I feel awesome that I’m able to inspire some people to keep playing pickleball and to take it seriously and go for it,” she said.

A Taste of the Philippines

Outside the court, Filipino hospitality extended to the dining table. Bright was eager to try local dishes, with people around her encouraging her to experience flavors she might not usually encounter back home in the United States. While some street food was unfamiliar, she welcomed the chance to try something different.

“I love experiencing new things,” she said, adding that halo-halo was her favorite discovery. Turon also made an impression on the pickleball star, who admitted she has a particular fondness for sweets.

Her visit gave her another way to experience the country beyond the crowds and the game itself. The food, the gifts, and the willingness of fans to share parts of Filipino culture all contributed to the welcome she received, leaving her with more than memories of the events she attended.

And Manila may not be the last stop in her Philippine story. With PPA Tour Asia tournaments set to bring more official pickleball competition to the region and new facilities emerging, Bright sees reasons to return as the sport continues to grow locally.

“I will definitely be back in the Philippines, 100%,” she said. “I’ll definitely be back in the Philippines within the next year.”

Bright’s visit offered a glimpse of the connection pickleball is building between athletes and fans across borders. In Manila, the support went beyond watching a familiar name play; it became an invitation to experience the people, food, and culture that make the country distinct.

For Bright, the feeling was clear: the Philippines had given her a welcome she would not soon forget, and she is already looking forward to coming back.