As shown in the photo on the right, the over-all set-up has not changed. They retained what we snotty regulars call the "beginner's block," 6-columns of easy routes all placed side-by-side on the left portion of the wall. They had them colored blue, to match the mattress, maybe, I could only speculate.

Having been to many different wall-climbing facilities in the vicinity, what sets Play Underground apart from its competition is the well thought of physical arrangement of the "holds" they put up on those walls. The rocks are not just there in random order. They are placed there painstakingly, one by one, each serving a purpose, be it to make the inexperienced enjoy the introduction they will have to the sport or serve as a professional training facility to those who take on wall-climbing as a form of regular workout. The friendly staff who all exhibit and share much love for the sport often add coded tapes on some holds so regulars get a route that is as challenging as climbing the now beige-colored intimidating inclines.You will get to appreciate the science of the holds more once you set yourself off trying those over-hangs and over-clings and lactic-acid-inducing vertical-backward inclines.

The open-air setup dries the rock holds so they don't get moist and slippery, unlike those in Market Market and CSA Dasma. Dryness gives a somewhat reassuring feeling that the rocks you are holding are hygienic. Well, maybe not a hundred percent, but at least they're dry.

I decided to take a peek at the renovated playground on Sunday, just this afternoon, to find two still-bare columns that are still being treated with a face lift by the able Buddy Advincula of Play Underground. I got to talking to him and the staff telling them how over-excited I was when I found out they finally opened. Looking at the new walls made me wail in anticipation. They look fierce and may well be twice as inclined as they were before and therefore more challenging than ever. I fear it will take more than a month for me to get accustomed to the new challenges. On the bright side, we'll now have an edge come the next competition in November which we may join, hopefully.