Arts & Culture

The guide to catching Pokémon in Cebu

You’d have to be living under a rock if you don’t know what Pokémon Go is—much more the fact that it has taken over the Philippines by storm since its release two weeks ago. The cultural phenomenon, which taps into a lot of childhood memories, has found its way into millions of smartphones. People walking around public places while glued onto their phones trying to catch ’em all has become a common sight.

Since its release in the Philippines, businesses have tapped into Pokémon Go’s popularity, leading to lure parties and other fun gimmicks. Here’s a quick guide to the city’s Poké Stops and Poké Gyms for the Zee Lifestyle Pokémon trainers out there.

MALLS

AYALA CENTER CEBU

Ayala Center Cebu (Photo: Facebook)

Cebu’s premier lifestyle destination is also a premier Pokémon destination. Several areas at The Terraces, The Gallery, the Active Zone and the Activity Center are all Poké Stops, which led to an epic lure drop party last weekend. Hashtag your screenshots with #FindEmAtAyalaMalls and #PokemonGoAyalaMalls.

THE OUTLETS AT PUEBLO VERDE

Known for year-long affordable deals through its various outlet stores, shopping at The Outlets at Pueblo Verde is now made more interactive, as the place itself is a certified Poké Gym. There are also several Poké Stops throughout the strip mall.

ROBINSONS GALLERIA CEBU

Cebu’s new favorite mall also joined in on the lure party bandwagon last weekend, even throwing in exciting prizes for those who’d catch Pokémon at Robinsons Galleria Cebu. Be one of 100 winners of gift certificates by posting your screen grabs on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtags #‎GOExploreToWINatRobinsons #‎CatchEmAllatRGC and #RobinsonsGalleriaCebu, and your name, mobile and e-mail.

SM CITY CEBU & SM SEASIDE CITY CEBU

Both SM City Cebu and SM Seaside City Cebu (the Cube, in particular) are level two Poké Gyms as of press time. This has attracted a lot of aspiring trainers. Add the hashtag #GottaCatchEmAllAtSM to share the Pokémons you’ve caught in the malls.

HOTELS & RESORTS

MARCO POLO PLAZA CEBU

This five-star hotel in Cebu City has received attention for its Lobby Lounge being a Poké Gym, but did you know the main entrance is also a Poké Stop? Stock up on those Poké Balls, lure modules and other goodies before you enter.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL MACTAN ISLAND CEBU

Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu has three Poké Stops – the Mövenpick logo at the entrance, the fountain in front of the main lobby, and at the flowing pond fountain by the beach. Additionally, the Conservatory at the Ibiza Beach Club is a Poké Gym.

SHANGRI-LA’S MACTAN RESORT & SPA

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa has a total of 14 Poké Stops scattered all over the sprawling beachside property. The Treasure Island at the main wing’s swimming pool is also a Poké Gym. Score treats when you screen grab any Pokémon during the flash mob dance at Tides Restaurant with the hashtags #‎flashmobatTides, #‎TidesatShangrila and #‎ShangrilaMactan.

RESTAURANTS

ISIDRA COMFORT CANTINA

Beyond being a home to comfort food inspired by delicacies throughout the country, Isidra Comfort Cantina is also a Poké Stop. Drop a lure while you enjoy the bestselling twice-cooked adobo, and let all the Pokémon come to you.

LANTAW SRP

Get your fill of Filipino favorites while you battle it out. Lantaw Native Restaurant at the South Road Properties is currently a level three Poké Gym.

TOURIST ESTABLISHMENTS

Photo: dookiexave on Facebook

MAGELLAN’S CROSS

It’s home to the symbol of the Cebuanos’ acceptance of the Christian faith from the Spanish, and now it’s a Poké Gym too! Don’t forget to take a moment to light a few candles while you’re there battling for Pokémon.

THE MACTAN NEWTOWN

The dolphin fountain at The Mactan Newtown is a Poké Gym

The iconic Dolphin Fountain at The Mactan Newtown is a Poké Gym. The township is also close to four Poké Stops – the Mactan Barangay Hall, the Battleship Wood Sculpture, the Fr. Jules Chevalier Statue and the Sto. Niño de Cebu Mactan. Furthermore, The Mactan Newtown is very pedestrian-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about your safety.

We’re updating this list as we go! Share your favorite Poké Stops and Gyms through the comments, or on our social media pages.

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Arts & Culture

Art Fair Philippines 2025: A Celebration of Creativity

by Emcee Go

Art Fair Philippines 2025 transformed the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City into a dynamic showcase of contemporary and modern art. From February 21 to 23, art enthusiasts and collectors were treated to an eclectic mix of visual masterpieces, interactive installations, and thought-provoking exhibits.

This year’s fair features an impressive lineup of local and international galleries, including renowned names like Leon Gallery, Metro Gallery, Orange Project, J Studio and from Cebu, Qube Gallery.

Francis Dravigny’s woven artworks was one of the two featured artists at Qube Gallery’s well curated exhibition.

Qube Gallery’s Mariz Holopainen in front of Sio Montera’s abstracts.

Arts & Culture

Cebuano Pride: The National Museum of Cebu

Pride of Cebu

By Eva Gullas

photos courtesy of DOT

“With the National Museum of Cebu, the cradle of Christianity in the country, we open the doors to a temple in history and culture, inviting tourists and locals to witness our archaeological and natural treasures. The NMP-Cebu is not just a museum but a bridge to our past and a window into our future,” declares Christina Frasco, our Secretary of Tourism, at the ceremonial opening last July 28.

Located at the heart of the city’s historic port area, the former colonial Customs House, built in 1910, was transformed into an elegant edifice worthy of the city’s place in history. It was in Cebu where the Spanish conquistadors first landed in 1521 and where Magellan met his end at the hands of the local chieftain Lapu-Lapu. Starting August 1, the National Museum of Cebu will open its doors daily from 9 am to 5 pm except Monday.

Cebu City Tourism’s Neil Odjigue, Cembeth Hortillano and CCTC Chairperson Joy Pesquera

Worth checking is the first floor, where a few art pieces from national artists like Cebu’s own Martino Abellana, Fernando Amorsolo, and Jose Joya take pride of place. On the right wing are finds from archeological digs found all over the islands. Called Ang Karaang Sugbo or Old Cebu, they include a gold death mask and ancient vases from China. There’s also Kinaiyahan: Cebu’s Natural Wonders, which features an impressive wall containing the different layers underneath our soil. There is also a display case that interactively showcases the various elements around the area, like gold, copper, and gypsum. Another wing is Paglawig: Cultural Movember Across the Seas, showcasing the islands’ maritime history and sea bounty, including rare shells.

Museum Director Jeremy Barns, Maryanne Arculli, Andronik Aboitiz and wife Doreen, Amanda Luym

Some of the abstract art from the New York collection

It is on the second floor, though, where the museum shines. Up the grand staircase, guests are greeted by Elmer Borlongan’s massive Battle of Mactan, facing a facsimile of the Sta Maria galleon, Magellan’s flagship. Then on to a limited-time exhibit on loan from the Philippine Center New York Core Collection of 1974, a treasure trove of almost 90 paintings collected by former First Lady Imelda Marcos, including Ang Kioks, Sanso, Manuel Rodrigues, and many more representing both avant-garde and classic Filipino masters. The New York collection is only available until March 2024 and is not to be missed.

Writer Eva Gullas beside Elmer Borlongan’s Battle of Mactan

The National Museum Cebu has been years in the making, and this cultural milestone has finally been made possible under the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who famously said during the inauguration, “I am a museum fan, and I can stay in art museums for hours and hours.” He added, ” museums are considered valuable natural assets to a nation as they build a sense of community, document history, inspire creativity, promote tourism, and unite people through a shared heritage.” Kudos to the National Museum Board of Trustees, chaired by Andoni Aboitiz and Museum Director Jeremy Barnes, for this cultural gift to Cebu!

Arts & Culture

The Uncommon Traditions that Mexicans and Filipinos share when celebrating the Day of the Dead.

Dia de los Muertos

By Allain Dumon Fonte

The 2nd of November is All Soul’s Day, a holiday that is very important to many Filipinos to remember our loved ones who passed on. This is also widely celebrated in Mexico as “Dia De los Muertos” or in English, “The Day of the Dead”. And Mexicans celebrate the 2nd of November grander than they celebrate Christmas. Well, you can witness it from the Disney movie, “Coco”.

As All Soul’s Day or Dia de los Muertos is about to end, here are some interesting traditions and superstitions that Filipinos and Mexicans share:

1. IT IS NOT ON THE 31st OF OCTOBER

Dia de los Muertos or All Soul’s Day is not practiced on October 31st or on the Hallow’s Eve as many other western cultures practice; but we celebrate it on the 2nd of November. We celebrate November 1st as All Saint’s Day or the Day of the Holy, while in Mexico they call it Dia de los Innocentes or Dia de los Angelitos to commemorate the children who died too early in life.

2. THE RITUAL

Both in Mexico and in the Philippines, we visit the grave of our loved ones and we clean it well. This is a ritual to honour their resting places and to let them know that they are never forgotten.

3. FLOWERS INVITE SPIRITS

In Mexico, they believe that the scent of flowers attract spirits. So the flower offerings are invitation to their dead loved ones to visit the living families. While in the Philippines, we believe that flowers offered to the dead exalt the souls and somehow fill in the sadness that we feel when missing our dead loved ones.

Most of the time, Filipinos choose all-white flowers to offer because white is the absence of colour, which means the absence of Joy and happiness. White also symbolises purity of soul which we hope our dead loved ones will attain as they journey to heaven. While in Mexico, they have the yellow Mexican marigolds as the official flowers of the dead that will guide them in their journey to the afterlife.

4. THE LEGEND OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES

Both cultures believe that monarch butterflies are dead loved ones who visit us and show their appreciation that we have not forgotten them. A presence of monarch butterflies also means that our dead loved ones are always there guiding us and looking after us.

5. A PICNIC IN THE GRAVEYARD

Spending a night at the graveyard and picnicking with the rest of the family may sound very creepy to many; but to both Filipino and Mexican cultures, picnicking and spending a night at the cemetery is a must to show our love to our dearly departed. It is the only time in the year that families gather and tell stories of the dead loved ones and how colourful or how great their lives were.

6. FOOD FOR THE DEAD

In Mexico, they have what they call “ofrendas” or an altar where the pictures of their dead loved ones are displayed and offered with flowers, candles, and their favourite food. Very similar to the Filipino culture of cooking the favourite food of our dead loved ones and everyone in the family enjoys the food for dinner.

My family tradition involves me driving all the way to Colon street and buy that famous Snow Sheen’s “pancit canton”. This is my granddad’s favourite snack. Sadly, the old Visayan Restaurant is no longer there. My late uncle and my late grandpa love their sweet ad and sour fish. We also set up an “ofrenda” on their graveyard and eat their favourite food while picnicking in the cemetery. We do not spend a night in the cemetery; but while we are picnicking there, we usually play the songs of Pilita Corrales and Susan Fuentes that my late grandpa used to listen every afternoon while enjoying his coffee, pan de sal, and pancit canton.

What about your family traditions? Share your thoughts by commenting to this article.

MODEL: Michael Joseph Mortola Enriquez & Alexis Wingfield
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STYLING: GPA Lifestyle + Clothing