Me and Mr. HavenHunter were privileged to attend the opening opening day of Asia’s Premier Gaming Event of the Year, Asia’s Gem 2010 (Asia’s Gaming & Entertainment plus Leisure Expo) at SMX Convention Center. Since he works with the gaming industry, this event is a prerequisite. I remember going there last year and was so amused with the high end display of gaming machines and the entertainment provided by those dressed up models, including a Marilyn Monroe act. Hoping to play some slots and get some freebies this year.

Rallying proud for its fifth staging around, Asia’s GEM – Gaming Entertainment plus Leisure Expo Manila has elicited the totality of the gaming and tourism industry. The activity filled with fun, bonding, interaction, intellectual sharing and discussions will still be expected but with a higher benchmark, as this year will be set to parade a mirage of new offerings to suit the many exciting twists and turns of Asia GEM.

Upon Arriving, I registered for an ID.  Entry to the event is free. I noticed the number of foreign visitors this year have multiplied.  We were ushered by beautiful ladies on our way to the entrance.

Going around we happened to see our Ninong Bob and several of Mr. HH officemates. The place is not as lively as last year maybe because we just missed the opening ceremony. We’ve seen PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Efraim C. Genuino doing his rounds with his guests and some media.

I had my picture taken with Bumblebee and two stunning aliens. Thunderbird Resorts have a booth set-up with gorgeous lounge chairs. Of course, I didn’t missed the opportunity in trying them out and had my picture taken.

New Slot games are at the IGT booth inspired by television shows, American Idol and defunct Sex and the City.We weren’t allowed to take photos though. What can I say, Manny Pacquiao has Slot Machines too.

At the Resorts World Manila booth, we were offered to sign up for their membership cards. We decided to get one each since this can be a little handy when we go on a trip to Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios in Singapore.

While Mr. HH is filling out the forms, a 6.2 magnitude quake struck Manila. The pretty lady he was talking too turned pale since all the fixtures above started swaying. I was standing nearby and felt a sudden silence embraced the hall. I think I’ve panicked too and was checking out if the table nearby is sturdy enough to accommodate us if things got out of hand.

I just heard him say don’t panic. Several seconds later, the shaking stopped. Business as usual, when we’re finished with the forms, we received our gift bag and a cap. I am still dizzy though.

Further ahead, the big event of ongoing $1M poker tournament is on final table. I wished I understand more about this games and how its being played, but my idea of fun is limited only to PopCap Games, Plants vs. Zombies, Uno, Pet Society and Sims. lol. For all we know, big names in the Poker tournament were there to grace the event.

Still dizzy we didn’t stay long and went to watch Alice in Wonderland in 3D.

We ended the day with green tea yoghurt at Red Mango where my sister-in-law,  Dang and our friend  Jeff joined us.

Poker face,

Went around at the expo earlier in SMX to find out if there is anything worth raving about. True enough, I was walking in a pool of temptation. So, if you are on a hunt for a summer getaway or the best travel deal for 2010 around the Philippines, Asia, US or any International destination, you still have one day to get ready, jet-set and go!

The 17th Travel Tour Expo 2010 runs on February 19-21, 2010 at SMX Convention Center Hall, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Entrance to the event is P50 per person and a P5,000 worth of purchase entitles the holder for a raffle ticket.

Check out the following booths for some tempting deals and interesting getaway destinations:

• Sun Cruises offers 50% off to Corregidor Day Tour. Package includes round trip ferry transfers, shrine, entrance and terminal fees, guided island tour and buffet lunch. Open date tickets are available for use until Sept. 30, 2010.
• Sea Air gives an Early Bird Promo to Batanes at P2,835++ one way. Travel Period is June 16- Oct. 15, 2010.
• Continental Airlines offers a breath-taking holiday promo to Palau for as low as US $495 for 3 days. Includes roundtrip economy class airfare to Palau, two (2) nights hotel accommodation, daily hotel breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers.
• Budget travelers rush over to PAL and Cebu Pacific booths. Hands down, those two won the longest line. Visitors are going crazy with seat sales for International and local travels.
• Zest Air Promo gives 50% off to local destination.

I was surprised to see Costa Cruises have joined the bandwagon and offered an impressive line-up of Asia Cruises. I remember  how posh the interior of Costa Europa was when Lorena and Lorenzo ushered me on board for a day trip. Definitely Cruising Italian Style.

I was unsuccessful to find a booth from Indonesia though. I was hoping to find something for our itinerary to Jakarta, Yogyakarta and the rest of Java.

Anyways, still have 12 hours more to think about Batanes package and seven months to do  24 hours work shift to sustain my traveling addiction. Lol.

♥valerie {your haven hunter | bring me to Batanes, China, Japan, Korea…}