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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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
PHOTOGRAPHER: Gianne Paolo Anciano
HMUA/DESIGNER: Hazel Ocaba
STYLING: GPA Lifestyle + Clothing
Culture
Catch Ted Lasso the Emmy Award Winning Comedy Series on Apple TV+
Rating: *****/ *****
The multi award–winning comedy series airing on Apple TV+ is one of my favorite shows. Ted Lasso starring Jason Sudeikis is about a fun good-natured American football coached hired by a British soccer club (AFC Richmond in London) to become their new coach. In spite of the fact that Ted has no experience or knowledge about British football/soccer, his positive demeanor and charm helps him overcome the animosity of the team’s players, staff and fans. Eventually Ted wins over the team and the locals as they fight for position in the English Premier League.
The show won the 2021 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series and 7 Emmy Awards in its 2 seasons and Season 3 is just around the corner. You can catch Seasons 1 & 2 of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+
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