BEIJING — Having settled down, members of Team Philippines went on with their business Wednesday, getting a feel of what it likes to train alongside the world’s finest athletes gathered here for the 2008 Olympic Games that start on Friday.

From lone boxing bet Harry Tanamor to the swimming quintet led by Miguel Molina, the Filipino athletes, except for archer Mark Javier and shooter Eric Ang, had their first practice in various venues at the Chinese capital, including the "Olympic Green" that houses the stadium called "Bird’s Nest" and the swimming stadium dubbed "The Cube."

Despite concerns about the smog that greeted the team on its arrival here Tuesday, the RP bets focused on the job ahead and went about with their training two days before the games kick off with a glittering, lavish opening rites at 8 p.m.

All 13 athletes attended their early morning practice, while Javier and Ang, who arrived here last week, returning to their respective training venues in the afternoon.

"So far, so good. Medyo mainit lang talaga, but our athletes are doing fine," said Philippine Olympic Committee spokesman Joey Romasanta.

Upon arrival Tuesday, the Filipino contingent had dinner together and later on was briefed at the Philippine secretariat by administrative official Moying Martelino and POC treasurer Julian Camacho.

Romasanta said the athletes are enjoying every minute of their stay at the vast Olympic Village, where a variety of foods are being served. A 24-hour McDonald’s outlet also operates.

"We’re monitoring ‘yung diet ng mga atleta natin. Lahat ng klaseng pagkain kasi, from international, halal and Asian, meron dito. Kaya dapat hinay-hinay din dahil baka mamaya biglang lumobo sila," said shooting president Art Macapagal.