Yao Ming is HUGE!

He's kinna tall-scary but I'm still thankful that I was able to see him in person. Credit goes to my husband for winning free tickets from a twitter game he just participated in the night before the actual game. I wasn't able to see him play, though. The game was between Gilas Pilipinas and Shanghai Sharks. Disclaimer: I am not a basketball fanatic nor is familiar with all the NBA players so don't expect me elaborate more about the game. For all I know, Gilas won over the Sharks in this Philippine-China Basketball Friendship Games held at SM MOA Arena.

I wasn't really that excited to watch the game, honestly, but it will be my first time to ever enter SM MOA Arena. It was impressive. They have this high-tech ticket reader and private suites with bars. My husband proudly gave me a mini tour inside before the game started. I took photos just in case your haven't tried watching in the Arena, too. Here's my husband as he excitedly entered the venue.

Here are the Premiere Suites located just above the Lower Box where we were seated. I'm not sure if I would want to be there during a concert because from where we were located, our view of the people inside the court are already small. How much more in the those suites, right?

Here's my panoramic view of the court. My shameless excuse to try my iPhone's feature. LOL.

I had to go further to get a good shot of the magnificent court and the famous big screen. Huge, isn't it? 

Food shops were also located outside the court. I was only able to check those that are found in the second floor. Much to my disappointed, wala akong nakitang Dairy Queen, unlike in Smart-Araneta. So I settled with Krispy Kreme and complained to my husband about the limited choices of food. My husband then told me that more food stations can be found on the other floors, too. Why didn't I think of that?! Here are some of the known establishments inside the Arena.

I was also able to experience buying food from a seller inside the court. You know, the ones we saw in some movies? So I bought my husband's popcorn from one of the sellers. Too bad ate was a little shy for a photo op.

I was able to check the toilets, too. It was a bit neat and spacious. Much better than Araneta's. There's even a little space I found that can be used during a nappy change - a bonus item for mums who likes to bring their little ones during the game. If you haven't known it yet, I'm a sucker for clean restrooms.

Okay, enough about the venue, let's now go to the game proper. The game started of with a little program where the emcee introduced some of the special guests: Her excellency Ma Keqing, Sec, Albert Del Rosario, Mr. Steve Montiveros, and one I wasn't able to get the name.

Yao Ming was also introduced.

And was also called to participate in the ceremonial jump ball.

Soon the players were then introduced, including my crush Gabe Norwood, (whom my husband approved of. LOL) who's so cute in calling his teammate "Marcus! Marcus! with a slang accent.

After the exchanging of tokens, the GAME happened.

By the end of the second quarter, Gilas was leading. Don't ask me about the score, spare me the humiliation for not paying attention and kindly Google it instead. Cute little kids from our Wushu National Team also performed. They were adorable! I wish I can send Dibo to join this team when he's older.

Well that's about it. I would like to thank the people behind these events for letting the Filipinos see famous NBA players in person. I still remember how pregnant I was 2 years ago while patiently waiting inline just to see Kobe, Derrick Rose and other NBA all-stars play at Araneta.

Sea's Spring Resort Hotel - A Far, Far Away Land

We had our annual company outing last week at Sea's Spring Resort Hotel located at Batangas City. Don't ask me how to get there. As far as I remember, we passed through mountains and mountains with very steep roads. Very scary. Very far. I can't seem to feel my butt after the 3-4 hours bus ride coming from Makati City. I was really hoping that the place was worth it since I have to endure another night not being able to cuddle with my sweet little dragon.

Much to my anticipation, the place was somewhat okay. Nothing extraordinary but simply okay. They had one small pool and one seawater pool that has a very deep area (for scuba lessons, I think). They also have natural hot spring pools, and my favorite, a natural bamboo sauna.

You can borrow floaters and some zorbs for free, but I never got the chance to do so. They were occupied the whole time. (Oh, hello there, Cheqmates!) Don't worry about the man who seems like he's drowning. He's fine. The water was shallow.

The one with the darker water is the seawater pool which has a shape of an 'L' that stretch a long way. Here's a view from our room's balcony.

Here's the natural hot spring pools which I got to try. I wasn't able to appreciate it since I just came out from the bamboo sauna when I took a dip in here. Bummer, I know.

Here's the famous natural bamboo sauna. They have bamboo mats inside so you can lie down and relax. I burned a lot of fats in there, haha!

Let's now take a tour inside our room. It was very well-spaced and tidy. I just had to call the house keeping a couple of time because (1) they didn't have shower towels ready upon checking in, and (2) their cold water knob was not working! I had to wait for awhile, in my soaking wet towel, while they had it fixed, because you know, I turned the hot water first and when it was too hot, It was then that I found out that, well, refer to item #2. 

Well, hello there, roommates!

Here's the view of the rooms.

The restaurant.

I think this resort is owned by a Korean. They also have KTV and some Korean Ice cream that I enjoyed very much. This is the only consolation prize that I got from this place.

Our company also celebrated our 10th year anniversary during that time. Besides frolicking in the pool, we also had some group activities like fun games, presentations and lighting of lanterns (no photos). I am glad we got to have events like this. It enabled me to meet and socialize with other people I don't get to see everyday. I am looking forward to more company outings like this in the future. *smiley face*