Back from an official event from another hotel, Kris and I were so tired and raring to have one of those foot massages when our companions met us in the lobby excitedly. What was the commotion about?

An NBA basketball player is coming in town and checking into our hotel, was the buzz.  My ears perked. I stopped watching since Jordan so I wouldn’t know of anybody except for the names I heard being called on the Playstation game.  Oh, and of course, that Bryant boy.

So who was this Tracy McGrady guy? No idea, except that I saw these boys waiting for him holding huge photos and placards.

They were huge fans who were waiting to get a glimpse of him and I didn’t know for how long. My feet were aching and longing for a massage but I chatted with them for a bit, and told him my boys back home were NBA fans as well, but I wasn’t sure if McGrady was on their list, too. One particular boy caught my heart with his message:

My heart went out to him and so I thought I would stay a bit longer to take photos of this kid and that player guy. Suddenly, a vehicle arrived and people were moving about in preparation of the VIP’s arrival. The kids lined up eagerly.  Into the lobby came escorts and I didn’t know which one to shoot.

I asked around, “Which one is he?”

So I shot this guy in the forefront, and somebody said, “Not that one. The taller one.” Oh, sorry.

So I took another shot. At the bodyguard.  Oops, sorry again.

So there you are.  If I moved in any closer, would your bodyguard have shoved me off? I wonder.

I positioned myself behind you, Mr. McGrady. I was ready to capture you giving your fans heartwarming hugs and obliging them with a brief pictorial.  I saw the boy hold up his blue placard higher. I saw you look at it with a brief glance…but you continued walking with your escorts. Someone heard you say, “I’m sleepy.” A decline. A letdown for the boys.

“Please, Tracy, just one picture,” the boys called after you. No response. You and your escorts disappeared into the elevator, leaving an air of disappointment in the lobby.

The boys just stayed awhile, not knowing what to do. We told them, he must be very tired, to ease off the fans’ hurt. I told them, hey maybe he’ll feel better in the morning, you can always catch him at breakfast. The boys brightened a bit.

Kris and I went off to our massage and felt so good when we came back in our room. But I couldn’t sleep. I googled you, McGrady. I saw your blog and your proud announcement that you were an Ambassador of China. I read about your “2011 “Feeling Love” tour, to visit Beijing and Guangzhou cities as well as Anhui and Guizhou provinces to meet basketball fans, visit cancer patients and raise awareness for an environmental program.”

“I am honored to be back in China with my friends and those who love the great game of basketball,” McGrady said Tuesday at a Beijing press conference. “I want to express to all of you how much I love China,” he told fans (from your blog).

Ah, but you don’t score any points with me, sir.  And if I see you at breakfast tomorrow, I shall be giving you the evil eye only a Pinay can muster.