Actor invests in The Dink Loft as he champions fitness, wellness, and the sport’s growing popularity across all ages.
Actor-turned-businessman Marco Gumabao is making his move in the booming pickleball scene not just as a player, but as an entrepreneur behind the newly opened pickleball venue, The Dink Loft.
For Marco, investing in a pickleball court is more than a business decision. It is also connected to his passion for health and maintaining an active lifestyle.
“Putting up a pickleball court for a lot of people to play, para sa akin, it’s very personal and malapit sa puso ko when it comes to health and always keeping a healthy lifestyle,” he shared.
Marco admitted that he did not expect the overwhelming response from pickleball enthusiasts, especially with players showing up even in the early hours.
“Nakakagulat kasi minsan kahit 2 or 3 AM, may mga taong naglalaro and kahit ako nga mismo nahirapan ako makakuha ng court kasi grabe ang demand for pickleball court,” he said.
As pickleball continues to gain popularity, Marco believes the sport has the potential to go beyond its current hype.
“Personally, tingin ko tatagal ‘to (pickleball craze) kasi friendly siya, for all ages,” he said.
“For me, everything is all about longevity right now. How can you workout and how can you keep your body fit na pwede kang mag-sports or mag-workout for a long time. I believe pickleball is not just a craze or just a fad, I think it’s here to stay.”
The Dink Loft is another addition to Marco’s growing business ventures, which include several restaurants. He said his interest in fitness and sports is also pushing him to explore more opportunities in the industry.
“First time ko mag invest sa court kasi ang passion ko right now is fitness, sports and I’m going to Bangkok next week for Hyrox and thinking of opening a gym soon,” he shared.
For Marco, however, building a business also means taking risks and accepting that not every venture will succeed.
“Mayroon na rin akong mga businesses na hindi nag-materialize and it’s okay. Sugal naman lahat ng mga business,” he said.
Located at 7th St., Mayor Gil Fernando Ave., Brgy. Santo Niño, Marikina, The Dink Loft offers a 24-hour court for pickleball enthusiasts looking to stay active and play at any time of the day.
Aside from Marco, it is also co-owned by his childhood friends, making the venture a business built around their shared interest in sports, fitness, and an active lifestyle.
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