The Fate of My Local Pokémon Hangouts

In the first year of my blogging efforts, I discussed about a couple of local hangouts in my area that not only have a following in their own right but also support the way I am as a Pokémon fan. Four years have passed since then, and many things have happened, including a global situation that renders going out to these hangouts practically infeasible. With that, it seems that it would be pertinent for me to update on these local hangouts in relation to my and others' Pokémon happenings.

The most severely affected would have to be the second of the two hangouts. While I did eventually send Ash there - that is, I cosplayed there - in not one but two opportunities, they turned out to be the last time I could do so, for the café closed its doors in February of last year, incidentally before everyone was affected the following month by the global situation. The reason, though, was not because of that; it was that the lease for the shophouse that hosted it expired at the end of the month and could not be renewed any further. Therefore, the hangout could only stay open up to the middle of the month before the owners had to pack up and move out. In a way, they were spared from the effects of the global situation, but couldn't avoid a different, more pressing issue. They had planned to look for a new place, but then obviously things happened. The chance of them reopening the hangout today is slim to none due to the global situation, so at this point, it is only possible to reminisce the memories before its closure.

As for the other hangout, it has a permanent place, so it is in less danger of closure due to location issues. It even became the place for many local TCG players to practice for and shape up, including to make certain transactions, before the entire competition series for it was stopped due to the global situation. Board games and console games also became limited due to the situation as well as relevant restrictions. However, they can and still do serve food and drinks as a café should, and even deliver them by way of certain couriers. That may be all the owners can do at the moment, aside from branching out to the hospitality industry and catering to that, which they indeed did. For now, it may be wise to support by buying their food any way it can be bought.

The current global situation has managed to change everything, including how fans of Japanese things - including Pokémon - enjoy their assortment of things. This is very much true for the above local hangouts, for which one closed up with scant hope of returning and the other operates in a limited capacity. Both still deserve the appreciation for being (or having been) able to bring people and fans together, especially in my case as a Pokémon fan, with which there is (or was) a venue for self-expression. The current global situation is far from over, but if somehow that happens, there may be a place yet again for these local hangouts.

One year ago: Competitor Ranks of the Silph League Arena

Two years ago: Personal Branding

Three years ago: To Judge and Be Judged

Four years ago: Catering to Old and New Players