Pokémon Go| PokeStops in Zamboanga City

Most people have at least heard of Pokémon, ever since it was created last 1995, it has been the 2nd most successful game of Nintendo after Super Mario. The main goal of the game which asks players to travel a fictional world in order to collect every pocket monster out there.

Pokémon Go, a new game that was launch last July 6, 2016 became a phenomenon. Asians, are holding their horses for the coming of Pokémon Go in their respective countries. The long wait was finally over until August 6, when Pikachu and friends reached the Philippines and not surprisingly, it captured the the hearts of the Filipinos by storm!

This Pokémon Go, an iPhone and Android game that's quickly swept the World, the Universe rather, to include the Asia's Latin City!

I am one of those, who were very curious and excited to try out this VR game. Unlike in the 90's, this game let players catch Pokémon in the very world we live in, thanks to the combination of GPS, augmented reality (AR), and HD graphics.

Last Saturday, me and my buddies planned for a Poké-tour in  the city to catch some Pokémons. Before we start Poké-hunting, first things first.

UNDERSTANDING POKÉ-TERMS

A quick rundown of some of the names and phrases you'll come across when playing the game:

Pokéstops – All the items you need to play the game are stored in these blue supply stores, dotted around the map.

Pokéballs – Used to catch Pokémon and build your team.

Incense and Lure Modules – You can use these items to attract more Pokémon to your location. At the start, this is vital to build a large team that you can then use to battle or trade for goodies further into the game.

Gyms – Available from level five, controlling gyms is what the game is all about. Located at points of interest and landmarks, these are where the battles between players and their Pokémon take place.

Factions – These are the teams you're asked to join after reaching level five. They will determine which colour a gym turns when you claim it. Simply pick your favourite colour.

Potions, Super Potions and Revives – After a hard battle, you’ll need these to help your Pokémon recover before the next challenge.

Candy and Stardust – Think of these as supplements to make your Pokémon stronger and more evolved — absolutely vital for taking over more gyms.

Eggs – Go is big on XP, and you’ll need Lucky Eggs if you want to earn double XP. Regular eggs allow you to hatch more Pokémon to add to your team.

Razzberries – Harder to catch Pokémon can be tamed by feeding them these and winning their trust.

Footprints – Use the footprint guides in the 'Nearby' menu to navigate to rarer Pokémon. Three footprints means the creature is further away. No footprints means you're very close.

Now, we're ready to catch 'em all!

Tumaga Mosque

Safety: This is a sacred place of our Muslim brothers and sisters because this is a place of worship. I must say it is not a safe place to play Pokémon since, it is located along the busy highway. I assume they won't allow players inside, so you might want to just get Poké-balls by a quick swipe.

Lighting: At night, there are few Street lights to brighten the area.

Stranger danger: Team Rocket may be visible catching your phone since there are no visible Security Personnel was spotted in the area.

Number of visible PokéStop: Only one.

Players spotted: Most players just "drive-thru" this PokeStop to gain items.

Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat Monument in Pasonanca

Safety: This place is safe for gamers since this is an enclosed area.

Lighting: Poorly lit, but manageable.

Stranger danger: Law enforcers are visible roaming around the park.

Number of visible PokéStop: Two Pokestops.

Players spotted: Group of friends are found playing in this area, child-friendly PokeStop.

Bonus: Most gamers use Lure Modules in this area. There are benches for comfortable Pokemon catching and dating as well!

Parque de Cienca de Zamboanga in Pasonanca

Pokemon players at Parque de Cienca de Zamboanga

Safety: Safe for gamers and runners. The Museum's Security Guard is a plus! Watch out for joggers, they might cause you injury. (Or the other way around?!)

Lighting: Poorly lit but manageable.

Stranger danger: Law enforcers are visible roaming around the park.

Number of visible PokéStop: Two Pokestops.

Players spotted: Players of all ages are found playing in this area.

Bonus: Your kids can play in the Museum's attractions, while you play Pokémon Go. Has a wide parking space.

Family-bonding while playing Pokemon

Butterfly Park in La Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat in Pasonaca

This place as shown in the picture above is a PokéStop, but when you come near it, it says that " This PokéStop is too far away".

So, we searched for answers, and my Poke-instinct is saying that I need to walk further to locate this PokeStop. 

And finally, my quest for Poké-balls have concluded, I think the Butterfly Garden PokéStop was referring to The Aviary, the GPS is to be blamed for this. Haha!

Safety: Gamers can park and play in this area.

Lighting: Well lighted area.

Stranger danger: Team Rocket might be roaming around in this area. Take extra caution. Park responsibly.

Players spotted: Players embarked in vehicles are spotted.

Number of visible PokéStop: Three (3) PokéStops.

Golden Arch of Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca

Safety: This place is along the highway, gamers can park and play.

Lighting: Well-lit area.

Stranger danger: This is a public place, random people can pass by this area.

Number of visible PokéStop: Three (3) PokeStops.

Players spotted: Players of all ages are found playing in this area.

This cute Pokemon player showing me his game face.

You can find a gym in this location where trainers can battle.

Some players at Pasonanca Park, isn't it obvious? Those phones don't lie!

BPI Main Branch along Valderosa Street

Safety: This place is along the highway, limited parking space in this area. Players are advised to swipe for items quickly.

Lighting: Well-lit area.

Stranger danger: Not advisable to sit and play. This is a very busy street.

Number of visible PokéStop: Two (2) PokeStops.

Zamboanga City Hall

Safety: This is a public office, vehicles can't park near this area. 

Lighting: Well-lit area at night.

Stranger danger: Not advisable to sit and play. This is a very busy street.

Number of visible PokéStop: Two (2) PokeStops.

Last August 11, the City Mayor Beng Climaco have issued an advisory for Pokemon Players to keep safe while on their quest to catching Pocket Monsters:

The E- Monument in Plaza Pershing

Safety: This is a public place, vehicles can't park near this area. 

Lighting: Poorly-lit area at night.

Stranger danger: Not advisable to sit and play. This is a very busy street.

Number of visible PokéStop: Two (2) PokeStops.

Flame Topped Obelisk or Sword Statue in Plaza Pershing

Safety: Players often drive- thru this PokeStop to swipe for items.

Lighting: Poorly-lit area at night.

Stranger danger: Not advisable to sit and play. This is a very busy street.

Number of visible PokéStop: Two (2) PokeStops.

Rizal Park Statue is a Poke-gym

Valderosa Wall Art

Safety: Players often drive- thru this PokeStop to swipe for items.

Lighting: Poorly-lit area at night.

Stranger danger: Not advisable to sit and play.

Number of visible PokéStop: Two (4) PokeStops.

Lantaka Hotel

Safety: Players can dine while playing Pokemon in this hotel.

Lighting: Well-lighted area at night.

Stranger danger: Players can play peacefully by the sea.

Number of visible PokéStop: Four (4) PokeStops. Including the Front desk,  Old Spanish Naval Canyon, Lantaka Wood Cottage and Valderosa Wall Art near the hotel.

Bonus: Lure Modules are available in this spot for more chances of catching!

Paseo del Mar Dancing Fountain

Safety: This park is safe for players, walking around the magnificent fountain.

Lighting: Well-lit area.

Stranger danger: This is a public area, do not leave your valuable items unattended.

Number of visible PokéStop: Two (2) PokeStops.

Fort Pilar Shrine

Safety: This is a well-guarded facility. (This PokeStop is visible granting you are inside the Paseo)

Lighting: Well-lit area.

Stranger danger: This is a public place, random people can pass by this area.

Number of visible PokéStop: Three (3) PokeStops.

Screenshot from Pokemon App

Screenshot from Pokemon App

More Photos of Pokémon Masters:

You and your Barkada can bond like these guys.

Or sit comfortably between 2 PokeStops (Paseo del Mar Fountain and Fort Pilar East Cannon)

All I see are blue-lit phones! :)

This game have brought enthusiasm to Zamboañguenos to the next level. More and more are getting hooked on this viral game. Just be mindful of these safety tips:

1. Play with caution, never cross the street while looking at your Pokémon Go app. 
2. Stay aware of the surroundings, you can lose your gadgets in a snap!
3. Keep kids on your sight.
4. Do not play while driving.
5. Be alert!

 I hope that these tips will help you enjoy Pokémon Go and stay safe. As Pokémon Go would always remind its players to be safe at all time! Go catch 'em all!

While you've been on this page, Pokémon Go has taken over the world! :)

If you have any questions, or great tips of your own to share, please leave them in the comments! :)

Sources: 

http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/how-to-play-pokemon-go-tips-tricks-guide#CqE5pQfjbUXlSwhj.99

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon

http://www.imore.com/pokemon-go

http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/how-to-