Juan At A Time

21/07/2026

Juan Thoughts: Learning to Love the D**k

I'll be honest...

If I see a ball I can drive, my first instinct is still to hit it. Hit it really hard. 🤣😂🤣

But lately, I've been challenging myself during open play to practice cross-court d***s instead of always looking for the hard shot. Not consistently. Hahaha.

And here's what I'm slowly realizing...

D**king isn't about playing safe. It's about creating opportunities.

Instead of trying to win the point immediately, you're trying to earn a better ball.

Here's what I'm practicing:

- Keep the ball low over the net.
A low ball makes it harder for your opponent to attack. Problem is it always hit the net. 😂😂😂

- Aim cross-court when possible.
The net is lower in the middle, and you have more court to work with. It also gives you a little more margin for error than d**king straight ahead.

- Be patient. Which is really hard for me. 🤣
Not every d**k should become a speed-up. Wait until your opponent gives you a ball that's a little too high, a little too deep, or sits up enough to attack.

- Speed up with a purpose.
Whether it's a flick or a faster drive from the kitchen, don't attack just because you're getting impatient. Attack because you've earned the opportunity.

I'm still far from mastering this. There are days when I forget everything I planned to practice and end up driving every ball. 😂

But every game is a chance to improve one shot at a time.

Maybe that's the lesson for me:
Don't force the winner. Build the point until the winner comes to you.

How about you?...

Are you naturally a d**ker, or are you like me who still loves to drive? 😄

"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." — Proverbs 14:29 (ESV)

Juan D**k At A Time...

17/07/2026

Juan Court Review: D**k & Shot

D**k & Shot

"May mga courts na pinupuntahan mo para lang maglaro... at may mga courts na gusto mong tambayan kahit tapos ka nang maglaro. D**k & Shot is definitely one of those places."

Located in Marikina City, D**k & Shot was one of the courts I was really excited to experience.

To be honest, hindi siya yung nearest court para sa amin.

We came all the way from Dasmariñas, Cavite, and because of Metro Manila traffic, inabot kami ng halos 3 hours sa biyahe. 😂

Habang nasa kotse, napaisip na ako...
"Worth it kaya 'to?"

After spending the day there...
Short answer? Yes.

Pagpasok pa lang, ramdam mo na agad na pinag-isipan talaga yung buong facility.

The first thing you'll notice is their 6 beautiful US Standard pickleball courts.

Maluwag ang playing area, maganda ang court layout, and everything feels clean and organized.

One thing that also stood out for me...
The ventilation.

Isa ito sa pinaka-comfortable na indoor courts na napuntahan ko. (Or semi-indoor?)

Hindi yung pakiramdam na parang nasa oven ka habang naghihintay ng next game. 😂

Good airflow, high ceiling, and overall very comfortable kahit matagal kang maglaro.

After a few games, malaking bagay talaga yung magandang ventilation.

Another thing I really appreciated...
Ang daming tambayan.

Hindi lang isang waiting area.
They have:
✔️ Air-conditioned lounge
✔️ Al fresco lounge
✔️ Covered benches beside the courts

Whether gusto mong magpahinga, kumain, makipagkwentuhan, or simply watch great games, maraming options.

And honestly...

Malaking factor talaga ang magandang tambayan.
Because pickleball isn't just about playing.

It's also about the conversations between games.
Speaking of relaxing...
They also have a café inside the facility.

Perfect for coffee, drinks, or a quick snack habang naghihintay ng next queue.

Another area that deserves recognition...
The locker and shower facilities.

Separate bathrooms for men and women.
And hindi lang basta CR.
✔️ Air-conditioned bathrooms
✔️ Hot and cold showers
✔️ Hair blower available

Those little details make a big difference, especially after long playing sessions.

They also have their own D&S Shop, where you can buy pickleball apparel and other pickleball essentials.

Always nice to see courts supporting the sport with quality gear available on-site.

Parking?
No problem.

They have a large parking area, so hindi stressful maghanap ng parking before your games.

When I visited D**k & Shot, I wasn't there for a regular open play.

I was invited by a friend for an event.

One thing I found interesting was their paddle stacking system, which helped organize the games smoothly.

Simple, efficient, and easy to follow.

But more than the facilities...
What stayed with me the most...
Were the people.

Everyone we met was welcoming.

Friendly.

Approachable.

Those kinds of communities make you want to come back.

Because at the end of the day...
People remember how a place made them feel just as much as how the courts played.

Would I travel another 3 hours because of traffic just to play there again?

Hopefully with less traffic next time... 😂

But yes.

I definitely would.

Some courts give you great games.

Some courts give you great memories.

D**k & Shot gave us both.

Juan Verdict:
If you're looking for a court that combines quality courts, excellent ventilation, comfortable lounges, clean facilities, great amenities, and an incredibly welcoming community...

D**k & Shot deserves a visit.

For me, it's one of those places that reminds you that pickleball isn't only about winning points...
It's also about enjoying the experience.

Juan game at a time.




**kAndShot

17/07/2026

Hanggang 11 nga lang daw nganiii…

TRIGGER WARNING ‼️

NYAHAHAAHAH 🤣

NAKAILANG DEUCE NA BA YAN? 🧐🛑

"Yung biglang mag-ha-hand signal sa kalaban na 15/15”

Tag mo yung kalaro mong parang ayaw nang lumabas ng court

16/07/2026

15/07/2026

“Use 70%.”

I used to hear that all the time.

“Don’t hit 100%. Use 70%.”

Honestly, I never understood it.

I thought they meant…

“Hit softer.”

Now I realize they meant something completely different.

They were telling me to stop chasing the highlight.

Because here’s what usually happens…

100% power…
Into the net.

100% power…
Long.

100% power…
One spectacular winner…
followed by several unforced errors.

Then I started watching better players.

They weren’t trying to win every shot.

They were building the point.

A deep return.

A well-placed third shot.

A patient d**k.

A crosscourt reset.

A ball to the opponent’s backhand.

A shot that creates confusion.

A shot that opens the court.

They weren’t forcing winners.

They were creating them.

That’s when “70%” finally made sense.

It’s not about holding back your power.

It’s about putting more focus on what really wins points:

Proper placement.
Smart setups.
A reliable soft game.
Consistency under pressure.
Patience to wait for the right ball.

Because pickleball isn’t about hitting the hardest shot.

It’s about making the smartest next shot.

Ironically, when you stop trying to end the rally, you start winning more of them.

So these days, my goal isn’t to swing harder.

It’s to make every shot have a purpose.

Place the ball.

Build the point.

Wait for the opportunity.

Then attack with confidence.

Less rushing. More intention.

And maybe that’s what “70%” has always meant.

Not less effort.

Just better decisions.

Placement over power.
Setup over speed.
Patience over panic.

Juan point at a time.

That’s the trying hard Juan At A Time way. 😁

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” — Proverbs 21:5 (ESV)

Photo from better chaos tournament at D**k Central PH… Thanks!

13/07/2026

Juan Mindset Monday

Everyone is fighting a battle you can’t see.

One thing pickleball has been teaching me…

Never assume you know someone’s story.

That player who keeps missing easy serves…

might have come straight from a stressful day at work.

That partner who seems unusually quiet…

might be carrying something heavy at home.

That opponent who isn’t playing like usual…

might not have slept well the night before.

Or maybe…

they’re simply trying their best while fighting a battle none of us can see.

The truth is…

It’s easy to judge someone from one game.

One missed return.

One bad decision.

One error.

But people are so much more than one game.

I’ve learned that everyone steps onto the court carrying something.

Some carry confidence.

Some carry pressure.

Some carry expectations.

Some carry pain.

Some carry burdens they never talk about.

Maybe that’s why a simple,

“Nice shot.”

“Next ball.”

“Good game.”

can mean so much more than we realize.

Because encouragement doesn’t just change a point.

Sometimes…

it changes someone’s entire day.

Life already gives us enough critics.

Maybe the pickleball court doesn’t need another one.

Maybe it needs more encouragers.

More smiles.

More paddle taps.

More reminders that it’s okay to miss.

Because one day…

it might be our turn to need that same kindness.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

You may never know what someone is carrying.

But you can always choose not to make it heavier.

Juan at a time.

12/07/2026

Better Chaos. Better Perspective.

Five days before the tournament…

My partner asked, “Game ka?”

Siyempre… game.

We had exactly one chance to prepare—an open play two days before the tournament.

To be honest, we were still figuring each other out.

Our chemistry wasn’t there yet.

But sometimes, you don’t need the perfect preparation to have a meaningful experience.

Tournament day came.

We fell short in our category.

No podium.

No medals.

But if you ask me…

I went home feeling like I still won something.

Before leaving home that morning, I prayed a simple prayer.

“Lord, tulungan Mo lang po akong ma-enjoy ang tournament. At sana po walang ma-injure.”

And looking back…

He answered that prayer.

Every match was fun.

Every rally meant something.

Every smile, fist bump, paddle tap, and “good game” reminded me why I fell in love with pickleball in the first place.

Better Chaos?

It really was… better.

Because what stood out wasn’t just the competition.

It was the community.

People cheering for each other.

Laughing together.

Encouraging strangers.

Celebrating great shots even if they came from the other side of the net.

That’s something special.

Another thing that made me smile…

A few people came up to me and said,

“Ikaw ba si Juan At A Time?”

“Binabasa ko yung mga mahahaba mong posts.”

Honestly… that meant a lot.

Thank you for taking the time to read, to encourage, and to share this journey with me.

And to everyone who supported and sponsored us, thank you for believing in us.

We may not have brought home a medal this time, but we brought home something just as valuable—experience, lessons, and even more reasons to keep improving.

Because I’ve realized…

A great tournament isn’t only measured by where you finish.

Sometimes it’s measured by the people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the joy you bring home.

We’ll keep training.

We’ll keep learning.

We’ll keep showing up.

One tournament at a time.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Some tournaments give you medals.

Some tournaments give you memories.

I’ll take both… but if I had to choose, I’d never trade the memories.

Juan at a time.

D**k Central PH
Positive Ground
Drillers MatchPoint Pickleball Courts

10/07/2026

Juan Court Review: D**k Central PH

D**k Central PH

"Parang pickleball village... kumpleto na halos lahat ng kailangan ng isang player."

Located in Maguyam, Silang, Cavite, D**k Central has become one of the most recognizable pickleball venues in the south. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first open play, someone who wants to train consistently, or an experienced player searching for quality games, this is definitely one of the courts worth checking out.

And honestly?

Pagpasok mo pa lang, mapapansin mong buhay na buhay ang pickleball community.

Players warming up.

May nagba-ball machine.

May naghihintay ng queue.

May nagkakape.

May kumakain.

Parang buong araw may buhay ang court.

The first thing you'll notice?

Six US Standard pickleball courts.

Maluwag.
Malinis.
Well-maintained.

Hindi yung feeling na siksikan kahit maraming tao ang naglalaro.

One thing I immediately appreciated:
✔️ Stable nets
✔️ Very good lighting
✔️ Good overall ventilation (For me)
✔️ Spacious playing area

One thing worth mentioning is the ventilation.
Overall, okay naman siya for me.

Since warehouse-type yung venue, may natural airflow naman and comfortable maglaro most of the day.

Syempre, we're still in the Philippines.

During the hottest part of the day, especially around noon, Court 3 and Court 6 can feel a bit warmer because of the sun.

Personally?

Hindi naman siya naging issue sa akin.

In fact... gusto ko rin naman pagpawisan.

By the afternoon and especially during evening sessions, mas comfortable na ulit yung overall playing environment.

Another thing I appreciated...
The parking.
✔️ Spacious parking area outside that can accommodate around 20 to 22 vehicles.

Malaking bagay ito lalo na kapag maraming players during open play.

Less stress sa paghahanap ng parking.

Mas maraming energy para ma-stress sa score.

One thing players will definitely appreciate...
Free drinking water.
Simple feature?
Yes.
Pero malaking tulong talaga after several games.
If gusto mo naman ng ibang drinks, available rin sila.
✔️ Coke
✔️ Gatorade
✔️ Other beverages

Hungry after playing?
No problem.
They also have several food stalls.
✔️ Smoothies
✔️ Tuhog-tuhog
✔️ Siomai
✔️ Other quick snacks
Plus...
They also have a café on the mezzanine.

Perfect place to cool down, magkape, kumain, or kwentuhan habang naghihintay ng next game.

Speaking of waiting...
Queueing is fully digital through Sports360.

Your name is also called through the microphone, making it easy to know when it's your turn.
Simple.
Organized.
Convenient.

Booking is also easy since both:
✔️ Court rentals
✔️ Open Play
can be reserved through Sports360.

One feature I really liked...

Their Loyalty Card.

Complete 9 Open Plays, and your 10th Open Play is FREE.

Simple reward...
Pero malaking bagay para sa mga regular na naglalaro.

For the facilities, they have:
For the men:
✔️ 1 Comfort Room
✔️ 1 Shower
For the women:
✔️ 1 Comfort Room
✔️ 1 Shower
Simple, clean, and convenient after long playing sessions.

Need equipment?
D**k Central also offers:
✔️ Ball machines for training
✔️ Pickleball paddles
✔️ Pickleball merchandise

Whether you're just starting or already improving your game, malaking tulong na available ang mga ito.

Their rates are also very attractive.
Court Rental
✔️ ₱500 per hour
Morning Open Play (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
✔️ ₱100 (Rainy Season Promo)
Afternoon Open Play (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
✔️ ₱100 (Rainy Season Promo)
Evening Open Play (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
✔️ ₱250

Honestly...
Yung daytime promo nila is probably one of the best values you'll find if gusto mo lang maglaro nang matagal without spending too much.

Whether you're practicing...
Playing with friends...
Or simply staying active...
Sulit talaga.

What I also appreciated was the overall atmosphere.

The place feels active.
The community feels welcoming.
Hindi lang siya court na pupuntahan mo para maglaro.

It's a place where players gather, train, improve, eat, laugh, and enjoy the sport together.

And I think that's what makes D**k Central special.

Juan Verdict:
D**k Central isn't just a place to play pickleball.
It's a place where you can easily spend the whole day.
Play.
Train.
Eat.
Relax.
Repeat.

With six US Standard courts, spacious parking, Sports360 booking, digital queueing, free drinking water, café, food stalls, ball machines, pickleball merchandise, loyalty rewards, and affordable Open Play promos, D**k Central offers a complete experience for players of all levels.

Whether you're a beginner looking for your first Open Play...
A recreational player wanting quality games...
Or someone serious about improving...
D**k Central is definitely one of the courts worth visiting.

Would I come back?

Definitely yes.

Juan game at a time.

06/07/2026

Juan Mindset Monday

Stop comparing your Chapter 2 to someone else's Chapter 20.

One of the fastest ways to lose the joy of pickleball...

is to compare your journey to someone who's been walking it a lot longer.

You see someone hitting perfect drops.

You think,
"Bakit ako hindi pa rin?"

You watch someone dominate the court.

You start questioning yourself.

"Baka hindi talaga ako para dito."

But here's what we forget...

We're comparing our first few chapters...

to someone's story that's been written for years.

We see today's highlights.

We don't see the thousands of missed serves.

The countless balls into the net.

The frustrating practices.

The tournaments they lost.

The days they wanted to quit.

Every good player you admire...

was once the beginner apologizing after every mistake.

And here's another thing we sometimes forget...

Maybe they're simply putting in more work.

Maybe they're doing drills 3 times a week.

Maybe they're joining open play twice a week.

Maybe while we're scrolling, comparing, or overthinking...

they're out there putting in one more hour of practice.

Talent is great.

But consistency has a way of catching up.

So instead of asking,

"Why am I not there yet?"

Maybe ask,

"What can I do today to become a little better than yesterday?"

Play your game.

Learn at your pace.

Celebrate small wins.

Trust the process.

Comparison steals joy.

Consistency builds confidence.

One day, someone else will look at your journey...

without knowing where you started.

"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Stop comparing. Start preparing.

Great players aren't built overnight.

They're built... Juan at a time.

05/07/2026

Juan Court Review: BAD Pickle Southwoods

BAD Pickle Southwoods

"Kung may pickleball court na parang premium sports lounge... ito na siguro 'yun." 😄😁😄

Located inside Southwoods Industrial Park, Carmona, Cavite, BAD Pickle is one of the newer pickleball venues in the south. The court is housed inside what looks like a spacious warehouse, giving it that clean industrial vibe while still feeling bright, organized, and comfortable.

And honestly?

Pagpasok mo pa lang, ramdam mo na agad na pinag-isipan talaga yung experience ng players not just the courts, but everything around it.

The first thing you'll notice?

Seven beautiful indoor pickleball courts.

Maluwag.
Malinis.
Bright.
At ang sarap lang tingnan.

Hindi yung feeling na pinilit lang magkasya ang courts sa isang warehouse.

You can move comfortably around the playing area without feeling cramped, even with multiple games happening at the same time.

One thing I immediately appreciated:
✔️ Stable nets
✔️ Very good lighting
✔️ Good ventilation
✔️ Powerful industrial fans
✔️ Lots of tables and chairs for players waiting, resting, or simply kwentuhan after games.

Even during open play, the venue still feels comfortable because of the airflow.

Another thing I appreciated...

Hydration is taken seriously.

✔️ Unlimited drinking water
✔️ Unlimited ice

Simple feature?
Yes.

Pero after several hours of pickleball, sobrang naa-appreciate mo talaga siya. 😂😂😂

No need to worry about running out of cold water after long rallies.

Another huge plus...

The comfort rooms.

Honestly, isa ito sa mga pinaka-complete na nakita kong setup.

For the men:
✔️ 3 toilets with bidet
✔️ 2 shower rooms

For the women:
✔️ 3 toilets with bidet
✔️ 2 shower rooms

Clean comfort rooms are one of those things people don't usually talk about.....until you actually need them.

And malaking plus talaga kapag complete ang facilities.

Need to rent equipment?

No problem.

✔️ Paddle rental – ₱100

Need extra balls?

✔️ Ball rental – ₱50

Perfect for beginners, travelers, or players who simply want to try the sport before investing in their own gear.

They also have their own café and smoothie bar.
Perfect after several games.

Whether gusto mo lang magkape, magpalamig with a smoothie, or reward yourself after getting targeted the whole game... may option ka. 😂
Kulang nalang may glutathione na rin ang smothie...

Another thing I appreciated...

The parking.
✔️ Spacious parking area right in front of the venue.

And if mapuno man sa harap, you can also park along the side of the road nearby.

Malaking bagay din ito, especially during busy open plays.

Less stress sa paghahanap ng parking.
Mas maraming energy para ma-stress sa score. 😂

For booking, they use Sports360, making reservations convenient.

Open Play is:
✔️ ₱300 for 4 hours

Payment is also hassle-free through:
✔️ QRPH

Queueing is digital you can see your name and picture in the screen, and your name is called through the microphone, so it's easy to know when it's your turn without constantly checking a whiteboard.

One feature that really stood out to me...

PickleCam on every court.

Yes...

Every court.

I honestly think this is one of the coolest additions.

Whether you want to review your games, save memorable rallies, analyze your shots, or simply replay that one lucky ATP you somehow made...

Having court recordings adds another level to the overall experience.

And honestly?

It's these little details that make the venue feel modern and player-focused.

What I also appreciated was the overall atmosphere.

The venue feels organized.
Everything has its place.
From the courts...
To the waiting area...
To the café...
To the facilities...
It all feels clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed.

Juan Verdict:
BAD Pickle isn't just another place to play pickleball.

It's a venue that focuses on the entire player experience.

From unlimited water and ice...
To complete shower facilities...
To PickleCam on every court...
To comfortable tambayan spaces...
To convenient parking...

You can really tell they wanted players to enjoy both the games and everything around them.

Whether you're a beginner trying the sport...
A regular open play player...
Or someone preparing for tournaments...
BAD Pickle is definitely worth adding to your list of courts to visit.

Would I come back?

Definitely yes.

Juan game at a time.