You could practically bet on bumping into former events promoter Paolo Cabalfin in the city’s hottest clubs just a decade ago, organizing parties for Venecia, Temple Bar, Nuvo, Piedra and Cuisine.

But when he injured himself preparing for a basketball exhibition, a long period of physical therapy and rehabilitation coaxed a lifestyle change, inspiring him to turn to his real passion in sports and athletics.

Impressed with the methodology and professionalism of the physical therapy, strength and conditioning he received at the Moro Lorenzo sports clinic, Cabalfin, with partner Martin Lorenzo, decided to put up his own gym, Focus Athletics, where even non-athletes could receive the kind of attentive care and support he experienced.

The one thing that empowers me is… my faith and my belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s the one thing that always keeps me in check and reminds me to be the best possible person I can be in His eyes. No one is perfect and every day is a struggle.

My faith keeps me strong so that I can focus on improving the lives of people I come across daily. This is the best way I know to say thank you for all the blessings He has given me. I am so blessed just to be alive and healthy and get to do what I love for a living.

The exercise regimen I swear by is… what is taught in our sports specific training facility Focus Athletics. This amazing training methodology was developed by Athlete’s Performance (API, which handles many of the world’s best teams and athletes) in the US, and is basically a perfect hybrid of Elite Athlete Training that was then tailor-made to cross over into general population fitness.

Think of it as the best training system sports science has to offer, formulated  with the client’s needs in mind to get you in the best possible position physically and mentally to accomplish all your goals in life.

The one sport I absolutely love is… basketball. To this day my love affair with it has not waned. I’ve been playing it since I was child. Due to conflicts with my work schedule, I find less and less time for pick up games and open tournaments. But whenever I can I get on that sacred ground they call the basketball court, I’m on it! I will play till the wheels come off.

If I’m not in gym gear, I’m in… custom-fit polo sport shirts. They fit me the best, physically and last forever. I can wear them to work, when I go out, etc. It saves me tons of time and is great for whatever I have lined up for the day.

I usually splurge on… things  I can get the most mileage out of, time-wise. My last splurge was on a SUV I had always wanted. The turbo-charged engine and huge moon roof sealed the deal. It’s perfect for work, my dog loves it and is awesome for long road trips to the beach.

One gadget I can’t live without is… my iPhone. It is the one piece of equipment I really can’t live without when it comes to everyday life.

My signature scent is… Purple Prada for Men in the day and the White Prada for Men at night. I love its versatility and, of course, the scent.

Three men’s grooming products I swear by… Kiehl’s SPF 50  sunscreen for when I’m on the beach. Pond’s Facial Wash, which I use mornings and evenings.  And the Lab series men’s moisturizer, a line solely dedicated to men, but the products don’t have strong musky scents, just a clean smell after.

A dream vacation for me is… anywhere where there is a beautiful beach to lie on and just relax. I have never been to the Maldives or the Caribbean, so those are dream spots.

What makes me happiest is… my dog Whisky. Being a first-time pet owner, I would have never imagined how it changes your life completely. It makes you more mature, caring and, overall, a better person. That first bark and run and jump into your lap when you get home makes the crappiest of days so much more bearable. He is literally a godsend. Love ya, Whisk!

Fact box

Train like a pro and visit Paolo at Focus Athletics Inc., 2259 Chino Roces Avenue (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), behind the Pancake House building. Grand opening today. Call 0920-9257893.

Top tip: You can buy Paolo’s scent at Fresh Fragrance Bar at Eastwood Mall, Alabang Town Center, Podium Mall, Abreeza Mall in Davao and Marquee Mall in Pampanga. The store carries an extensive selection of premium imported scents, from luxury designer brands to retail favorites.