The Dink Loft faces complaints over bookings and alleged smoking

The Marikina pickleball center, partly owned by actor Marco Gumabao, faces complaints from a customer who says his group was moved from a reserved court so the venue’s “bosses” could use it.

A customer complaint about The Dink Loft has put the Marikina pickleball venue’s booking practices and court rules under scrutiny, after a player alleged that the venue’s “bosses” used a court his group had reserved for drinking and smoking.

Pickleball player Nicolo Narvaez said his group booked a corner court, Court 6, because its location suited their beginner players. During their scheduled game, however, he said staff told them to move to a middle court because the “bosses” wanted the corner court.

“It’s not a question but a demand,” Narvaez wrote on Threads. He said the group was not given an explanation or apology at the time.

In response, Ton Combes, who co-owns the 24/7 pickleball center with actor Marco Gumabao and another friend, said the venue had booked Courts 4, 5 and 6 from 7 PM to 10 PM for open play and a small celebration. He said Court 6 appeared available afterward, but a water spill prompted staff to ask Narvaez’s group to move.

Narvaez disputed that account, noting his group’s booking began at midnight, two hours after the venue’s reservation ended. He said customers should not bear the burden of the venue’s booking problems, and that staff never mentioned a spill when asking them to switch courts. He also alleged that the owners smoked inside the venue, despite its rules limiting e-cigarette use to designated areas.

Other commenters reported booking conflicts, including reservations that allegedly did not match the venue’s paper records, and criticized its court rules. These are individual accounts and have not been independently verified.

The complaint highlights a wider management challenge for pickleball facilities: customers need to trust that reservations and rules apply consistently, including when owners want to use the courts. As the sport grows, reliable booking practices and fair treatment will be key to earning repeat business.

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