Went up the mountains to get away from it all.

It's been a very long time since I wrote a blog entry here. With the rigorous schoolwork upon us, it was only now I found time to write again on this blog. So here we go with this blog entry for today.

Last Wednesday, my blockmates in class 4T5 as well as 4H5 took a break from the rigors and struggles of the life of a senior student as we went up to the mountains to have our retreat at the Caleruega Retreat Center in Batangas. But before we got there, we had lunch at Paseo de Sta. Rosa where I spent it with my friends at Cafe Breton. Then afterwards, we all went back on the road going to Caleruega. Along the way, there was a karaoke session on the bus. I tried my best singing the songs I picked on the song list, but the microphone's modulation wasn't good. Then in the afternoon, we arrived in Caleruega. At first glance, I saw a basketball court. I said to myself, I should have brought my basketball and played while there. But, I didn't do my research on the place.Later, I'd realize even without bringing the basketball, I'd still have a great time all along.

On our first day, we were tentative on each other since most of my classmates do not know much about the people on the other block. Unlike me, where most of the guys from H5, I have met and known prior to this retreat. After a small orientation about the place, we went up to our rooms for the first time, where me and my classmates shared a room with three guys from H5. While the rest were on the other room aside from us. All the ladies were packed in one huge room. Then we went in for sessions for the rest of the day, the theme of our retreat was "Life is a journey." at the same time having meals in between those sessions along the way. Also, we had a prayer session, I took in all the time I could. First man in, last guy out. We also got to know a little bit about the people from both sides. After the session at night, we all went to our rooms and worked on retreat letters along the way.

Then on the second day, I woke up to a very cool morning. It was pretty cold outside and I found peace within me. Then we went for breakfast, dropped some of the retreat letters I was able to write and had a morning session before going for lunch. After lunch, I got a chance to roam around the area. It was a bit wet since it rained in the morning. After exploring the retreat center, we all celebrated the mass at the Transfiguration Chapel (which was near our room) where I ended up as an altar server once again. Prior to the retreat, I've been an altar server in our college since I was in second year. It was a very inspirational mass to say the least. Then afterwards, we went for snacks before going to another session. It was also a time where I got to tell them a little bit more about myself. We had a chance to hug it out with all our closest friends. Then at night, well we got to know more about each other as we met each and everyone of us for 30 seconds at a time. It was special for me, for the most part it was more of rekindling my friendship with the people in that room, with my blockmates as well as some of the guys from the other block. Then I finally got to meet the rest of the people in their block whom I've never talked to yet. It was like the weight I've been carrying all this time went away in an instant. After the session, we all rested for the day.

On the last day, I once again woke up to a very cold morning. After breakfast, I packed my things up and brought them down to the hall for the last time. I also sent in the final retreat letters I was able to write during that night. Then spent some time bonding with my blockmates as well as the guys on the other block. Then in the middle of the morning, we went in for our last session where we looked back on what happened the past couple of days. We shared our stories about the retreat. Including my own story about the retreat, where I thanked each and every one for making this retreat very special not only for me but to all of us. I also got the chance to read out a retreat letter that was addressed to both sections from one of our former professors in UST. There were times when we all shared the emotions. Even I was shocked to find out that one of our classmates would be leaving the country before we march. When it was all over, we hugged with each other, first with our friends, then with our fellow blockmates, and finally with both blocks together while singing to some nice songs to end the retreat. After lunch, we all took one last picture at the entrance of Caleruega before going back to the bus that will take us home. But before we went straight back to Manila, we bought souvenirs to bring home. Afterwards, we went back on the road while having one last karaoke session. It was funny, while stuck in the middle of Makati traffic and while most were sleeping. I pulled off a trick where I sang Parokya ni Edgar's The Ordertaker which woke everyone up and in the end got people pissed.

T5-H5: Friends forever

Little that people know, we both shared the same past where our image wasn't that good. 

Yet, it didn't stop us from being the best, and in time we all grew up and be better ladies and gentlemen. I'll always have a smile on my face that I got to meet these great people out here.

Photos ©Vin Angelo Soriano

I admit, three days may not have been enough for me to spend a good time with everyone from both my blockmates as well as the H5 PEEPS who both have been very special in my life at UST-CTHM, T5, the block who always had my back every time as well as those who made me a better person in life and H5 who were the guys who welcomed me with open arms even though I belong with another course and another block. But hey, we still have 263 days left until the 27th of March when the Thomasian journey comes to an end and a new journey begins. March 27 will once again be a special day for me. Aside from what will happen next year, it was on this day 3 years ago when my Claretian journey ended with graduation. To those who gave me a retreat letter on my envelope, Thank you so much for the kind and inspirational words. Thank you as well to the people who talked with me during the retreat, I hope we'll have time to sit down and talk again. I'll be happy to say "Hi!" and have a good talk when we see each other inside the building, around campus or anywhere we may come along with our lives. I'll never forget these people who've made my college life very special and worthwhile. I found my peace in this retreat, I left all the bad things that have been bothering me behind, and brought me some of the lessons and memories this retreat gave me. You guys made me very happy.

Life is a journey.

T5 and H5, you all made a difference in my life. I love you and thank you so much for all the great memories we shared!

K-Smoove

P.S. Do you know how to do the dougie?

MIAMI HEAT: BACK TO BACK NBA CHAMPIONS

They validated themselves and proved all the critics wrong again. The Miami Heat may have won the title last year, but they just got branded with a brand new name: Back-to-back NBA champions. After winning a thrilling seven-game series against a veteran and battle-proven team in the San Antonio Spurs.

Photos ©NBA.com

In a series where prior to Game 7, the odd games went the way of the Spurs and the even games went the way of the Heat. A series where Spurs guard Danny Green broke an NBA Finals series record with 27 three pointers in the entire series. A series where the Spurs veteran Big 3 of Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili went up against the Heat's version of the Big 3 in LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Where all the role players stepped up in big games like Miami's Ray Allen, Shane Battier, Mike Miller, Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole to San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard, Gary Neal, Danny Green, Boris Diaw and Tiago Splitter. A series where big shots and plays were made on both ends of the court.

But when it all came to Game 7, when the Spurs could not deliver the big punch to grasp the title for a fifth time in their history and when the Heat took advantage of every lapse the Spurs gave them. The Heat once again stood atop of the mountain in the basketball world. LeBron James who led the Heat in their quest for a repeat and scored at will in Game 7, was named the Finals MVP for the second straight season. The series loss for the Spurs marks their first defeat in an NBA Finals series in franchise history after coming out successful in their  four trips to the NBA Finals prior to this and once again, the home team came out on top in a Game 7 situation where no road team since the 2-3-2 format for the NBA Finals has won in Game 7.

Once again, congratulations to the Miami Heat. Your 2013 NBA Champions.

Give credit as well to the San Antonio Spurs. They fought hard in a great series like this one.

Now here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ Miami: Spurs 92-88 Heat

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 21, Duncan 20, Ginobili 13

Rebounds: Duncan 14, Leonard 10, Green 5

Assists: Parker 6, Duncan 4, Ginobili 3

Heat leaders:
Points: James 18, Wade 17, Bosh 13, Allen 13

Rebounds: James 18, Bosh 5, Haslem 4, Miller 4

Assists: James 10, Cole 4, Wade 2, Chalmers 2

GAME 2 @ Miami: Spurs 84-103 Heat

Spurs leaders:

Points: Green 17, Parker 13, Neal 10

Rebounds: Leonard 14, Duncan 11, Blair 4

Assists: Parker 5, Leonard 2, Diaw 2, McGrady 2

Heat leaders:

Points: Chalmers 19, James 17, Allen 13

Rebounds: Bosh 10, James 8, Chalmers 4, Andersen 4

Assists: James 7, Wade 6, Bosh 4

GAME 3 @ San Antonio: Heat 77-113 Spurs

Heat leaders:

Points: Wade 16, James 15, Miller 15

Rebounds: James 11, Bosh 10, Haslem 3, Battier 3, Anthony 3

Assists: Wade 5, James 5, Bosh 4

Spurs leaders:

Points: Green 27, Neal 24, Leonard 14

Rebounds: Duncan 14, Leonard 12, Splitter 5

Assists: Parker 8, Ginobili 6, Joseph 4

GAME 4 @ San Antonio: Heat 109-93 Spurs

Heat leaders:

Points: James 33, Wade 32, Bosh 20

Rebounds: Bosh 13, James 11, Wade 6

Assists: Chalmers 5, James 4, Wade 4, Cole 4

Spurs leaders:

Points: Duncan 20, Parker 15, Neal 13

Rebounds: Leonard 7, Duncan 5, Parker 4, Green 4

Assists: Parker 9, Green 4, Ginobili 2

GAME 5 @ San Antonio: Heat 104-114 Spurs

Heat leaders:

Points: James 25, Wade 25, Allen 21

Rebounds: James 6, Bosh 6, Miller 5

Assists: Wade 10, James 8, Battier 3

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 26, Ginobili 24, Green 24

Rebounds: Duncan 12, Leonard 8, Green 6

Assists: Ginobili 10, Parker 5, Diaw 3

GAME 6 @ Miami: Spurs 100-103 Heat (OT)

Spurs leaders:

Points: Duncan 30, Leonard 22, Parker 19

Rebounds: Duncan 17, Leonard 11

Assists: Parker 8, Ginobili 3, Splitter 2

Heat leaders:

Points: James 32, Chalmers 20, Wade 14

Rebounds: Bosh 11, James 10, Miller 7

Assists: James 11, Wade 4

GAME 7 @ Miami: Spurs 88-95 Heat

Spurs leaders:

Points: Duncan 24, Leonard 19, Ginobili 18

Rebounds: Leonard 16, Duncan 12, Green 5

Assists: Ginobili 5, Parker 4, Duncan 2

Heat leaders:

Points: James 37, Wade 23, Battier 18

Rebounds: James 12, Wade 10

Assists: James 4, Allen 4, Bosh 2, Chalmers 2

Heat win series 4-3

Another season of NBA basketball has come to an end, we'll see you again next season.

K-Smoove

Flood, it's a way of life for a Thomasian.

The flood has been a way of life at the University of Santo Tomas, for many years now. The campus has been flooded countless times from times of heavy rainfall or strong typhoons. There is not one year that the campus will be flooded.

For three years of my Thomasian life, I never experienced getting stranded in the flood on campus. It all changed yesterday. My classes on a Thursday always end at 1pm. However, we had to stay on campus for we were going to have a consultation for our thesis. Then came the heavy rain at around 2pm. We pushed with the consultation despite the heavy rainfall and the fact they already suspended classes at 3pm. Once were done, the flood waters continued to rise, we went up the second floor of the building. I knew they were not going to get themselves and will ride out until the floods subside. However, I took a chance and laid everything on the line. I left the building putting my own safety at some risk, and started my road through the floods to get a ride back home. Even inside the campus it was already flooding reaching above the gutter. Once I got out of the gate, it was just the start of the battle. I kept on walking, crossing the overpass to the direction of the road back home. It wasn't flooded on the gutters. But once the gutter ends on an intersection or corner where the elevation is low, the flood waters were at a high of knee-deep. I had no slippers which is better in walkig through the flood, so I braved the flood with leather shoes on and I took out my socks which was already wet. In some corners, residents set up bridges for people to cross through the road for a small price. But I didn't want to pay for that so I went through the flood. I walked from in front of UST up to Blumentritt which was 1 kilometer long for about an hour through the heavy flood. Once I got there, the flood was gone and fortunately, there was an FX bound north waiting so I took it for the ride back home, and after an hour on the road. I arrived home wet but safe.

It was an experience unlike any other. I never thought I'd be able to go through this experience in my life. As they say, you're a certified Thomasian if you get stuck on campus in heavy rain or walking through the flood which I did. However, this could be the only time I'll pull off this stunt. If we get stuck in the flood again, I'll have to ride it out inside the campus and wait for the flood waters to recede before going back home. Well, it's better to get stuck on campus than falling on a manhole that could be opened on any road in times like these.

Lesson learned: Bring slippers and my phone's charger on campus from here on out.

Walked my way through the flood, now I'm a certified Thomasian. LOL!
K-Smoove

The Heat are once again back in the NBA Finals.

This Eastern Conference Finals went the distance for the second straight year, but in the end the Miami Heat prevailed as the defending champions advance to the NBA Finals for the third straight season as they defeat the Indiana Pacers in seven games.

 Photos ©NBA

The Pacers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals after stunning their old rivals in the New York Knicks in 6 games. Led by their All-Star frontcourt of Paul George, David West and Roy Hibbert as well as players like George Hill and Lance Stephenson. The Pacers pushed the defending champions to the limit in a series to remember in this year's playoffs. Unfortunately, they lost their "Gold Swagger" in Game 7 as the Heat took them out of the building to end their bid to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since Pacer great Reggie Miller led the franchise to their lone trip back in 2000. They played their hearts out in this series, but they were unable to blow the knockout punch that would dethrone the champions out.

The Heat returned to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third straight year after dispatching the Chicago Bulls in 5 games. They were pushed to their very limits, but managed to keep their composure and dealt the knockout punch of the series. MVP LeBron James in this series showed his play during his days as with the Cleveland Cavaliers carrying the champions when they need it the most. Despite the struggles of his Big 3 companions in Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. The Heat managed to stave off the momentum the Pacers came into Game 7. Now, they'll have a shot to get back-to-back championships.

The Heat will now face the Western Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals who dispatched the Memphis Grizzlies in a four game sweep in the Western Conference Finals.

As for the Pacers, their impressive run in the NBA Playoffs comes to a heartbreaking end. They will learn from this series, especially with a team stacked with young talent. They have proven that they are one of the elite teams the Eastern Conference has to offer. I cannot wait to see the Pacers play with my team the Houston Rockets this October 10 when the NBA comes to the Philippines and play a pre-season game here.

Now here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ Miami: Pacers 102-103 Heat (OT)

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 27, West 26, Hibbert 19

Rebounds: Stephenson 12, Hibbert 9, T. Hansbrough 6

Assists: Hill 7, George 5, Stephenson 3

Heat leaders:

Points: James 30, Wade 19, Bosh 17

Rebounds: James 10, Haslem 7, Wade 6

Assists: James 10, Wade 5, Cole 4

GAME 2 @ Miami: Pacers 97-93 Heat

Pacers leaders:

Points: Hibbert 29, George 22, Hill 18

Rebounds: Hibbert 10, Stephenson 8, West 7

Assists: George 6, Stephenson 5, Hill 3, West 3

Heat leaders:

Points: James 36, Bosh 17, Wade 14

Rebounds: James 8, Wade 6, Bosh 5

Assists: Wade 5, Chalmers 5, James 3

GAME 3 @ Indiana: Heat 114-96 Pacers

Heat leaders:

Points: James 22, Wade 18, Haslem 17

Rebounds: Haslem 6, Andersen 6, James 4

Assists: Wade 8, Chalmers 4, James 3

Pacers leaders:

Points: West 21, Hibbert 20, Hill 19

Rebounds: Hibbert 17, West 10, T. Hansbrough 5

Assists: George 8, Hill 2, Stephenson 2

GAME 4 @ Indiana: Heat 92-99 Pacers

Heat leaders:

Points: James 24, Chalmers 20, Wade 16

Rebounds: Allen 7, James 6

Assists: Wade 6, James 5

Pacers leaders:

Points: Hibbert 23, Stephenson 20, Hill 19

Rebounds: Hibbert 12, West 12, Young 6

Assists: Hill 6, George 3, Augustin 3

GAME 5 @ Miami: Pacers 79-90 Heat

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 27, Hibbert 22, West 17

Rebounds: George 11, West 8, Hibbert 6

Assists: George 5, Hill 4, Stephenson 2

Heat leaders:

Points: James 30, Haslem 16, Chalmers 12
Rebounds: James 8, Wade 6, Bosh 5

Assists: James 6, Chalmers 6, Wade 4

GAME 6 @ Indiana: Heat 77-91 Pacers

Heat leaders:

Points: James 29, Wade 10, Chalmers 10

Rebounds: Anthony 8, James 7, Bosh 4

Assists: James 6, Cole 2

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 28, Hibbert 24, Hill 16

Rebounds: West 14, Stephenson 12, Hibbert 11

Assists: Hill 6, George 5, West 4, Stephenson 4

GAME 7 @ Miami: Pacers 76-99 Heat

Pacers leaders:

Points: Hibbert 18, West 14, Hill 13

Rebounds: Hibbert 8, George 7, West 6, Stephenson 6

Assists: Stephenson 5, George 4

Heat leaders:

Points: James 32, Wade 21, Allen 10

Rebounds: Wade 9, James 8, Bosh 8

Assists: James 4, Cole 4

Heat win series 4-3

K-Smoove

Windup of the summer. The Final Push begins.

Summer 2013, arguably the last summer vacation I'll experience as a student is in it's conclusion. It's been one nice summer for me. Going to different places like Subic Bay, Antipolo and Batangas to discover good places and have a good time exploring in the open road. I also got the chance to earn some cash along the way with some side jobs I took, my birthday coming along at the end of April, hanging out with my friends in places like SM and TriNoma, and the never ending watch of the 2013 NBA Playoffs as my team the Houston Rockets made a nice but short-lived run in the playoffs including a win in a do or die game on my birthday. Aside from the Rockets, it's been a nice playoffs with upsets and great matchups from the 1st round to the Conference Finals. As we know it will be a great conclusion to the East Finals as the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat will battle for the right to face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. 

I also got to meet members of Red Nation (Fans of the Houston Rockets FYI) from all over the world from those living in Texas who are arguably the proudest members of Red Nation in the entire world, as well as those from other places around the world, places like Australia, Taiwan (Jeremy Lin nation), even Norway which my friend there told me has not much of a basketball following like we have here in the Philippines. More on the Rockets, I can't wait for them to come over to the Philippines to play a pre-season game here when they and the Pacers play this October 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena. I will not miss the opportunity to meet the Rockets players like James Harden, Jeremy Lin, Chandler Parsons, Omer Asik, Patrick Beverley and who knows they could bring in a big name in the free agency. Well it will also be fun to meet the Pacers, players like Paul George, David West, Roy Hibbert, George Hill and the rest of this team who have gone all the way to the East Finals against the defending champions and have a shot at going to the NBA Finals.

Well, summer is winding down and "The Final Push" will begin in hours time. The España journey will continue. Two more semesters to work on to complete the mission, a semester of thesis and a semester of practicum. I am as determined as anyone to FINISH STRONG in this last push of my school life before heading out to the field and get a job somewhere along the line. Of course, it will be the last semester I will get to see my blockmates on a regular basis since we'll be off to different ways come the time we take our practicum so I have to make each moment count. 

The journey is about to end, and after it another one begins. It will be one hell of a ride for sure. But just like what I have been doing for the past three years. I'll sit back and enjoy the moments while it lasts. SENIOR YEAR in the words of Mike Goldberg, HERE WE GO!

I also would like to take a moment to remember my CTHM batchmate who passed away last Thursday, John Sinas. Though I never got to meet him more in person when he was around. It's still tough on the heart to see a batchmate pass away early in his life. We hope you are in a better place man in the heaven's above and we will see you again when the time comes.

THE FINAL PUSH STARTS NOW!
K-Smoove

Spurs get "SWEEP" revenge to advance to the NBA Finals.

Two years ago, the San Antonio Spurs suffered a tough defeat in the first round against the Memphis Grizzlies, this year they got their redemption as they knocked off the Grizzlies in a sweep of the Western Conference Finals to advance to the NBA Finals for the fifth time in franchise history.

Photos ©NBA

The Grizzlies pulled off their best season in franchise history as they made the trip to the Western Conference Finals for the first time after knocking out the reigning West champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. Led by Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Tony Allen. The Grizzlies used defense to their advantage in making the trip this season. Unfortunately for them, they suffered a ton of setbacks that led them getting swept by the Spurs. Their offense struggled throughout the series as they struggled shooting the ball on all ends from three point shooting to free throw shooting. Randolph also got a handful against the Spurs defense which have gone back up to the level we used to see them of. Add to that, they suffered a couple of heartbreaking overtime defeats in this series. To put everything in place, they lost to a better team.

The Spurs came in the series after knocking out the Golden State Warriors in 6 games, and came out swinging in the series, blowing the Grizzlies in Game 1, then pulling off two straight overtime victories before sweeping the brooms in Game 4. The Spurs are a better offensive team than what we have seen from them in previous years as defense had been a staple for this franchise. Tony Parker shot magnificently throughout the series and the Spurs were able to dissect the Grizzlies defense apart with tough screens and great ball movement, something we haven't seen from them most of the times. Add to that, the shot the free throws well throughout the series. Tim Duncan turned back the clock with his near unstoppable plays. Players like Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Tiago Splitter have also contributed big in this run for them. Now they return to the NBA Finals where they won it all in four trips, the last one was in 2007. They'll be ready to bring the title back to the Alamo City, six years after they last won it.

The Spurs will face the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers. The series currently stands with the Heat leading 2-1.

As for the Grizzlies, their magnificent playoff comes to a tough and bitter end. Now the question looms on the players that will stay and go for this franchise. Even the fate of head coach Lionel Hollins is in question. They had a great run this year, but they lost to a better team.

Here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ San Antonio: Grizzlies 85-103 Spurs

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Pondexter 17, Gasol 15, Conley 14

Rebounds: Gasol 7, Randolph 7

Assists: Conley 8, Bayless 5

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 20, Leonard 18, Green 16

Rebounds: Duncan 10, Ginobili 5, Green 4

Assists: Parker 9, Duncan 4, Ginobili 3, Green 3

GAME 2 @ San Antonio: Grizzlies 89-93 Spurs (OT)

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Conley 18, Bayless 18, Randolph 15

Rebounds: Randolph 18, Gasol 14, Pondexter 9

Assists: Conley 4, Gasol 4, Randolph 3, Bayless 3

Spurs leaders:

Points: Duncan 17, Parker 15, Splitter 14

Rebounds: Duncan 9, Leonard 9, Parker 5, Joseph 5

Assists: Parker 18, Ginobili 4, Duncan 3

GAME 3 @ Memphis: Spurs 104-93 Grizzlies (OT)

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 26, Duncan 24, Ginobili 19

Rebounds: Leonard 11, Duncan 10, Ginobili 7

Assists: Parker 5, Duncan 5, Ginobili 5

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Conley 20, Gasol 16, Pondexter 15

Rebounds: Randolph 15, Gasol 14, Allen 7

Assists: Gasol 5, Conley 4, Bayless 4

GAME 4 @ Memphis: Spurs 93-86 Grizzlies

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 37, Duncan 15, Leonard 11

Rebounds: Duncan 8, Ginobili 6, Leonard 6

Assists: Parker 6, Ginobili 6, Splitter 3, Diaw 3

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Pondexter 22, Gasol 14, Randolph 13

Rebounds: Randolph 8, Allen 8, Conley 6, Arthur 6

Assists: Conley 7, Gasol 5

Spurs win series 4-0

K-Smoove

On the highway to nowhere. The Subic Bay Chronicles.

Last Friday, my family went on a trip up north to Subic Bay in Zambales. But, before we got to the place we will be staying in, a lot of things happened on the long trip from Manila to Subic Bay. In Bulacan, we saw the ongoing construction of the Philippine Arena along Bocaue.

We also got to savor the scenery along NLEx. But as soon as we got into our exit in NLEx in Pampanga, we got into a hailstorm, that's right hail fell from the skies accompanied by lightning that was very close to the road. As soon as we got into the SCTEX, the weather improved and we got to see the sights and scenery of the SCTEx as well as the Subic-Tipo Expressway.

We arrived in Subic Bay in the late afternoon, and we had dinner at a Jollibee there since I wanted to eat their Amazing Aloha burger once again, four years after it last came back for a limited offering. Afterwards, we started the trip to the place were staying in near the airport. We went around circles in the area without knowing we passed the place we were supposed to turn to get to our destination thrice. Since the car was running short on gas we took a detour to gas up. Then finally on the fourth attempt, we got to the right place and arrived at the place we're staying. As soon as we got into the house, it was complete with a lot of amenities from high definition satellite television, air conditioning units, very fast internet connection and a nice view of Subic Bay and the airport. We settled in for the night then after.

As I woke up the following day, it was already late in the morning and right away I got to see the scenery of Subic Bay from the vantage point of the house. Then the rest of our relatives arrived at the house from Manila. Where we had a nice lunch by the nice scenery. I took a photo of the scenery in the afternoon and I got a photo of myself with it.

Then I got to roam around the area to savor the nice view of Subic Bay from the airport. At home, well I savored the moment of watching television in high definition from channels like History, HBO, NBA Premium TV to name a few. As well as taking advantage of high speed internet connections at the place. Then we settled in for dinner, and afterwards watched a movie before settling in for the night.

Then on our last day there, I woke up early in the morning and had a nice breakfast, as well as getting ready to leave the house for the trip back home. While the others were packing. We watched Game 6 of the Pacers-Knicks series in HD. It was worth the treat for me as a basketball fan getting to watch a live NBA game in HD was something special. After the game, we all left the house for the last time. But before we left the area, we took one last picture as a family with the view of the place as well as the scenery.

Once we left the area, we went on a detour along Subic Bay, travelling the open road to places filled with trees even monkeys. We went to the place where Ocean Adventure and Camayan Beach Resort is located so we took a look at the places before heading back to the center of Subic Bay. Along the way, we stumbled upon a tall fire tree and we took pictures with it.

Afterwards, we went to the center of Subic Bay where we went to buy some things at the duty free stores within the free port area. We saved a lot from buying some stuff along the way, including a gallon's worth of ice cream for the price less than a 3L Selecta ice cream bought elsewhere in the Philippines. I also got to buy myself a new Adidas shoe from their outlet store in the area.

After buying from the duty free stores, we went for lunch at Xtremely Xpresso where they have nice food from 22'' pizzas with lower prices than a 18'' Yellow Cab Pizza. As well as a tasty meat lasagna. I also got to try their Coffee Jelly Frappe drink which has a strong taste but is also good. After lunch, we went in for the long trip back to Manila.

So yeah it was pretty much a rewarding experience to get to Subic Bay for the first time in my life. I sure will come back again and get a nice deal here especially with the duty free shops in the area. It's also a great place because of the discipline here which is way better than here in Manila, traffic enforcement here is strict unlike other parts of the country. I sure hope I'll be coming here again in the near future.

Finding my solitude right here.
K-Smoove