Manila, March 20, 2009.  A post-Valentine's agreement was recently reached between the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) and the Intramuros Administration (IA). This would allow the former to spruce up a favorite site of Manila-based tennis enthusiasts, the Victoria Tennis Courts.

An original Intramuros landmark, these courts were the venue of unforgettable memories for struggling and accomplished tennis players.  These days, its name raises eyebrows, especially among people who are not aware that it existed way before an enterprising hotelier created a favorite refuge for lovers, christening it "Victoria Court."

The name and logo of this venue for trysts and dalliances, which attained high visibility across Metro Manila, eventually acquired iconic status, although its similarity with tennis lay in the allusion to "love sets" and "doubles" that apparently had nothing to contribute to the sport.  Meanwhile, the original "Victoria Courts" sank into disrepair and later into oblivion as a venue for tennis.

Soon, however, the original "Victoria Courts" will re-acquire its old reputation as a premier tennis site, thanks to tennis patrons led by the Philippine Tennis Association.  It will sport a brand new name, though, coming forward as "Intramuros Tennis Center."

The new Intramuros Tennis Center (ITC) aims to be the nation's premier tennis facility to host national and international tennis events.  Besides, it seeks to help develop and sustain PHILTA's National Tennis Development Program, while sustaining itself as it strives to provide excellent clubhouse facilities and services to all tennis enthusiasts and stakeholders at reasonable prices.

Signatories of the agreement, which runs for five years and is renewable, were Anna Maria L. Harper, Administrator of the IA, and Julito R. Villanueva, National President of PHILTA.

The Intramuros Administration, an agency under the Department of Tourism, holds office at the fifth floor, Palacio del Gobernador Building, which is located at Gen. Luna corner Soriano Street, Intramuros, Manila.

On the other hand, PHILTA, the recognized national sports association for tennis in the country, holds office at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex located at Pablo Ocampo Sr. street in Malate, Manila.  The PHILTA office could also be accessed from an alley that goes past other sports association buildings fronting Harrison Plaza along Macario Adriatico street.

PHILTA has already drawn up plans to repair and improve the former tennis courts and other facilities.  If necessary, the organization is prepared "to introduce other improvements and alter existing ones that will further enhance and beautify and render the same functional, which improvements and alterations shall however be subject to the approval and supervision of IA."