The State of Nominations, Part 20

It is perhaps unexpected that my series of posts covering my PokéStop nominations for Pokémon Go via Niantic Wayfarer has reached 20 installments, but it has, even with the updating being sparse on the order of months. As a result, happenings tend to be sparse as well, though this is more of the consequence of some things taking time to be realized. But when they do, they can turn out to be fascinating, as is the case of the happenings since my last report on them. 

The number of In Queue and In Voting nominations as indicated on Wayfarer didn't change from last time (18 and 12 respectively), even though since then I've made a few more nominations. What is significant is that I've had 3 more nominations accepted to total 75, while 2 others were not accepted, totaling 66; duplicate nominations remain at 11, which should remain a good thing. The most fascinating happening is that two appealed nominations were decided and thus left the status and I've been able to appeal one more rejected nomination, making the total 3. This is not necessarily good, however.

What happened was the appealed nominations became not accepted, having gone through a second round of voting. It's a shame, but it seems they were just not meant to be, at least not right now if past nominations are anything to go by. In any case, I've decided to ignore them as if they have been renominated manually. The only saving grace may be those 3 accepted nominations, one of which was made at a very remote area when I passed through the area and became one of my fastest accepted nominations, within just two days. This is an amazing happening to be sure, but so would be an appeal that leads to an acceptance.

Meanwhile, by my counts, my active nominations have increased to 30 with 2 new ones, and 2 renominations are still ongoing. The number of rejected nominations is now 32 due to the rejected appeals as above, and the number of superseded nominations did not change. Based on previous observations, it may be safe to say that the number of approved (accepted) and appealed nominations will be in line with the counts from Wayfarer above, and therefore from this point on it may be sufficient to report only on my counts that are made differently from Wayfarer, and that ought to simplify things a bit.

After 20 installments, one thing I can conclude from how my nominations have proceeded thus far is that my work is not done, even if in my immediate local area, it may seemingly appear as such. I still have to be wary of places that I can nominate into a PokéStop with potential improvement to that area should Trainers stumble upon the area, and after making the nominations, to oversee the process as it progresses on Niantic Wayfarer. At least that much is what I can expect.

One year ago: Chiki Balls Pokémon Coins: (Final?) Selections

Two years ago: Zorua in Mareep Clothing

Three years ago: Reading About Pokémon Lore

Four years ago: The Magic of 25

Five years ago: Et Tu, Shuffle? (Thy Hath Bugs)

Six years ago: It's Been a Month...

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/30/2023

If there is something that describes the events in Pokémon Go all throughout this month, it would be "brightness". It might be considered similar in vein to how "power" described the events last year at this same time. Come to think of it, it may be considered that there are a few more similarities with the events that happened in this month for this year, given the same time of year and everything that happens then, and that's something to be discussed in this event rollup as well.

As usual, there's the New Year's event, which I consider a January event rather than a December event, though it started at 8 PM on December 31; it ran up to January 4 at the same time. In the same vein as the 2020 Slowpoke eventually being able to evolve in past years, the golden top hat Hoothoot from last year now can evolve into a golden top hat Noctowl; new this year is a Pikachu with a party top hat. The Pikachu and Hoothoot, along with Weedle, became special appearances in the wild, while other hatted Pokémon appeared in raids, and the Pichu version appeared in 7 km Eggs along with other baby Pokémon. A Collection Challenge was the order of event, and Eggs were halved in hatch distance (quartered for the first three Eggs if one used the Egg widget). New Year's always has a certain brightness to it, and that remained true this year.

Next, it was time for the Fairy and Dragon types to shine, and that came in the form of the Twinkling Fantasy event from January 10 to 16. This event featured the debut of Mega Salamence in Mega Raids as well as Shiny Dedenne. The latter, along with selected species of the types above, appeared in the wild, Field Research task rewards, and raids. Supplementing these appearances were bonuses of XP, Candy, and Candy XL based on throws, photo bombs of some of the selected Pokémon, and a Collection Challenge. The name of the event is already "bright", and the contents were evidently such as well.

The Lunar New Year came early this year, and so the event had to come early as well, from January 19 to 23. Since this is the Year of the Rabbit, the Buneary and Bunnelby families were spotlighted (including Mega Lopunny in Mega Raids); they were joined by other red, Fire-type, and or auspicious Pokémon species in the wild, 7 km Eggs, Field Research task rewards, and raids. A Timed Research set provided a way for Trainers to choose their own lucky bonuses, while other bonuses of increased Lucky Pokémon and Lucky Friend chances, doubled Stardust from Gifts, an extra Special Trade, and a new clothing item brought festiveness and even some brightness to those who really needed them.

Last year's Power Plant event featured the Electric type; this year, the Crackling Voltage event represents a step up (or a slight variation) from that, having started on January 27 and will last to February 5. This event features the debuts of the Shiny forms of the Helioptile family - which is higher for 7 km Eggs than in the wild - as well as Tapu Koko, which appears in raids. They are joined by some Pokémon of the Electric type as well as a few others of the Steel and Poison types in the wild, raids, 7 km Eggs, and Field Research task rewards. Now, it has to be said that the above is just one half of this event; the other half actually comes as the month turns over, and rightfully, it is better to be reserved for next month's event rollup instead as it may be considered a separate event of its own - a kind of "darkness" countering "brightness".

"Brightness" thus manifested itself in quite different ways over the course of the events in Pokémon Go this month, two of which are new year celebrations of different kinds and the other two being type-based features. Yet that seems to show a further similarity among themselves in addition to what was manifested last year around this time. As far as things are concerned, that's just another interesting timely take on Pokémon Go events.

One year ago: More Pokémon Brand Parodies

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/30/2021

Three years ago: Bringing It Home

Four years ago: Three TCG Booster Packs

Five years ago: Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Series 2 Figures

Six years ago: Always 21 - Memories of 21

Cosplay: Utsuru 7.5

Me: So, remember how Utsuru turned out at the end of last year?

Goh: Well, that was a tough day and a tough week before.

Me: I'm proud to say the organizers kept their word and has made it happen as intended. Well... almost.

Ash: That's awesome! Wait... "almost"?

Pikachu: Chu, pika? ["What now?"]

Me: Actually, the original edition was supposed to be titled "Utsuru 777" (and mentioned as "Triple Seven" or "Lucky Seven"), but it seems that for some reason or another, they dropped the concept, and now have just titled it "Utsuru 7.5" (which would be "seven point five" or "seven and a half").

Goh: Well, I can think of why, but I know you would prefer that I not say it.

Me: Please don't. Let's just let things happen. Speaking of, since the original concept involved the number 7, how about we bring out your "number 7"?

Ash: Oh! My Alola outfit! It's been a long time since you sent me with that one.

Me: I know. Part of it is painful for me personally, and another part was just other stuff that didn't work out, including how the past few years have been. But now, I'm ready, and I think you are too.

Ash: Yeah! Why not?

Me: Plus, in a way, I need the service of that Alolan bag of yours that often holds Rowlet. If it's spacey enough for Rowlet, it should be spacey enough for what I need.

Goh: I guess Rowlet really likes the comfort and privacy of that bag.

Ash: It does, doesn't it? I hope it works out for you.

Me: It should. OK, so now this is technically the "redo" of the earlier convention, which means that most everything should be the same. Was it?

Ash: It was! The booths, the people who came, and the schedule were mostly the same. But I didn't check which ones were still present from last time today.

Goh: But it had to be more festive since the conditions weren't like last time.

Ash: Yeah! It was louder and maybe... a bit more crowded than last time?

Goh: Well, obviously some people who didn't want to attend last time now would like to.

Ash: I think I saw some new people too.

Pikachu: Chu, pika chu. ["New, most likely."]

Me: The character parade should be like last time: everyone who wanted in registered just before going in. You did that, right?

Ash: As you asked.

Me: Great! How did it go?

Ash: There were around 50 characters... and I wasn't one of the five winners.

Goh: How did they actually structure the parade, I wonder?

Ash: Well, we went up on stage one at a time in groups of five but one at time. Last time was also like that.

Goh: So the judges could have picked the ones that were most memorable.

Me: That, or it's another instance of the "lottery effect", but we weren't lucky this time.

Ash: I guess so. 

Me: Moving on, what else did you see or watch? Something different from last time?

Ash: Bands came back! There was a DJ too.

Me: Well, of course. They can't deal with the "no loud sounds" ordinance previously.

Ash: We could stay until later.

Goh: That's neat, and it obviously works out.

Ash: And I played a community game! It was a speed challenge, a hard hat against a hammer by rock-paper-scissors. I lost 0-2 to another person, though.

Me: Interesting game. You could make this related to Pokémon by using the species instead.

Goh: And you could have three Pokémon! It could be Grass, Fire, Water. It makes perfect sense.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Perfect!"]

Me: By the way, you did deal with the thing that needs your Alolan bag, right? It's an errand for a character friend of mine in different ways.

Ash: I got it! Don't worry, it should be safe. It just fits too.

Me: That's good. So what do you think overall?

Ash: It seems like old times in new times.

Goh: I haven't had the experience of something like this, so it's great that you two are bringing it to me.

Me: It could be and has to be better. I actually received an offer to turn down this edition for something just as special but farther away, but it actually doesn't jive with things. Plus, this is way nearer, as Ash can attest.

Ash: It is! And way more successful than that one time.

Pikachu: Pi pika, pika chu! ["Oh yes, a success!"]

Me: They call it "the party for the bigger party", so now it fits.

Goh: Oh, a bigger party?

Me: Oh yes, something else Goh hasn't experienced. It'll come very soon, providing that the Joltik don't bite.

Goh: It is indeed very happening.

Ash: And I like this party!

Me: It's definitely a very bright spot in recent times.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/29/2022

Two years ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: One More Month

Three years ago: Expecting the Contrary

Four years ago: Color Me (Shiny) Groudon

Five years ago: More Pokémon Hanging Things

Six years ago: Fire Power!

Pokémon Is Magic

The sub-topic of this post might be better reserved for a certain fandom next door, but it doesn't really matter anyway, because I and others believe it's true as well in relation to Pokémon. As can be inferred from the title, my view and their view is that Pokémon has a certain "magical" quality about it. What I'm referring to as "magic" here is not just in what Pokémon brings to the table, but also how things are perceived by its fans as well as how that works out for them. And there seems to be a lot of that all around.

It is true that a lot of things about Pokémon is based off on the real world and is quite realistic in that way. But then, there are the surreal and supernatural, many of which may not be fully explained. In that way, it does seem rather close to "magic" for anyone who might perceive it, possibly for the first time now. This "magic" aspect might be obvious for longtime fans like me, but it does deserve to be discussed, especially now as I'm bringing up the "magic" topic for general Pokémon matters.

Regarding those fans, the "magic" may be in the allure that Pokémon has for them. Some fans have been known to set aside Pokémon (in any form) for awhile, but then they come back as if they haven't left. While the actual reasons of coming back may depend on the Pokémon thing of concern, there's also the sense that it just seems fitting, natural, necessary, desirable, and so on and so forth to make the comeback. It seemingly has many (or even no) explanations, and that may be where the magic lies.

Some of the "magic" may also be present in the relationships that Pokémon makes possible. Two friends who are able to meet physically can be connected through Pokémon, as are two friends who are very far away. It's also likely to be more than two, as both local and international Pokémon communities can attest. If one is lucky, they may be able to link up with some of the who's who in Pokémon, both physically and over social media. Admittedly, it may be "magic" that allows any and all of those to happen.

With legions of fans and over a quarter century of existence, much has gone on in different ways. A lot of that is certainly due to monumental efforts in different ways, but it may be that some things can be attributed to "magic", perhaps for a lack of any other attributed factor or explanation. It applies equally well to the workings of its world as well as the workings of the people who relate to that world in all kinds of ways, then and now. Other fans and I may just be happy to take that "magical" explanation as is.

One year ago: Legends: Arceus Unleashed

Two years ago: Prospects for My Pokémon Cosplay

Three years ago: Bear Walker Pokémon Skateboards

Four years ago: (Scripted and Connected) Local EX Raid, 1/28/2019

Five years ago: Cosplay: Japanese World 2018

Six years ago: The First-Generation Bicycle Theme

Concept Maps for Pokémon Unite

Essential to any MOBA game are maps where the battles take place. This applies without exception to Pokémon Unite, which by now has a few of them (plus a few derivative maps) for varied circumstances and modes. Still, it may be that the game could use a few more new maps or map derivatives to accommodate certain Pokémon, suit certain themes, or just change up the situation in general. For that, I've decided to bring out a few concepts that I have for such maps, a few of them that I've thought up even well before this post.

The regular Remoat Stadium map features Zapdos as its key Legendary Pokémon (the "lord"), while the derivative Snow & Ice "winter" edition features Articuno instead. It's clear that the missing one of the trio is Moltres, who ought to have a map of its own. I've had the idea that Moltres could appear in a summer-themed derivative map of the above, which I would call "Blazing Fire". It would naturally have some Fire-type Pokémon, but it may have some Pokémon of the Water, Grass, and Ground types to reflect the appropriate season. Like the winter map, it would be seasonal and not a fodder for Ranked matches, but it would be useful as a "forced diversion" of sorts to have some fun.

After the three Legendary Birds of Kanto, the natural follow-up would be Mewtwo, who is also a fully deserving candidate of a map that features said Pokémon. Initially, I thought of a derivative concept I call "Remoat Stadium at Night" with the Pokémon and to have it at first only available to those of the Master rank, but this would seemingly be unfair due to its exclusion - even the game has thrown out the idea of new Unite Licenses only purchasable with Gems at first for that reason. Therefore, this good idea would still have to be executed in an inclusive manner, and why not for a special occasion like its anniversary; I would suggest that if and when Unite makes it to five years, it could have that map and be implemented for Standard and Ranked matches like Theia Sky Ruins is now. That would be a sight to see.

While there are already a few maps in rotation for Quick matches, it can't hurt to have another one, particularly one that can be played with teams of three. I would suggest a completely different theme that other maps don't already have - a forest theme comes to mind - and it could have a unique goal zone mechanic, like two goal zones on both sides that alternate in opening. The key (Legendary) Pokémon could be or would have to be something appropriate, perhaps Suicune or even Xerneas. This concept would be completely new and have to be developed even further, but with the "bones" that I've outlined, it might be the prompt for a future exciting gameplay dynamic.

It would be inevitable for new maps to become a part of any MOBA game, and Pokémon Unite has already proven that in its run. It has had new maps for various occasions, even for the Ranked matches of its second year. What's left to see is if it can bring even more new map concepts to fruition and fill in a few representative gaps by those concepts, as may be evident above. After that, it's only a matter of getting everyone to experience them, as with any MOBA that continues to have innovative strength.

One year ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: The Final Month

Two years ago: BT's Coins, My Coins, Our Coins

Three years ago: Spinning Like a Spinda

Four years ago: The Cards, Revisited

Five years ago: Changes

Six years ago: A Loss Is... A Loss?

How Many Main Orders to Complete?

The question that I pose in the title of this post might seem relevant to some people and moot for others. It has the term "Main Order", so it definitely refers to Café Remix. At present, there are just over 1800 of these, the most recent ones having been added a couple of days ago after a lull in additions for some time. It's a big number, especially for those who have started playing more recently, although that's practically true for anyone, even me who started around half a year ago. Such a big number then prompts the above question, for which the answer might be or not be so clear-cut.

For "completionists", there is of course one and only one answer: all of them should be completed, especially new ones as they come. This is especially true if one has applied to join or has joined a team with main order completion requirements, which over time can be expected to be updated. Yet with the way that Café Remix works, this might lead to some missed opportunities (primarily encounters with Shiny Pokémon customers), at least if they weren't missed in the first place due to how rare they appear as I've explained previously. One effectively might pay the price for achieving completion in this way.

If the above "completionist" matter is not a concern, then it should be fine to leave a number of main orders uncompleted in case things occur. How many? Currently, I'm approximately 200 main orders behind the present total as above, and I've only encountered one Shiny Pokémon around two months ago, which has yet to return. It may be that this number is a bit much, so I would say to err on the cautious side, around 100 main orders may be left uncompleted in case things happen. This would mean I'm also behind even with this suggestion, so it may be time for me to complete some more main orders.

What makes this relevant or moot, certainly, is whether or not one has already completed all existing main orders by the "completionist" matter as above. A number of uncompleted main orders may just become relevant for those who haven't gotten to the "point of no return", while all of them being completed makes the issue a moot point, at least until new main orders come and one isn't too hasty or forced to complete them. Either way, the uncompleted main orders could become useful diversions until they are needed to be completed somehow and the true answer to the main question I posed becomes evident.

One year ago: YouTube Pokémon Highlights: Pokémon Unite Channels

Two years ago: Unity Power

Three years ago: Cosplay: Aishiteru Minna

Four years ago: SwitchCon

Five years ago: Private vs. Public Raids?

Six years ago: The Times They Are a-Switchin'

Recent Little Additions to the Pokémon Go Experience

Aside from all the major additions in recent times to Pokémon Go, mostly in the form of new Pokémon (forms), there have been other additions, mostly small ones that don't really deserve an entire fully focused discussion as a post on this blog. What they do, however, is that they add to the experience in various ways, and that may become significant indeed. I've selected a few of those additions to discuss how they might be so.

For those who like opening Gifts, now they can open them even when the item bag is full, which will reward Stardust instead of items. This takes prior consent and is completely optional, being able to be turned off in the game options, but more than a few Trainers will certainly make the choice. Even so, the amount of earned Stardust is small (50, 100, or 200), often more so than when the bag isn't full, so there is still the incentive to clear out bag space and earn items or possibly more Stardust instead. The feature was beta tested for some Trainers before rolling out to others, and it has proven to be a workable solution for many.

Those who like to share tidbits of what they've been up to might enjoy that they are now able to share their captures in the form of a Catch Card. The Catch Card, accessed through the menu for each Pokémon, looks a little like a TCG card without the moves, containing info on its main features including the date and location of capture. The appearance of the Pokémon can even be personalized by taking a photo of it as one does especially for other purposes. Of the most recent additions, this may be one that is rather underutilized, but its uniqueness in showing off Pokémon is something to be said and even promoted.

Even the Pokédex has been improved slightly, and that is with the addition of a search feature. The things that one can expect to search for are there - name, type, region - and can be used to narrow down the Pokédex by certain criteria. This is certainly a boon for those who like to keep their collections complete in any Pokémon game (even this one) and to wade through them as needed for certain purposes, as I actually have done for a recent endeavor involving them. It's certainly an expected minor feature and very much usable at that, though it does come at a very late but needed time.

Overall, one will also have noticed that things in the game have gotten much smoother and much faster in many ways, particularly during Pokémon capture. The animations that lead into and out of a Pokémon capture have been accelerated, and thus encounters take much less time to process. This is especially helpful for the bonus capture challenge after raids, which has always taken a lot of time in the past (and still some today), and capturing Pokémon under the duress of the Daily Adventure Incense, which does benefit from going through encounters quickly. It's definitely a huge change for the get-up-and-go.

Pokémon Go is a game that benefits from frequent updating, and this is very much true for the tidbit updates for the listed features above. They have the potential (and have proven as such) to provide lots of benefits for Trainers. I'd say that's significant, even if they just constitute little parts that are updated only in certain ways, and that's as major as the Pokémon that are present, then and now.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 14

Two years ago: I Need Great Pokémon Friends

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/25/2020

Four years ago: Keep Calm and Carry On Researching

Five years ago: Performance Critique: ACC 2018 Single Performance

Six years ago: Keychains!

Friend Experiences with Factions

With the advent of Silph Arena Factions, there is a great effect on my Pokémon Go friends - who I also call "fellows" - as they compete in the Arena, at least for those who still possess the interest in competing in it and have not dropped it (and/or Pokémon Go) entirely. In relation to Factions, they may also be described to have their own experiences, whether they are involved in it or not. These are something I'd like to discuss in a post, especially how interesting those experiences turn out to be.

As can be expected, a few of them are involved in Factions and are doing quite well, at least as well as can be. In fact, a couple of them have also been involved since or near the inception of Factions, effectively becoming their "beta testers", so to speak, and now they're part of high-ranked teams on its tiers. As far as I can tell, they're completely happy with the situation, even if some of the battles are challenging where they are. They have to be commended for what they're doing now, and they have to be supported so they can keep their game (maintain status) and even improve it (move up to a higher one).

Meanwhile, a couple of them are involved, but they don't seem to be doing as well. I heard about one of them through one of the above who is doing better, and the report is that the person is stressed out. The reason is that the person was apparently drafted into a high-ranking team right away, subsequently being unable to handle the pressure of that high stature; at the moment, the person has even been rotated into an inactive Alternate position while someone else takes over. One thing that may be gained from this is that like in most other affairs of life, it may be best to start from the bottom and work upwards. It's something to consider for those interested in Factions (like me) but haven't gotten a team.

Speaking of which, there are evidently a few people of the above status, some of which I have the opportunity to know as "fellows". The only problem may be making the move to gather them up into one or more Factions, which may be ideal if it could be done under the leadership of someone who is experienced in Factions as the "manager" and who knows quite a bit about Factions in and out as the Captain (like in any team sport, each Faction has one of these to guide the others). This is especially true for the Asia-Pacific region, which right now still has a dearth of teams and a lack of upper tiers, although this may change soon with the current composition of its Open tier... and maybe something to add to that.

Then there are just those who are not interested, but regardless remain happy with just competing in the individual Silph Arena competition. These friends or "fellows" of mine likely do not know about Factions or are still trying to wrap their heads around the concept, though again, not disinterested in competing in the Arena in general or with Pokémon Go. And that's just fine; they may not need to know about or deal with Factions at this point in time. Later on, however, they may be piqued by curiosity, and at that point, more headways can be made into the competition to make it livelier.

"Lively" may indeed be considered a general description for the scene of the Silph Arena Factions and where much of the competitive efforts there are going right now. So it is that my friends or "fellows" are also involved in it to various degrees and with various results, and it can be said that it has had various effects on them, leading to their experiences around and with the competition. Even for me, that may be just enough reason to put my interest in Factions as they had put in theirs.

One year ago: The Sinnoh Cup of GBL

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 8

Three years ago: Little Bits of the Pokémon Anime

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/24/2019

Five years ago: Local Ex-Raid (and More), 1/24/2018

Six years ago: Electricity: Harness, Don't Exploit

Quickies: The Fire Inside and Out

Sometimes, when I feel minorly distraught due to certain happenings (yesterday's "failed" event may be considered one such happening), I go on a self-introspection. There, I find the part of my body that burns with the desire to make things right at the earliest opportunity, and then try to make peace with it. Something else that burns is the Pokémon species of the Fire type, whose forms and behaviors are a varied lot, but they all burn brightly and hotly on the inside as they do on the outside. Given the present circumstances, I feel compelled to make a (quick) discussion out of them.

While the full details of how the Pokémon of this type generate their flames may not be known for the most part, including the ones that naturally arise as parts of their appendages, at least it may be considered that there is something inside that allows them to do so, and that may constitute a flame of some sort. It may not appear all that bright and hot on the inside, especially with the way one just views things from the outside, but the brilliance and hotness are wonderfully assured with the control that they possess over their inner "flame". Of course, for them, the flames are as close to tangible as they could be, while my "flame" is more spiritual and illustrative in nature.

In this situation, I'm also reminded of a music piece and composition by Yanni that is also quite appropriate: "The Flame Within". It's a dramatic piece that was also conceived during his "breakdown" period where it was difficult for him to put things into words. Such is the way I feel when I attempt to deal with that inner flame, while for the Pokémon that have their "realistic" inner flame, it may be something ordinary - perhaps leading to extraordinary - in the fulfillment of their lives. 

For (specific) Pokémon and people, then, it may be considered that they all have a certain flame within them, and the key to life and living is the control of that flame. The Pokémon certainly will be able to make use of that flame to change their environment, while the people will be able to make use of that flame to change themselves. The thing that burns inside may just be the thing for making a brilliant outside.

One year ago: On the Referencing of Stats in Pokémon Go

Two years ago: Beyond the Immensity of Life

Three years ago: New Pokémon Asia McDonald's Happy Meal Toys - Selections

Four years ago: Islands and Continents

Five years ago: Passing the Guard

Six years ago: Two Pokémon Pillows

Let's Talk About Living and Letting Go

Me: OK, well... you know what, it's complicated. Let's just have a "Let's Talk" for now. We haven't done it in a long time anyhow.

Goh: That's true. Come to think of it, we haven't done it since last year, when you started sending Ash back to events when they came back.

Ash: Hey yeah! So... does that mean our talks were in place of them all this time?

Pikachu: Pi... ka...? [suspicious]

Me: In a way, maybe. But I prefer to think of it as an outlet for our thoughts on specific things [and, shhh... OOC: my creativity] as well as a fallback for when stuff doesn't go right, which has happened once in the past... and now again. But that's for a little later.

Goh: So what do you want to talk about now?

Me: Have you ever heard the term "live and let live"? It means, essentially, to live as you are and to allow others to do the same. It's almost like what some people call... "laissez-faire" ...in my world.

Ash: Oh! I guess I do do that with my Pokémon. It's fine if they evolve, but it's also fine if they don't want to evolve. I mean, Pikachu did that when Pikachu didn't want the Thunder Stone and just wanted to be so.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Yeah!" (assertive)]

Ash: They can be just themselves if they want to - but if they need help, like Gengar with Gigantamax, then I can do that.

Goh: It's also like the time when we - I with Project Mew - rescued an Alolan Ninetales in Sinnoh. It was tense, but the key was allowing it to live like it should, during and after that.

Ash: That was awesome, wasn't it? It seems like we can live, and Pokémon can live.

Me: OK, so both of you get the point. Here, though, I made it "live and let go", which I consider as doing the same, but also having the element of releasing any burden. What do you think?

Goh: I guess, it's like that time I had to let go of White Flower Floette. It has to do what it has to do, and if that means for the good of its White Flower for its future fellow Pokémon.

Ash: For me, it had to be that time with Butterfree and Butterfree's partner, when I let go of Butterfree. I felt the same way like Goh. I still wonder where they could be.

Me: Those are fine examples. We don't need to discuss them more than they should be discussed - I know how sentimental they can be. All right, so today I actually sent you somewhere, Ash.

Ash: It looks like it was for an event! But... you didn't seem to have a way of getting me in there.

Me: See, that's the thing. I could have gotten you in there for the character competitions some days ago, but something seemed iffy in the process. Even a friend of mine couldn't get in, and it seemed like just a ruse. And I know the people behind the competitions, and I've had some history with them.

Goh: I see. What did you do, Ash?

Ash: I just didn't get in. The ticket was expensive!

Pikachu: Chu... [head spinning]

Me: The event was all day, but characters were only - and I heard, only - involved for a couple hours. Even if you got in then, you still couldn't compete.

Goh: No, definitely not worth it. Good call on not wasting money. It seems like they want people to be in there all day, but if you're in there for a few hours, what's the point?

Ash: I understand now. It was our "letting go".

Me: There you go; it was also an act of letting them be - letting them live while we live. What did you do then?

Ash: I caught a Galarian Zapdos for you!

Goh: Wow!!

Ash: And then I met up with other characters and people who also couldn't get in, and we just had a great time hanging out outside - but we did let go of a few things too.

Me: That's perfectly fine. They all may have experienced the same things we did, in worse ways too. At that point, we just continue living - and let go of the not-so-good stuff. Speaking of which, it seems that soon there will be a major "letting go" and...

Ash, Goh: Oh no.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Terrible." (dejected)]

Me: Well, let's let it go for now and just live for today.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 1/22/2022

Two years ago: Best in the World and Universe

Three years ago: On the "Invisible Forces"

Four years ago: Fan Art... for Me!

Five years ago: Costume and Cosplay Checklists

Six years ago: Pokémon World + Hero's Come Back = ...

Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 1/21/2023

While the main Community Day event for this month has passed, there's no harm in filling time before the next main edition, and one way to do that is with a Classic edition of Community Day. As is the norm since it started, it brings back a very popular edition from the past, updates it with modern perks, and makes it available to all current and returning Trainers. For this edition, there is the return of a "little monster" that when evolved becomes a "big monster" that is always in demand. It also fits in line with a recently introduced size mechanic, but that is a digression; the focus today is on that "monster".

So, this Classic edition has the featured Pokémon of Larvitar, and it is thus a repeat of the June 2018 edition. As before, when it is fully evolved to Tyranitar after its second stage Pupitar, it gets the exclusive Fast Move of Smack Down, a move with good uses all around. Also as before, Trainers can reap the bonus of tripled XP, which may be very good this time for those seeking to get closer to Level 50 if they aren't already. Lure Modules are extended and so are Incense, a modern addition to the event; other modern additions are local time scheduling (2 PM to 5 PM), photo bombs by Larvitar, and the extra paid Special Research, here simply just titled "Larvitar Community Day Classic" and offers insights into the ways of this species family. Again, the additions are fairly "barebones", but they ought to be opportunistic for everyone.

Everything today happened much like the previous edition of Community Day Classic in November last year. My group and I chose the same place to meet as the main edition, the rain came down for a good bit of time, and we set things up to capture as many Larvitar as possible, whether it was for pursuing stock and/or chasing after XP for those who needed it. There was also a "perfect surprise", but it was apparently a give-and-take affair for some, including me. In the end, I evolved just a few since I already had a plethora from the previous edition in 2018 and from other opportunities. I may think about making some of them Lucky if at all possible with a trading partner who is a Lucky Friend.

The past edition for this Community Day was quite a "monster", looking at all the happenings back then. This time, it may be said that the "monster" has been restrained to the ones that represent the entirety of this species family. Then and now, something should have been gained out of them, whether it's an army of "monster" Tyranitar that are ready for action wherever they go, or preparations to keep up with others and their level. Either way, those are some "monster" goals indeed, (to be) achieved with this Community Day.

One year ago: Six Degrees of Separation

Two years ago: Seeking Comfort with Pokémon

Three years ago: Getting Too Technical

Four years ago: Takara Tomy Arts Manmaru Pokémon Netsuke Sun & Moon - Torracat

Five years ago: Cosplay: AsiA Cosplay Competition 2018, Day 2

Six years ago: Dreams of Itasha

Getting Refreshed with Pokémon Drinks

Collaborations with various companies that provide food is nothing new nor uncommon for Pokémon (in fact, there's a more recent one, but now is not yet the time to discuss that). However, collaborations with companies that provide drinks may be considered as novel and extraordinary. Such is the case for a couple of these recent collaborations with drink companies in my local region, resulting in a few unique products with a Pokémon feel and a refreshing taste.

First up is the Inaco I'm Coco, which is a brand of coconut water that features bits of coconut jelly. This product is nothing new (or unique) as far as drink products go, but the company had chosen to market the product with Pokémon, most likely to appeal to its recent popularity. I chose to have the original flavor as shown above, which is marketed with Seadra; there are other flavors, but this is a product I only enjoy in its "original" incarnation. And this particular one is quite good, even if it is somewhat on the sweet side. While the Pokémon aspect almost seems to be an afterthought, the effort to promote this particular product seems laudable.

Then there are two products from the international drink chain Chatime: the Pikachu Milk Ball and the Charizard Orange Tea. The latter is a green tea drink with orange flavor, a lot of which comes through an orange marmalade mixer, while the former is a milky pineapple drink with pineapple jam as its mixer (think pina colada, but with regular milk and caramel notes). I've had both drinks, and I find the orange tea uplifting and perfect for a hot day, while the milk drink is energy-dense and neatly enjoyable on its own; they're appropriate to the Pokémon species they identify with. Actually, there is a third drink, the Mewtwo Berry Tea, but I'm not a big fan of berry flavors, so I've ignored this one.

I already drank the drinks, you see,
and these empty glasses belong to me.

For the Chatime drinks, they come in special collectible glasses that feature different Pokémon on them, two of which I possess as above. The glass tops are unique, being in the shape of a Premier Ball, and the large straw is inserted where the button for the ball is. They're supposed to be appropriate to the Pokémon species being featured, but in my experience, I got the left one (the all-Pokémon one) for the orange tea, and the right (Charizard) one for the milk ball. There are certainly other glasses, but I'm currently not feeling up to try my luck - and spend more - on those rich drinks.

Considering all the drinks above, the Pokémon promotional aspect could be considered as "gimmicky" - in particular and especially so for the coconut water drink above - but they seem to just work, promotionally speaking. They got me to try these drinks, which I wouldn't normally do, and I may just continue to try them even after the Pokémon promotion has disappeared. In that sense, the collaborations are novel indeed, and the reward is quite refreshing for a thirsty soul.

One year ago: Pokémon and the Multiverse

Two years ago: Living Amidst Creatures... or Pokémon

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 1/19/2020

Four years ago: Cosplay: Toys Week Season 2

Five years ago: Cosplay: AsiA Cosplay Competition 2018, Day 1

Six years ago: All in the Cards

Loot from Pokémon Festival Jakarta

Speaking of things that are long overdue, it wouldn't be right if I went to Pokémon Festival Jakarta but didn't come back with some Pokémon goodies, merchandise, or "loot". As such, I had to make sure that I came back with at least something, and I did; actually, I came back with quite a few things, some of them significant. I actually wanted to discuss them earlier, but there were already a few goings-on both related and unrelated to Pokémon that I had to attend to, so the discussion had to wait. Now that time permits, I can make the discussion and show just what I came back with as my "loot".

I wanted to come back with something that was truly usable and not just a piece of static memorabilia, and clothing became one way to realize that. Fortunately, the festival had a range of clothing options available for purchase, and I took up the most unique and representative. On the far left is the Pokémon Festival Jakarta official shirt in white, which was the most plentiful and representative with the festival logo, and thus it was necessary to get it. Next to it is a Mega Charizard Y jacket, which is less representative but extremely unique; not shown is the Pokémon emblazoned on its back side. I had to think before getting the latter of these items, and it became a snap decision, one that I (may) slightly regret but still happily enjoy. I've actually indicated possession of both of these items, as I wore them during Community Day earlier; it is only now that I can formally show them off, and as in many cases, "better late than never", even way after the event.

Of course, I still wanted a couple of "just memorabilia" items, and those are in the form of the notebook and the lanyard beside the clothing items. The blue notebook fulfills the purpose with the promotional scenery image, which I got in lieu of a second shirt with the very same image, making it representative. The orange lanyard at the bottom meanwhile is just plainly unique, with its orange color and the featuring of Pikachu and the starters from Paldea; a friend tells me that the lanyard is extremely characteristic because of that, and therefore it is justified to be obtained. I love both of these items regardless and would have gotten them if nothing else as something convenient.

The rest of the items on the right are "freebies" - given to me as they are, with no cost - but I still consider them "loot" nonetheless. There are the two promotional cards, the special double half trial decks, and even the flyer. The cards, specifically the Pikachu card, were obtained from completing game challenges on the flyer, one each for the TCG, Pokémon Go, and Pokémon Unite, and as noted earlier, if I had done the TCG challenge twice more, I would also have gotten an Eevee card, but time was too short for this purpose. The trial decks could be used by two people for a half-length battle, as in the TCG challenge, and I'd like to keep them for that purpose and as a teaching tool - even though I technically could peruse both as a full deck to challenge someone else. Lastly, the flyer is a given, yet it also contains the record of my challenges, and so needs to be kept as such. They all deserve to be kept for prosperity.

Another thing that I'd like to say is that I incurred one of the Four Notions in obtaining the non-freebie items - in other words, I splurged for them, with the jacket taking up over half of what I spent in total for all those items. This situation also played a part in the snap decision I had to make to get the items. In this case, it is somewhat warranted, however, because a friend suggested that the festival is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and who knows if or when there would be another one like this. This was the rationale for making the trip there (and sending Ash) in the first place, and it comes back to support my decision to get all the items that I got above. And I dare say it makes for a nice write-up as well, with how this post on those items is turning out.

Many things did happen at the festival, and much effort (by me particularly) was spent to get there, so it makes sense that I wanted to bring back the things that really bring pieces of the festival back and keep it present for as long as possible, even long after the festival has ended. All of the above things achieve that objective in different ways, but the Pokémon spirit for all of them is the same and plentiful. I'd say the festival remains here with me where I am with them, and that's not long overdue either.

One year ago: Pokémon and the "Metaverse"

Two years ago: Let's Talk About Homes and the Place to Be

Three years ago: Cosplay: Cosplay on the Street

Four years ago: Peace

Five years ago: Suspending My Disbelief

Six years ago: Ash, Satoshi, or... Ali?

1000 Species Is Real!!

Nearly five years ago, I had posted about my wonderings if and when the number of Pokémon species will reach or exceed 1000 species. Now, thanks to a video posted on the official YouTube channel (and replicated across sister channels for different regions), it is recognized officially: there are over 1000 of them - 1008, to be exact - according to their National Dex number assignments and lumping regional forms as one. Because of this, I just had to look back on the earlier post and see how the present achievement pans out in relation to that.

But first, it's helpful and interesting to discuss the content and structure of that video. Instead of going in order by National Dex ID (at least, for the most part), all the Pokémon species are presented in "themes" that relate to the identification of certain groups of species, for example starters and those obtained by unique methods all the way to Legendary and Mythical Pokémon; this also allows the "regional forms" to be sequestered as a theme by itself. All the while, a running tally keeps track of how many species there are, and the "golden moment"  (literally) takes place as the species from the Paldea region are displayed, culminating in the current grand total of 1008. That's enough explanation from me, though; I recommend watching the video for the full details and impact.

As for the previous post, I did note numbers, and that's where I'd like to go next. Prior to the ninth-generation games, the grand total was 905 all the way through Legends: Arceus and the Hisui region, whose new species belong properly as the eighth generation. That means Paldea adds 103 new species, nearly on par with the "running average" of about 100 as I described then, and the eighth generation made approximately the same contribution. I also wasn't off the mark in supposing that the milestone could happen with the ninth generation, though I was also minorly pessimistic in mentioning the tenth generation as well. That is now due to occur, just like I supposed that 1000+ species can occur and indeed does.

The milestone has definitely been reached, faster than previously thought. As such, it has made the "gatekeeping" reasons that I detailed in my previous post rather moot. One way to think of that is that the fans and the games by now may be considered ready to deal with 1000+ species, not to mention all their forms. The main series games, as I posited then, is now on the Switch and has the leverage, though recently it did come with a performance cost. As for other games, they have to follow suit - with the most important now being Pokémon Go, which is setting itself up to be a Pokémon "archive" of sorts.

It may be considered that Pokémon always has the power to "amaze", and now with a grand total of over 1000 individual species, the amazement is definitely real. This is definitely true, considering that some quarter-century ago, the number was only one-sixth of that, and yet the fans were still attracted as they are today. Now, much amazement is still to be felt from all those Pokémon species, however they may come.

One year ago: My Pokémon Identity

Two years ago: Pokémon Body Pillows

Three years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Fusion Cup

Four years ago: Rivalries

Five years ago: (Almost) A Pokémon Party

Six years ago: Pokémon Art Academy - More Than Just Pokémon Art

A Legendary Existence

My discussion about my "legendary" foray into cosplay appropriately leads to the discussion of another "legendary" matter: that of myself, as today is indeed my birthday. And this year's milestone is a slightly "legendary" one, as I turn 35 today. In those 35 years, a lot of things have happened, certainly the most important and "legendary" one being coming into contact with Pokémon and appreciating it nearly from the beginning until today. But then, aside from other not-so-legendary matters, it seems that I've also been blessed by a few other "legendary" things that continue to shape me as who I am today, in and out of Pokémon.

The experience of having been in the U.S. (and thereafter liking Pokémon) may be considered to be the most "legendary" thing about me, as it is an experience that not many people from outside the country possess, let alone for an extended period of time. It too has contributed to much of what I do with Pokémon and other things, including this blog. One way I keep it as such is to reveal it only on a need-to-know basis - like now - to make sure that I can forge ordinary connections before "taking them to the next (legendary) level", so to speak.

Besides being known as a Pokémon fan, I also am (or have been) known as an eccentric person in some ways. Yet it's a good kind of eccentricity, since through it I've gained popularity then and now. The only regret with my past popularity is that it was before I cosplayed formally, and I would like to think that things could have been very different if Pokémon cosplay had been involved. Still, maybe the present makes up for that past.

Going back to connections, there are of course the friends that I have made all these years. Some of them were made by the virtue of location (as above, or even being in the right place at the right time), and others were made by reaching out to people when the time came to do so. Those are definitely some "legendary" moments, and some of those friends may also consider the relationships just as "legendary", especially when Pokémon is on the table.

As for today, I ordered in a food item that is "legendary" for me to celebrate, but the rest of the day was hampered by a "legendary" hiccup in power as well as plainly inclement weather - luckily, not of the "legendary" kind. As such, the celebration today was more on the personal side, but I may have the option to expand it soon.

It's been an interesting 35 years of my existence, and what I do in that time has become a "legendary" marker of sorts. The same would ideally go to Pokémon as well with all its different things, as they continue to leave "legendary" impressions now and onwards.

Happy birthday to me, and may there always be something "legendary" to discover - Pokémon or otherwise - in the times to come.

One year ago: Unique Touches

Two years ago: Wishes for Good Days

Three years ago: Always Together

Four years ago: Wonderful Opportunities

Five years ago: 30 Going on 10... Or Something Like It

Six years ago: A Pokémon Party?

I'm a Legend!

This is one post that I've saved for a long time - precisely since August 2017, the very first year of this blog - and had been intending to make only if a very, very, and I stress very special circumstance came up. Since the topic that I deal with in this post involves the subject of recognition, I wanted to wait until that recognition came about by way of that extremely special circumstance. And... it still hasn't come to that, but there's a recent circumstance that does warrant this post, and since the post is long overdue, I've gone ahead and made it.

Frequent readers will know that I'm very much involved in Pokémon cosplay (in IC parlance, "sending characters") and have been so for a very long time - in about a month's time, things will become very clear. Within that time, I've made a name for myself, even if that's mostly in my local area. But it's a very good name, and it warrants a very special status to go along with that. And so it is that a good deal of people refer to me by an identifier that also applies to a class of Pokémon species: "legend". The recent circumstance does actually deal with that recognition in a way (and this is why I said the topic would be important), but even before then, the status has been recognized as such.

The caption for this photo on the original post actually does say "the legend".
Also of note is that this is my Lucario prince costume.
Credits to Ramy Dhia for the photo.

As early as 2015, two years before I started this blog and three years after I started cosplaying, the status had been conferred as such by an observer of local Japanese events or conventions, which can be read as such on the observer's blog, and the photo above is also taken from there (or sadly, used to be, though an archive link persists). The rationale for conferring the status is, just like as it is in the present, my frequent appearances in them with my Pokémon cosplay, mostly involving Ash. I thought about discussing this topic early on in my blog, but I also thought it would be too pompous of me doing so at that point, so I decided to wait for the special circumstance. As explained above, it has yet to come, but a different one did come that almost does what I considered it would need to do.

Last month (actually just slightly before that), I was invited to participate in a T-shirt project by a clothing designer who is also involved with a national cosplay affair; astute readers ought to be able to figure it out, as I've discussed it on various occasions, and it's been a part of various conventions. The reason I was asked to participate was in part because I needed to give my approval for it, as the shirt contains a likeness of me, albeit in the character I am known as when I cosplay - which is understandably so as above. So, the approval was given, the design was finalized (I even assisted with another part of it), the shirt was made, and I received one made for me with compliments.

The shirt, with associated memorabilia...
...and three Pokémon looking at it.

It can be seen above that I am not the only one on the shirt; it is made in honor of three other people - cosplayers, to be more precise - who have effectively achieved the same status as I have achieved and in much the same ways as I have, but with the characters (and fandoms) of their own choosing and in different parts of the country. Such is the circumstance of the recognition; on the "very scale" as suggested in the beginning, it's somewhere between a 2 and a 3, the latter being the one I wanted to wait for. That latter circumstance may still happen (if it does, it may be worth returning to this topic again), but this circumstance is close enough, particularly as the shirt above will be sold nationally, carrying the recognition at the same level.

Recognition may be something that is hard to come by for cosplayers, especially those on a more casual level, but it can and does happen, as with me and my Pokémon cosplay. It takes dedication, persistence, and consistency - all of which have been said about me - and it may not take a special circumstance for that to occur. In any case, personally I'm both proud and humbled by the status that have been conferred to me, and in turn, I feel the same way and thankful for Pokémon, which has a "legend" status in more ways than one, including as a guide to my foray in cosplay.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 1/16/2022

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 1/16/2021

Three years ago: Only Women Like You

Four years ago: Pokémon Conversations

Five years ago: Be the Best... or Be Different?

Six years ago: My Pokémon Anime Epoch

Tournament: Trainers' Sparring Battleground Ember Cup

The tournament scene continues for me with this one for the current themed cup of the Silph Arena. This one, though, is a little bit different: it's one held by a group of Trainers who span a few different places, including that of my raid group. Since the focus is (mostly) on PvP, the group is appropriately called a "sparring battleground" - and that's all I can say, since the original group name "goes off the deep end", so to speak. That is regardless a digression, so there is this tournament to discuss.

Because the Trainers in the group are in different places, a remote tournament with the usual Swiss system is necessary regardless. Thankfully, there were enough Trainers for the tournament to proceed as such, 19 in all as it started and none dropping out for any reason all the way to the end. Like an earlier Great League tournament, the format was one-round-one-day, with the final round (the fifth of five) having started at 9 PM last night and ended at the same time tonight. All coordination was made through group chat or private messages.

Likewise, the same strict "no-show" rules applied from before, randomly drawing two Trainers who don't show up for a win, or awarding a win to the only one of the two who shows up. Both of these had to be conducted once in the last two rounds of the tournament. As well, one match also raised a dispute and had to be resolved by the tournament staff, creating results that may or may not be favorable for at least one Trainer. Other than that, the tournament proceeded well for the most part...

...except for me. In the first four rounds, I was shut out in the first and only stole one win in the remaining ones. Because of the odd number of participants, I got the "bye" win in the last round, which might be considered to be insufficient consolation in some ways. This is obviously in stark contrast to the previous tournament in which I participated, where I had the best results. Also, it seems that all kinds of the classic problems I faced (over/under-prediction, suboptimal moves, and others) returned for this one, and they come back to haunt me.

Regarding results, this tournament produced a single winner, someone who happens to be a top contender in the country; the "final" match also pitted two Trainers from the same region. I'm also happy to report that a friend of mine, who placed second in the previous tournament, also placed second in this tournament here, though it could have been better in a different way had something unexpected did not occur. As for me, I was saved from the very bottom by virtue of the three battle wins, but second from the bottom is still disappointing.

Interestingly, a few tournament participants had an in-person tournament yesterday, so that became a matter of convenience for tackling on two on-going tournaments. I myself thought that would be the case for me, as there was another tournament scheduled for today, but in the end it wasn't promising in appearance - and effort to get there - and I decided not to go, preferring to take on other errands instead. Whatever will help boost my Silph Arena rank this season will most likely have to come at another (more convenient) time.

After two tournaments for this month's themed cup, along with past performances, it seems that I've been able to determine myself as being "hot" in some ways and "not" in other ways. One of those is that I seem to sizzle in live (in-person) tournaments and fizzle in remote ones, while the qualities seem to vary wildly with the teams I procure for different tournaments and how I deal with them. Further tournaments might demand me to seek solutions to both of these problems whilst I continue my efforts in the current Silph Arena season.

One year ago: Let's Talk About A Fourth Party

Two years ago: I Need Good Energy

Three years ago: After Tournament, Because of Tournament

Four years ago: Keeping Up with VGC

Five years ago: Here Comes an Ex-Raid

Six years ago: Cosplay: AsiA Cosplay Competition, Day 2

More Insights (and Strides) for the Daily Adventure Incense

In the middle of last year, Pokémon Go introduced the Daily Adventure Incense, and in the month that followed, I gave a selection of tips (as "strides") that might make its usage much smoother. At this point, I've been using it near every day, and I've gained a sufficiently great deal of insights regarding its usage, and I feel that I should share those insights in another post, making it a continuation and addition of those "strides".

Recall that I had previously suggested the use of a vehicle - with someone else driving, certainly - in a pinch for the item, though it does go against much of what makes Pokémon Go... well, go. It really does work well somehow for as long as the vehicle goes at a slow-to-moderate speed, and even short pauses may be fine; as such, even certain forms of public transportation may be fair for its usage. Regardless of the vehicle, it is necessary to keep in mind that the Pokémon attracted by the Incense will have a pink ring and blue fog, though sometimes it could be easy to point out which one while moving at a clip. At the least, if a vehicle becomes a restriction, the Incense may still be usable to an extent.

While vehicle usage could be fine, there are some places where it might not be fine to use the Incense: in places where many Pokémon appear, whether naturally or where other people have set up Lure Modules, especially during events. I've gone through such places while using the Incense, and the attracted Pokémon either don't appear (losing out to the Lure Modules) or are overshadowed in whole or in part by the other appearing Pokémon, making it even a challenge to just bring up the intended encounter - and by the time it happens, the Pokémon goes away in a puff. Therefore, I highly recommend using the Incense in less crowded places and times, and the non-special event usage still goes without question.

And then... speaking of usage, how often (frequently) should one use the Incense? The name of the item does seem to speak for itself - "Daily" - but perhaps due to certain matters or disappointment over the Galarian birds appearing, some Trainers may have stopped using it that frequently. Yet they seem content with that, and a few eventually do get to capture the birds. As such, the best middle ground seems to be "as often as possible". It may not have to be used daily as expected, but whenever possible and not too infrequently should be fine. Now that the item also may be extended by certain events, which can then make up for less frequent use, the "daily" aspect may no longer be a necessity.

Half a year is a long time for "strides" to continue to be made, and there are definitely some for the Daily Adventure Incense in Pokémon Go. It's still an adventure provider even now, especially when taken advantage of appropriately and whenever it's convenient, perhaps not always daily as it might seem. That should be the key to making even more strides and the best of Pokémon adventures wherever one may go.

One year ago: Pokémon Asia Pikachu Mug + 2 Promo Cards

Two years ago: "Post-Shuffle" Activity

Three years ago: Fusion without Confusion

Four years ago: Pokémon Theme Park Ideas

Five years ago: Playing the Meta Game

Six years ago: Cosplay: AsiA Cosplay Competition, Day 1

Transfer Soon, or Forever Hold Your 3DS

At this point in time, I would like to make a friendly reminder (for those who still have an active 3DS) that it would be helpful to transfer or move Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon Home, provided one still has active subscriptions for both, before it may no longer be possible to do so. While I'm certain those for whom this matter is pertinent and essential will have already done so, others (like me) may still need to be reminded to do exactly that, especially now as time is running out.

I've actually already done so, although in partial and only for what I really need right now, which happens to be a selection of Pokémon that will likely be essential if and when I undertake the "arts" of VGC again. And that may be a good principle to have for this transfer: if one feels that a Pokémon may be helpful, then it should be transferred or moved right away, regardless of one's current progress of transferring all Pokémon that are necessary or just desirable for posterity, both of which I regard as important.

Even so, it is also helpful to remind that the transfer is not and cannot be done piecemeal, at least not conveniently. One would need to work with each of the individual 3DS games - by virtue of the sole cartridge slot - to transfer to Bank, then to transfer as many as possible to Home, the latter process requiring a transfer code and a three-minute window, not to mention both apps open where they are respectively. It may be said that the process requires a great deal of patience, but is definitely worth it.

Patience may regardless describe the entire ordeal of transferring from Bank to Home, which could be considered almost tantamount to Pokémon breeding, though perhaps the wait is not as painful. Yet like Pokémon breeding, the process is practically necessary to ensure that VGC progress can continue somehow and in the best way possible. And thus I feel the need to make a reminder now, not only for me personally but also for others for which it may be useful, before time is up on the 3DS. 

One year ago: Goh's Workstation Setup

Two years ago: The Rain and Pokémon

Three years ago: Premier Ball Hanging Ornament

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day + Local EX Raid, 1/13/2019

Five years ago: My Pokémon Show

Six years ago: Pokémon and Cosplay

A Solitary Pokémon Fantasy

At one point in time, I mentioned that I almost practically live in the "middle of nowhere", and the reason for that is the relative remoteness of where I live and what it takes to access the rest of society. It gets quite solitary and even lonesome at times, but I'm just fine with that. Furthermore, with Pokémon around, the solitude and loneliness is somewhat decreased. Recently, that situation has made me think of (and imagine) a Pokémon fantasy given such a situation of solitude similar to mine.

In that fantasy, there is a single house that is faintly lit up in the darkness. It looks quite unassuming, even with the various Pokémon that are encountered as one approaches the house. But as one does so and then enters the house, one then sees that the house is lively with all kinds of Pokémon, and at the heart of the house, there is its owner and caretaker, not to mention of the Pokémon inside and outside of the house. It's a short fantasy, but it does seem to approximate how things are with me and where I am.

While my house is not quite the single one around and may not have the illusion of being faintly lit, it does seem that the Pokémon presence can be felt as a person approaches it and then enters the house. Within it is where I take care of all my Pokémon memorabilia, collections, and whatnot, which maybe does approximate the physical presence of Pokémon species. It remains that I'm the solitary figure in this situation - with the exception of people who come to visit - and the fantasy becomes somewhat appropriate.

There is no changing the fact that where I live remains a place of relative isolation, and there's quite a bit that I'd have to do to go places, especially for the purpose of dealing with Pokémon things. But once I deal with them (and even bring back home a few Pokémon things), I return to a fantastic place where Pokémon is present. It still remains rather solitary in a human sense, but the presence of Pokémon makes that less so in an imagined sense. At least, the fantasy I detailed above makes that such an indication.

One year ago: (Dis)Engagement in Silph Arena Action

Two years ago: To Spotlight or Not to Spotlight?

Three years ago: Cosplay: Nihon Matsuri 2020

Four years ago: These Sides of Paradise

Five years ago: Another Big Shuffle Update

Six years ago: In-Game Trainer Name Inspirations

The Present Trouble with Indonesian VGC

At the end of last year, I noted that I consider problems in Pokémon to be my problem as well, even if I may be detached from it; having discussed one such problem yesterday, I want to follow it up with a different problem. In more recent times, I've become detached from VGC for the main series Pokémon games, but I feel I may still have something to say about it. Specifically, I'm prompted to discuss its state in my country of residence (Indonesia) with the state and conclusion of its big-time Pokémon event, for which in relation to VGC may indicate a present problem ("trouble") as well, some of which stem from its past.

The problem, if it may be considered as such, is that it's still just not very popular today, especially in comparison to more recent Pokémon happenings such as Pokémon Go, Pokémon Unite, and the localized TCG. The reason may be accessibility: all three of these are rather accessible at a lower cost - the last one especially now - whereas VGC (proper) requires a Nintendo console, which is considered a "premium" item in this part of the world, never mind the games themselves adding on to that "premium". It is then understandable that it was detached from the recent festival, aside from the ninth-generation starters appearing.

It doesn't help that in the past, one of its competitions had been involved in a quagmire. The "Premier Challenge", as it was called, was caught up in administration issues and had to be eliminated as a result. While the happening may not have had a bearing on the interest of Trainers in this field, it seemed to have brought up warning signs that VGC would need a lot of (and proper) support in order to become viable. Though this does apply to the other three areas above, it seems even more so for VGC.

Meanwhile, its competitors in the past have had to compete internationally, where VGC is more well-known and recognized, in order to obtain recognition and spots in the World Championships, which they have done so (likewise for the TCG before it became locally established). The support requirement in this case becomes somewhat evident, even if it had to be somehow independent for the above to occur; the quantity also has to be evidently large with such a situation. 

Even so and today, the VGC situation in the country appears to be lively even if it has to reside on the "subsurface". There are prominent Trainers, occurring competitions, and overall a warm sense of support. Those who play the main series games are invariably being given a "primer" of sorts for it, whether or not they eventually take up its demanding challenge. If they do so, then that means all the more support for it.

Popularity is not such a major problem ("trouble") for Pokémon, for which its media presence is known far and wide, even in my corner of the world. Its VGC competition, on the other hand, might beg to differ if the recent Pokémon festival - for which it seems natural - indicates its absence. Like any other Pokémon problem, it's one I take interest in even if I'm detached from it, and one that I would like to see being satisfactorily resolved for my VGC comrades.

One year ago: My Superstar Type Teams in Pokémon Shuffle

Two years ago: Getting Measured for Costumes

Three years ago: Faults in Some Stars

Four years ago: Pokédex Texts and Information

Five years ago: A Song for the Lonely, et Cetera

Six years ago: My Path Through the Main Series

The Present Trouble with Silph Arena

By now, most Trainers in Pokémon Go should have already heard of, or be familiar with, the Silph Arena. It is the community organizer for Pokémon Go tournaments and had served a primary role until Go Battle League paved the way for official World Championships to take place in conjunction with other Pokémon games. Such a state also seems to be part of the problem ("trouble") that Silph Arena may be considered to have presently in several different aspects, and it seems important to discuss and delineate them to understand what's going on with the Arena and beyond.

It may be considered that Silph Arena is a state of "struggling to maintain relevance" in light of the above situation. Go Battle League is in-game, official, and convenient, making it extremely relevant, while Silph Arena is external, community, and perhaps in some respects not as convenient and thus not as relevant; this actually encapsulates how I feel the first time before I signed up for the system, and in fact, I still haven't even updated most anything there - on the side of The Silph Road - since 2019. Therefore, it would be understandable that some Trainers have completely and entirely dropped Silph Arena in favor of Go Battle League. For it to maintain relevance, it has to innovate for PvP competitions; the newly developed Factions would then be a step in this regard, and it seems to be gaining popularity as it is relevant in its own way rather than being pitted against the relevance of Go Battle League. There is of course more to be (and that could be) done, but at least this is one step. This may also be why the new season took longer to start (as hinted by an earlier post that also becomes the crux for this one); it may have had to take time to restructure, given the relevance issue.

Speaking of Factions, even it may have a problem of its own with respect to Silph Arena. The trouble is that the knowledge of and interest in Factions may not be apparent or present, whether to newcomers or veterans alike. I polled a very good friend (yes, I keep mentioning this very good friend as that friend is very much relevant in many Pokémon (Go) matters, including having been a previous "top" competitor on Silph Arena) on Factions, and the result was... my friend knew absolutely nothing until I mentioned it. Furthermore, even after my brief explanation and presentation of the detailed "About" page, my friend seemed to be rather disinterested, citing it as being "too complex" and "unsuited for Pokémon Go (PvP)". And this is just one person; other Trainers could potentially echo the same sentiments.

Meanwhile, the world of competitive Pokémon itself is in a bit of a flux, not just thanks to the inclusion of Pokémon Go officially, but also Pokémon Unite. My friend in fact further stated that the latter has a great deal of teamwork associated to it unlike what Factions demands, which may be true but also considered "disillusioned"; that friend, along with a few others, may also be considered to have switched over to Unite (almost) entirely. This is the situation that is faced not only by Silph Arena but also Pokémon Go as a whole, even if some Trainers (like me) do try to take care of both. Pokémon Go PvP will arguably still have its interested parties, but this too becomes a challenge to maintain, as it is for the Silph Arena.

The current situation for Silph Arena seems to be a challenging one (notwithstanding current conditions) in trying to keep up with the times and the perspectives of the people (Trainers) who are involved with PvP. Though Silph Arena may remain an attested name and something different that Trainers can stand to be involved in, especially now with the rising popularity of Factions, the trouble that it faces is rather multifaceted; any solutions will have to address all of those facets, particularly to keep the Arena familiar and usable among Trainers.

One year ago: More Evolution Stages for Pokémon Species?

Two years ago: Pokémon SM KFC Family Meal Toy: Mimikyu & Ultra Ball

Three years ago: Renewed Oaths: Pokémon Direct, 1/9/2020

Four years ago: Custom Pokémon Merchandise

Five years ago: A Pokémon-Pikachu Balloon

Six years ago: Where It All Started