MANILA – People are walking around more in Metro Manila these days, but they seem to be half-walking while half-staring at their phones. There is a kniting of the eyebrows that is followed by sudden screams, a few finger flicks of their smartphones, some cuss words thrown in, before some fistpumping action for a job well done. Yes Philippines, Pokémon Go has arrived.
On the morning of August 6, Filipinos woke up to find out the highly addictive mobile game from Niantic, Inc. was finally available for smartphone usage here. Social media was quickly bombarded by posts from people choosing which Pokémon they would start with: Charmander, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or the elusive Pikachu. As video gamers from the 90s celebrated a chance to bring their former addiction on the Nintendo Game Boy to their smartphone, both kids and adults in the Philippines now get to join the worldwide augmented reality phenomenon that is Pokémon Go.
By placing the pocket monsters (hence the Pokémon name) in real life situations and landmarks, Pokémon Go has actually encouraged people to step out of their homes and offices and to walk around. Whether it’s to walk around a mall, a subdivision, or just from one place to another, Pokémon Go is giving people a reason to get off their butts.
Of course, there are dangers to walking or driving around while playing the game, especially if one is not paying attention to their surroundings. It’s been a constant concern worldwide, and the Philippines is no different. The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has already issues the following Tweet to underline this:
All PUV drivers are reminded that playing #PokemonGo while driving is prohibited. Please report violators to us so we can catch ‘em all.
— Official LTFRB (@LTFRB) August 7, 2016
For its part, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued the following warning regarding playing while walking, playing when entering private property that are deemed as Pokéstops or Gyms, and being wary of snatchers who might prey on Pokémon Go players:
ADVISORY: Mahigpit na Paalala sa mga Nahuhumaling sa Pokémon Go. #mmda pic.twitter.com/NvswuJEVkv
— Official MMDA (@MMDA) August 8, 2016
While that has been happening among pedestrians and motorists, the Pokémon Go craze has also invaded malls, schools, and other public places. Knowing that they have been designated as Pokéstops, schools such as Xavier School in San Juan have issued their own directives regarding the search for the elusive Pokémon within their facility:
Recognizing a good chance for commerce when they see it, the SM Supermalls were quick to jump on the Pokémon bandwagon by dropping lures and encouraging tags on social media for a chance to not just catch Pokémon but to earn gift certificates as well.
Interest in Pokémon Go in the Philippines spiked considerably on Google since it launched from hardly a whisper days before to being the hottest search topic.
So if you see friends, co-workers, or family members staring more intently at their phones over the next few weeks, know that their source of frustration might not necessarily be a person they’re having issues with. They might just be on the hunt or in a battle to determine if they’re the best Pokémon trainer in the land. As the catch phrase goes, “Gotta catch ’em all!”
