The local organizing committee (LOC) is confident of putting its best foot forward when the FIBA World Cup goes down to the championship game at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. This, after the test run for the country's co-hosting of the World Cup went fairly well during the Samahang Basketbol ng PIlipinas Invitational Games on Wednesday, June 28. The MOA Arena will continue to serve as the venue for the FIBA games after the group phase, where the best two teams in each pool will play in the quarterfinals, semifinals and most importantly, the designated home of the finals.  “Well, there’s gonna be a lot of improvements in terms of the venue. Obviously, it’s very bare right now. We’re just trying to get the foot traffic light inside the arena. So, I think there’s just a little more construction going on if you would notice that, if you look left and right. But we are on schedule and we’ll get there by August,” said deputy event director Erika Dy.  While the MOA Arena will become the most used venue after the group phase, Dy and the LOC are similarly working double time to keep things according to plan over at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the test run was simultaneously held on the same day. With 57 days to go, not only the organizers were able to point out some existing problems and possible issues, but were able to come up with thorough solutions.  “Well, ngayon talagang execution time na, plans are in place, kaya nga tayo nagte-test event na ganito eh. Kasi kahit naman 100 percent na ‘yong mga plano mo, pag papunta ka dun sa actual hindi mo makikita ‘yong little details. So, that’s what’s coming out right now,” Dy said.  “It’s not unusual for a multi-day event, ang nangyayari madalas first day of event maraming kailangang i-tweak, second day, i-improve hanggang pagdating mo sa  finals perfect na. So, I’m glad we have a head start, (57) days to go we’re doing this. And by the time we reach the day first day on August 25th, kaunti na lang siguro ‘yong kailangan i-tweak moving forward and up to our finals phase,” she added.  Over at the Philippine Arena, though, where the opening game of Gilas Pilipinas will be held, a looming transportation issue is being handled.  According to Dy, one of the big solutions they are looking to enact is to deploy at least 400 buses during the day of the game itself, which will shuttle people in and out of Bocaue, Bulacan and back to their point-to-point destinations. The transportation will play a crucial role in the hosting of the country as the organizers are “trying to beat the record for the most attended FIBA game.”