How to book a pickleball court online in the Philippines

Booking a pickleball court used to mean messaging a venue on Facebook, waiting for a reply and hoping nobody else asked for the same hour. You can now see which hours are open and pay online in a couple of minutes. Here is how it works.

Step by step

1. Find a court near you. The Bisogo map and list show venues in your city, so you can pick the one closest to where you live or work.
2. Open the venue's page. It shows photos, the address, opening hours, the courts it has and the rate per hour.
3. Pick a date and a time. Hours that are already taken are marked, so you only choose from what is actually free.
4. Enter your name and phone number so the venue knows who is coming.
5. Pay online by GCash, Maya or QR Ph. Your slot is held for you and you get a confirmation.
6. Show up at your time. If your plans change, use the link in your confirmation to manage the booking, and check the venue's cancellation terms first.

What to check before you pay

• The hours and the rate for the day you want. Some venues charge differently at peak times such as weekday evenings and weekends.
• Whether the court is indoor, covered or outdoor, which matters most in the rainy months.
• What the venue provides. Some lend paddles or sell balls, and others expect you to bring your own.
• The address and parking, which the venue page lists.

Tips for getting the hour you want

• Evenings and weekends fill first. Book those days ahead and be flexible on weekday mornings and afternoons.
• Playing with a group? Book the court first, then share the details so everyone can split the cost.
• Look at more than one venue. A court a few minutes further away often has the hour the nearest one does not.