Seven Years with Usage of Field Moves

It took some time, but now with this post, I have completed seven years of Pokémon blogging. In that time, a variety of things have happened, much like the variety of Pokémon and their moves. And one kind of those moves is "field moves", the (concept of the) moves that Pokémon use outside of battle to do or achieve some great things. It's a fascinating mechanic, and as I've thought about it, it makes sense in some ways for explaining how Pokémon things went for me and others this year.

Some field moves allow Trainers and the Pokémon that use them to bust through (or at the least cast aside) obstacles, like Cut for trees, Strength for boulders, and Rock Smash for large stones. Such clearing or casting aside may be taken to represent similar processes conducted by Trainers for the same obstacles that every now and then pop up in the games, of which there is now a good multitude of them, if the games in the current competitive pantheon (main series VGC, TCG, Go PvP, and Unite) are of any indication. As noted in previous posts, especially for the latter three, a good deal of challenges and other similarly challenging matters have occurred during this past year, and they've served as obstacles - a mix of the trees, boulders, and large stones - to be busted or cast aside. I might be considered to have had my own challenges in creatively expressing my appreciation of Pokémon in different places this year, but I was able to bust or clear most of them (and even get an award), so this line of reasoning fits my personal situation as well.

Other field moves allow Pokémon and thus their Trainers to go beyond or move from their current locations, like Fly to go through the air, Surf to go across water, and even Teleport to go back to certain previously visited locations. The new main series games of Scarlet and Violet did just that, flying high with its own expansion pack, while Café Remix and Masters EX continued to make waves with their additions. Meanwhile, the anime (and manga) has done a good job of teleporting viewers and readers as well as their characters across regions, and they'll continue to do so even with any changes to the world of Pokémon, and that should be considered significant. Other Trainers and I will surely find ways to remain delighted, whatever may happen with these and the above.

Meanwhile, this blog could be said to encapsulate representations of the field moves that I or even anyone related to Pokémon have executed over this year and all of the past years, certainly in relation to the Pokémon that they might represent and use. They may or may not be the actual field moves that the Pokémon use - they may even be a bit abstract, depending on one's views - but the moves may just be evident.

Although the mechanic or concept of field moves have been deemphasized in this day and age, at least in the games, it should come as a reminder that if Pokémon do exist, their moves are still moves that are usable in any context without them necessarily being labeled as "field moves", and that may just explain the reason for the removed emphasis in recent games. So, while there may be less of a concept, even now there is still quite a bit of philosophy to speak of, as above. And all of that becomes pertinent in the closing moments of this year, for myself and all other Pokémon happenings.

With Pokémon, there are always moves to be considered; it's what they do naturally to make themselves work for themselves and against others. And if some of those moves are executed on the field to make their way, then that is a fulfillment of their natural existence. Great Trainers should be able to take advantage of this situation.

Even as a year comes to an end and a new year dawns, there are still field moves to be used and executed, somehow. Cheers for making our ways! 👆

One year ago: Six Years & The Conferring of Statuses

Two years ago: Five Years - Extended Healing

Three years ago: Four Years, Taking Damage and Healing

Four years ago: Three Years: Making My Moves

Five years ago: Two Years of Evolution

Six years ago: One Year Full of Pokémon

Tales Told, One by One

Here am I

Yet another goodbye

He says "adios", says "adios"

And do you know why

She won't break down and cry?

She says "Adios", says "Adios, goodbye"

One by one my leaves fall

One by one my tales are told...

-- "One by One", Enya

Certainly, the penultimate post of the year is directed to the discussion of a song (not necessarily related to Pokémon) that would be representative of Pokémon feelings and experiences throughout the year, whether my own or others. It's also by an artist that I like very much and whose songs occasionally - OK, by now often - crop up on this blog, though not on this day, so there is the consideration of that for inclusion. Now, the sentiments of this year could be considered to have been pretty much described by how the "yearly theme" of this year played out, but that doesn't mean that it can't be complemented by a song, and this song fits the deal. It may also be considered to fit Pokémon experiences in general, and that becomes another side to the song.

The inspiration for this song, according to the artist's commentary, is taken from four tales of love that transpire and end in different ways. Fittingly, the song has four verses with different "outcomes" for the lovers that are mentioned in each verse. The first verse is the verse that's quoted above, owing to its appropriateness with the current situation. Yet when considered, the fourth verse seems to be also appropriate, as it could be considered the antithesis or response to the first verse. If there's an overall message that could be gained from all four verses and "stories", it may be that different times beget different ways of approaching love, and each one is revealed as time goes by.

As for how this relates to Pokémon, especially this year's happenings, the "goodbyes" of this year are already evident, as stated. But then there are "aspirations" - as illustrated in the second verse - contained in things like the TCGL, which might develop given the right ways. The third verse could be illustrative of "perseverance", and this is rather applicable to the pursuits of those in Pokémon Go and Unite, especially amidst unexpected surprises and/or challenges. Lastly, the song may illustrate "continuity" (particularly of feelings) as in its last verse, for anything that Trainers - real and fictional alike - may be(come) attached to in their Pokémon journey, then and now.

In the end, all four keywords become illustrated through the verses of the song, and their words fall on pages like leaves; in the same way, the pages also fall like the leaves. In the case of Pokémon and particularly of this year's happenings for it, they too become told over its course and are (will be) so remembered as such, especially with this blog serving as their annals. This is at least a fancy interpretation that goes beyond love, but then the singer always says to interpret songs in the freest of ways. So it is that my and others' experiences with Pokémon happen and then get told, even one by one.

One year ago: Someday, Soon...

Two years ago: ...Is There Still Time?

Three years ago: Return to Believe

Four years ago: (Extra-)Ordinary Days

Five years ago: One Day, in Life

Six years ago: When I See You Again

Going... Going... Gone

And then, there is the matter of "yearly themes" that guide perceptions, including of Pokémon matters. As stated, the theme for this year is one of getting ready and going, which has plenty of implications about being active in a lot of things, or even starting them out. Yet I also mentioned the possibility of surprises back then, and that has manifested in the form of things not only going as in "starting out", but also going as in "ending". And like an auctioneer's call to end an auction, those things seem "finalized" in their "going".

Fans of the TCG, particularly of the virtual version, will note the parting ("going") of the earlier platform of Trading Card Game Online (TCGO) for its newly developed successor, Trading Card Game Live (TCGL). The "go" to the next platform has to be welcomed as the TCG itself goes on, yet this "going" may not sit well with some who can't make the "go", at least not without the proper means. For this matter, fans may just have to sit tight and let TCG affairs run their course - another "going" - and then they themselves can decide where to go without dramatic surprises, while letting the cards determine things.

That may be less of the case with another kind of "going" or parting this year, that of Silph Arena and The Silph Road. It was a dramatic surprise that revealed even more (or was a consequence of other) dramatic surprises in the progression of Pokémon Go this year. The parting of a long-standing community bastion is a hard one to take, with its members now having to practically "pick up the pieces" and the game itself seemingly not the same quality as it was even though it continued to develop (thus, go). The community goes on and the game goes on, yet something is still "gone".

Then, there is another kind of parting or "going" that has, in fact, very much gone (down) - or in other words, occurred. Yet to me, it still hasn't gone as such, and that's part of why I have not covered it. Still, that will definitely change sometime soon, and I've opted (and planned) to cover it eventually not in just one post, but a series of them that would include a few direct and tangential topics that pertain to that happening. Since this is the end of the year, that series of posts would have to occur next year, as I cannot fit them into what's left of the year. It is undeniably a significant one in some ways.

For other aspects of Pokémon this year, they appeared to have gone according to plan but certainly not gone into thin air. The World Championships in the Pokémon homeland of Japan went with a blast, showing that all of its featured games are going swimmingly. Both editions of Pokémon Presents this year also delivered the primary goings-on for Pokémon this year, and they too went down as expected. While I'm only able to go through some of these but not yet others, it can be assured that anyone who goes down some (or even many) of these assuredly possesses dedication to Pokémon.

A year that was supposed to herald a lot of Pokémon things starting out and proceeding, especially after a few tumultuous past ones, also turned out to harbor a few things ending. It was the unexpected kind of "go" to the point of "gone" instead of "go" to the point of "begin". Yet where there are beginnings, there are endings too; it doesn't even take Pokémon to confirm such a situation. Still, with what happened this year, the reality of the two senses is valid, and it's something Pokémon fans received this year after the final bid is made.

One year ago: The Answer for Two and Two

Two years ago: Plus One, and...

Three years ago: A(n Un)Clear Vision?

Four years ago: Cosplay: MC & "Reflections of Love" End of Year Events

Five years ago: Local EX Raid (Above and Beyond), 12/29/2018

Six years ago: In Lieu of a Book

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/28/2023

Also before the year (and the month) turns over, I have to make the event rollup for Pokémon Go. The end of the year tends to be a busy affair for some people, and it seems this particular month was no exception for Pokémon Go. There were usual events, unique events, repeat events, and mini events - pretty much all kinds of Pokémon Go events under the sun. That in itself already sounds busy, moreover with what is implied, so I need to get busy with this rollup as well.

December witnessed two Raid Days: one on December 3 for Hisuian Samurott, and another on December 23 for Wyrdeer. Both of these were debuts of the Hisuian species of species forms in Pokémon Go, and they could be Shiny as well. During these events, raids of both Pokémon appeared successively in all Gyms from 2 PM to 5 PM on that day. As is the norm for these kinds of events, five additional free raid passes were given out on each day one at a time, and the recently-imposed daily limit on remote raids were increased for that day (20 for the former and 10 for the latter). Also specific to the former was an extra paid ticket for more free raid passes, XP, and Stardust as well as greater Candy XL chance, while the latter ran during a mini event, to be detailed shortly.

The first real event this month was called "Along the Routes", a unique event that also served to introduce Mateo, the Gift swap feature, and other additions to Routes. Running from December 5 to 8, different selections of Pokémon in the wild, 7 km Eggs, and Field and Timed Research rewards heralded the event, including Shiny Hisuian Sneasel as a debut. A Special Research set and Sneasel showcases became the complements in addition to bonuses of halved hatch distance, more XP from spinning PokéStops, and double Stardust from Gifts. This event also coincided with a mini Catch Mastery event featuring Cryogonal on December 9, which demanded Trainers to go through one set (two sets if the extra ticket is purchased) of tasks that challenge the ability to capture. Snorunt and Bergmite complemented and gave substance to the event, along with increased Shiny chance and double XP from ball throws.

Next in line was a nostalgic and retro event called "Adamant Time", a new unique event that ran from December 11 to 15. It was as such because it featured first-generation Pokémon, including those most common in the early days of Pokémon Go. They appeared in the wild, raids, and Field Research rewards, assisted with a triple XP catch bonus. The event also featured changes to Ditto transformations, increased guaranteed Lucky Pokémon limits, and showcases of the selected feature species. Timed Research rewarded nifty items for reaching level milestones and becoming new friends, while this season's Special Research also kicked off; special bundle deals on the web store and in-game shop also sealed the deal for this (rather timely) catch-up and reminiscence event.

Like past years, this month played host to the usual Winter Holidays event, maintaining the tradition, including that of the two-part split. This time, Part 1 ran from December 18 to 25, marking the debut of the Cetoddle family and a new special costumed Pikachu family. They and other seasonally appropriate Pokémon appeared in the wild and raids, while others appeared in 2 km Eggs and Field Research rewards. A free Timed Research set offered Trainers a pick of either double XP or double Stardust as a bonus for the entire event (among other rewards), and Gifts offered more of both when opened; this could be augmented with one or both of two paid Timed Research sets for even more rewards. New fashion items and stickers, as well as selected showcases, also added to the festivities.

Part 1 of the Winter Holidays event also covered the Winter Wonderland mini event, which took place on December 23 and 24. Besides the Wyrdeer Raid Day as above, Trainers were demanded to complete two Collection Challenges, one involving trading and the other involving capturing and evolving to receive special encounters and items. Increased Special Trades - five each day - along with trade discounts and double XP from raids supported the event, while themed showcases added more flair.

Meanwhile, Part 2 of Winter Holidays started on December 25 and will end on December 31. Along with most of the features from Part 1, this part of the event had the debuts of Shiny Vanillite and a new special costumed Psyduck family, the latter no matter how one might obtain it. They and even more seasonally appropriate Pokémon bolster the Pokémon appearances as above and keep the event going until its eventual end, which also marks the end of the year and the start of new things for the next.

Evidently, Trainers in Pokémon Go really had their work cut out for them with all of the events for this month, covering many possible and different bases. Yet given the context and norms of the current month, that can only seem to be welcomed by Trainers to keep them going - and of course celebrating - when appropriate. At the end of the year, the big and busy picture of Pokémon Go just becomes that much more visible.

One year ago: Pokémon Problem, My Problem

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/28/2021

Three years ago: Road to 25th Anniversary: Life Goes On

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/28/2019

Five years ago: Soul-Searching and Pokémon

Six years ago: From Journal to Blog

Being a Pokémon "Ambassador"

As usual, before the end of the year, I wish to address something related to my Pokémon blog as well as other Pokémon efforts. With all that I do with Pokémon, I'm essentially not only promoting myself, but also Pokémon in general. In that capacity, I could be considered (or more specifically, I consider myself) a Pokémon "ambassador" of sorts. An ambassador is a representative of sorts, and that more or less becomes what I do: I represent myself and all the potential things that Pokémon fans may do.

Through the Pokémon things that involve me - or even the ones I choose to be involved in - I demonstrate and represent my fascination for, appreciation of, and attraction to Pokémon. This would be even as the feelings and tastes of people change toward Pokémon and even other fandoms. In doing so, I represent how I continue to establish myself as a fan as well as how Pokémon continues to establish itself, much like the ambassadors of certain countries establish their country's place, even outside of it.

Certainly, this is by no means official, at least not yet. I assume my role for now simply out of pure joy, as something that befits me in my current state as a Pokémon fan and wherever I go and whatever I do to demonstrate that. It may be a long way before that is achieved, and even then there's a chance that it may never happen. Regardless, I would still consider myself to have the role, even unofficially, and I could pursue official links to Pokémon in yet other different ways to complement and bolster the role.

Meanwhile, I've considered myself to have established the role in a different way, with a little help from Ash, by winning the award that was presented on Saturday at a certain convention. It's a more local way of doing so, but it might just attract sufficient attention to expand the role beyond those borders... perhaps if something else hasn't already done so (although this was in conjunction with others). At least a few things may have been established through these two happenings and initiatives.

In all the ways that I deal with blog, there is a significant promotional side to them. It is this promotional side that makes me possess some of the qualities as an ambassador. Though it is only a role that I ascribe to myself, at least at this point, it's something that helps to affirm that I am a Pokémon fan and that Pokémon itself is still going strong even today. Evidently, to enjoy Pokémon is something that's normal and expected, but to represent myself and Pokémon is definitely going above and beyond.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/27/2022

Two years ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: The Road in Kaleidoscope

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/27/2020

Four years ago: Pokémon and the Furry Fandom

Five years ago: A Tripartite Conversation

Six years ago: I Can Hear Your Voice

Pokémon Face Off Figures - Charmander and Mew

Having taken a foothold where I am, it is expected that Pokémon would come out with some unique(ly tailored) merchandise for the local market. A couple of items of merchandise that I've recently obtained seems to be rather indicative of that. They're both from the same series, and it's a merchandise series that is as quirky as it is attractive, especially regarding its depiction of Pokémon and how that is manifested in the form of the merchandise items themselves.

The two items are (mini) figures from a series called "Pokémon Face Off", which as expected has quite a bit to do with faces, specifically that of certain Pokémon species. This series, produced overseas and distributed locally, contains six featured Pokémon: the three starters from Kanto as well as Pikachu and Eevee (two "pseudo-starters") plus Mew, all selections from the first generation. The ones I obtained were of Charmander and Mew; they appealed to me as the very first starter I chose and the very first Mythical Pokémon. In that sense, it seems rather appropriate.

Now, the series is called "Face Off" because the expression on the face is changeable, the quirk and gimmick of the figures. For the figures in this series, the inset part of the face can be rolled to show one of four different expressions, at least two of which are neutral and happy. Of the ones that I possess, I like the happy expressions of both Pokémon, although I also enjoy seeing their "content" expressions as well. Other fans might have a liking for the expressions that some of the other Pokémon possess (like the pensive Pikachu and winking Eevee), and this probably explains their interest for those particular figures as well.

Uniquely, the figures in this series come with their own Poké Balls. These Poké Balls are unlike the ones that I obtained some five years ago; these are two-piece affairs with a transparent red top, obviously meant to display the iconic figures and their expressions. Since they're tied to the figures, I would not use them for anything else, and especially not for cosplay (although as a concession, I did eventually end up using the previous ones for that purpose). They are to be displayed as they are, with the figures they are associated with.

I do have to say that I obtained these figures courtesy of a friend who was seeking a particular Pokémon from this set but had not been able to obtain that Pokémon even after repeated purchases (effectively incurring a gacha). That friend, knowing that I am an avid Pokémon fan, went on to offer the undesired ones to me, which would be the ones above; I of course accepted and the rest was history. In actuality, I had intended on accepting only one due to certain constraints, but I ended up accepting both, due to interest and leniency. That situation seems to have worked out quite well.

As a fan, I'm pleased with these figures and their quality; they have an official license, so that is effectively a testament to their pleasing nature. Though the figures are limited only to my local market, any Pokémon fan who decides to procure the figures ought to be considered dedicated as well as fortunate. The "Face Off" gimmick might present itself (a little) strangely in these figures, but it might be considered to be part of the local flavor that could just be what Pokémon is seeking in my area.

One year ago: Cosplay: Trans Mini Fest

Two years ago: Pokémon Unite Holiday Event

Three years ago: My Missing Pokémon Pieces in 2020

Four years ago: More on Sunner and Me

Five years ago: Wallpaper: 20th Movie - Remember and Continue

Six years ago: The First: Episode 001 - "Pokémon - I Choose You!"

The Colors of (Pokémon) Christmas

Meanwhile, the special day itself has come up, as special as it has ever been (and will be). For those in the northern hemisphere, the occasion occurs smack-dab in the middle of winter, which would typically be a dreary affair outside of the special day with a lack of color. Still, the occasion of the holiday itself often demands a lot of color, which is something fortunate for those who celebrate, even indirectly. Pokémon fans can also revel in this fact, and they can associate those same colors with things that they know well from it to make the occasion more festive.

The traditional colors of the season are green and red, which actually has a certain symbolism - for peace and togetherness respectively. A few Pokémon can embody those colors, like Exeggutor and Abomasnow (the latter appropriate to these times) for green, and the Cherubi family for red. The winter sky may be dotted in silvery points of light, and with luck, one of them might just be Jirachi waking up from its millennial slumber to make the day more festive. Pikachu and Ampharos could be two golden-yellow Pokémon that can provide spark to these times, while Charmander could stoke the fire with its crimson color and Slugma can keep it going, as demonstrated in animation. Finally, there's the predominant color of the season - white - which could be represented by most Ice-type Pokémon; the choice or preference may depend on the person or place.

With the explanation above, now it's starting to sound like a certain song about the colors of the season, by one of my favorite artists:

Green is in the mistletoe

And red is in the holly

Silver in the stars above

That shine on everybody

Gold is in the candlelight

And crimson in the embers

White is in the winter night

That everyone remembers

-- "White Is in the Winter Night", Enya

Apart from being a song about colors, it's also about the goings-on of the season, which also touches on last year's topic (see below). Indeed, the song does mention quite a few of them, which should be familiar to anyone who has experienced them. The same goings-on might just manifest themselves in the Pokémon world, perhaps in slightly different forms, but more or less being the same. 

In the dreary days of winter, seeing colors might be a strange thing. But then it's not so strange given the festivities of this day, which still demand color for their nature. The colors of Pokémon might just be able to mesh well with all those festivities and bring life to the seemingly lifeless environment of this time of year. That much may be a source of comfort and joy for all fans of Pokémon, and exactly that is what is needed on this very day, however one might choose to celebrate.

So, Merry Christmas... and I hope it's a colorful one. 🎄

One year ago: Much Ado About Christmas

Two years ago: Keeping the (Pokémon) Christmas Spirit

Three years ago: Merry Christmas... in Fantasies

Four years ago: I Like Christmas, Merry Christmas

Five years ago: Christmas Bash: Concept Album?

Six years ago: Merry Christmas!

The Pokémon Intrigue Before Christmas

"Twas the night before Christmas,

When all through the house

Not a creature was stirring,

Not even Meowth,

...

But I heard him exclaim

As he drove off to the mall:

'Happy Pokémon Christmas -

Catch 'em all, catch 'em all!'"

-- "The Night Before Christmas", from Pokémon Christmas Bash 

For some people, Christmas isn't complete without a certain poem, whether read, recited, or reenacted. That certain poem is the original version that was then modified for inclusion in Pokémon Christmas Bash, corresponding to the above excerpt. Almost the entire original English dub cast of the Pokémon anime had a hand (rather, voice) in this modified version, for which the modifications are indicated by the underlined parts above. It's another unique yet odd track on this album, having certain intrigues about it.

Before discussing the modified version, a little background on the original version is in order. Also known (more properly) as "A Visit from St. Nicholas", the poem has a bit of an authorship dispute. What is not disputed, however, is that the poem has had a great influence in establishing Christmas nuances and traditions, including the giving of gifts, the illustrious nature of Santa, and even the names of reindeer (in Pokémon terms, this would perhaps be Stantler). It's a sufficiently famed poem for that reason.

As for the modified poem, aside from altering the verses a bit, this modified version also includes dialogue. In fact, the track starts off with the premise of Ash having gone out to get firewood, followed by him and Misty "running into" the poem. Shenanigans then occur as the cast joins in, including Team Rocket, reading different parts of the poem. The only "musical" part about this is the subtle background accompaniment; in effect, this is the only "spoken" track of the album aside from the one from three years ago, technically speaking (see below).

It could be said, then, that by playing into this poem, there is the intent to bring out those familiar Christmas nuances and show that even there, Pokémon can be pervasive. Like the album in general, the bringing together of Christmas and Pokémon could be said to be a little forced, yet as it happens here, it can become somewhat entertaining for at least some of its biggest fans like me. With the two together and the intrigue that they create, it seems that fans do indeed have a complete Christmas.

One year ago: It's Gotta Be... A Big and Red Guy

Two years ago: The Mistletoe Dangled Over...

Three years ago: Christmas Song, Really

Four years ago: Let's Go Play with Buddies

Five years ago: Keeping Homes in Hearts

Six years ago: Cool Wintry Song

Cosplay: CHoCoDays 2023 - 10th Anniversary

Me: And we're here, finally. After it's been previewed, no less.

Ash: All right! It's CHoCoDays!

Pikachu: Pika chu pika! ["Awesome!"]

Goh: Nice! But... it's on a Saturday?

Me: I should explain that. A long, long time ago, this convention used to be a two-day affair, but a few years later (around the time Japan Culture Daisuki picked it up) it got reduced to just a day. This year, though, it's different.

Goh: So... it's the 10th anniversary this year!

Me: Indeed it is. But I couldn't send Ash to the first one way, way back then. If you remember, I sent you only the next year.

Ash: Yeah! I think I do. I remember seeing Otaku Band for the first time there.

Me: You remember. OK, so for this one, they've gone back to their roots and made this convention two days, meaning that today is the first day.

Ash: And you're only sending me for this one. 

Me: That is the plan. But I have to say, this plan has grown quite complex from what I thought it would be. For starters, you also need this in addition to your Journeys outfit.

Ash: Hey, this outfit...

Goh: Wait... two outfits?

Me: Um... uh-huh. And you'll notice the place is also different from last time, but the same as a few years back.

Ash: Oh, it's the mall from the toys convention! But we're all the way upstairs just like back then.

Me: But that's the usual thing for many conventions here. One other thing for now: you get free entry today where we usually have to pay.

Ash: All right! I claimed it just like you told me to.

Goh: Free entry? You two must be up to something.

Me: Trust me on this. OK, so let's go through the schedule.

Goh: Sure, I have it with me. Looking at it, it seems the morning was musical.

Ash: There was a radio show and a DJ.

Goh: OK, that explains that. But then in the afternoon...

Ash: Two bands, plus a mix of idols (with a competition) and fashion. I felt strange with one of the bands, like I know them but I don't.

Goh: That works out too. Well, maybe except for that band.

Ash: And then the character parade.

Goh: Of course, that's with the Journeys outfit. How'd that go?

Ash: Only four winners out of so many characters (over 50)... and I didn't win.

Goh: Yeah, that's tough.

Me: That's a practical lottery. I'm sure others felt they could have won.

Goh: I'm sure that's the case.

Me: We can forget about it, then. Also, almost forgot: through all that, did you raid for a few Wyrdeer? It's a Pokémon beyond our times.

Ash: I got a few, but no Shiny ones.

Goh: Oh, another extra Pokémon agenda.

Me: Indeed. That's just fine - maybe it wasn't meant to be today. Anyhow, the character parade was what I originally intended mainly to send you here for. But there's a twist this time.

Ash, Goh: A twist?

Me: Yes! Ash, you will need to change into your formal outfit immediately after the character parade for what's up next. This is the very first time I'm doing so, unusually at that, and for a good reason.

Goh: The next thing up is... "Weeb's Choice Awards"?!

Me: Yup! This essentially became the main thing today. Thanks to me sending Ash to events all the time, we're nominated for the "Weeb of the Events" award for my area. That's the reason for the free entry.

Goh: Oh my! This is big.

Me: It should be. They even made it semi-formal, and they really wanted us - Ash, in this case - to dress up. So I had to make it happen. Fortunately, I didn't have to get many things for this purpose.

Ash: I can see that! Thanks!

Pikachu: Pika pika chu! ["Thank you!"]

Me: You're very welcome. Enough of the background - what happened at the awarding?

Ash: Everyone looked spiffy! They had a red carpet and everything - just like a real awards show!

Pikachu: Pi pika pika chu! ["Really nice!"]

Goh: Well, they really did pull out all the stops, didn't they? How many awards do they give out?

Me: Ten, including what we're in for. I'm told they got inspired by a similar awarding in the region next to mine.

Goh: It was adapted! But then anything with awards have to be.

Me: You have a point. So... did anyone familiar win the other awards?

Ash: Yeah! A few of our character friends.

Goh: But... What about us?

Ash: WE WON!!

Pikachu: PIKA PIKA CHU!!

Me: OMG!! I'm told that the award's just for fun, so it's not like last year's wins that meant a lot more for us, including for getting on with life.

Goh: But you know, it means that you two really appealed to a lot of people.

Me: You're so right, Goh. And I hope that will always be the case.

Goh: What about the rest of the day?

Ash: Just a character stage performance, dance competition awards, and the karaoke group.

Goh: OK, the usual around here. Also, this is a convention, so you must have seen many booths, right?

Ash: I did. A few looked interesting but I didn't get things from them.

Me: We can always get them next time. In any case, after 10 years and a lot of changes, it's still the success that it is.

Goh: Maybe you helped it become that way?

Me: Perhaps. Speaking of, we've successfully completed four busy Saturdays, and I don't foresee dealing with a fifth even if one comes up. Plus, I already have a slew of things to write about next week, not involving us.

Goh: So, I guess this is our last discussion of the year, since next week is the last week.

Me: Pretty much. So you two can relax for now.

Ash: OK! Thanks a lot.

Pikachu: Pi! ["OK!"]

Goh: The next ones should be interesting.

Me: As interesting as this event of 10 years and counting. See you soon.

One year ago: Café Remix: Pay to Win?

Two years ago: 2021 Pokémon Center Merchandise Highlights

Three years ago: Playing Pokémon on the Quick

Four years ago: December for Love

Five years ago: Quick Ball Tin and Pokémon Coin

Six years ago: Perspective

Performance Critique: Toys & Hobbies Week 2023 Anisong

This is a bit old, but I'd almost forgotten that the means are available for me to create it, so I just have to get on it. At the end of October, I had sent (that is, cosplayed as) Ash to a faraway event in order to meet two friends whom I hadn't seen in some time, and only separately up to that point. I got into the singing competition - actually, it was one of a few, and the only one that took place that day - and it dealt with anime songs in general, thus the "Anisong" moniker. Naturally, "Mezase Pokémon Master" was the perfect fodder for it, more so because I practically hadn't prepared for it... which I would have done had I assured registration beforehand. It was practically the only option.

As always, the creation of this critique is made possible by a video recording, and that comes courtesy of my farther-away friend. It comes in surprisingly high resolution too, which is a big plus. While the recording is not intended to be production-quality - there are moments of focusing in and out, as well as darkness, it is still mostly suitable for making the critique; it may or may not be posted on YouTube eventually. As will be discussed shortly, however, it falls a bit short of expectations, leading it to have a transient quality.

The start of the performance.

Now back to the competition. Structurally, it is rather similar to the Fun Karaoke Challenge from last year's CHoCoDays, where participants sing to a backing track and may be accompanied by a background video as they do so. It is this latter point that I didn't get to prepare due to not having ascertained registration, though the arrangement I used - the one from the fifth feature film or movie - could have posed its own challenges in preparation, moreover since I have Ash in his Journeys outfit. But then the outfit issue might not matter much anyhow, and other issues do, the background video being one of them.

The performance received attention.

For a rather impromptu performance, at least considering preparations, it seems to have some pluses. I got the lyrics down pat, certainly thanks to previous performances and a little help from the audience - my dear beloved friends. I also moved around quite a bit on stage and even off of it to greet the judges and sing a little closer; having memorized the lyrics faithfully by now, I'm obviously a little more free in embellishing the performance in other aspects. Above all, I just got to have fun on stage as if nothing else mattered, and that seems to be something missing from other performances, including for but not necessarily of this song. It may be something I have to keep in mind for those other performances.

Performing closer to the judges.

Minuses may be a little harder for me to pick out, although there is one I can state right away. This is actually a repeat performance of the song in front of a judge I know very well and consider friends (of friends). That last time occurred some four years ago and a critique is also present for it. While I'm not privy to any specific details regarding my performance, it can almost be assured that the judge has already formed opinions about me during that earlier performance, and this one only affirms them. Any other minuses may be of the usual ones that affect even other unrelated performances.

A celebratory finish.

Comments were given at the end of my performance, but they weren't related to the performance itself. They were more like banter than critique, and they seemed to be directed at Pikachu more than my performance, specifically choosing the latter or the former. I know neither Ash nor I would choose one or the other, so we gave a "diplomatic" answer. While I'm sure that the results couldn't be affected even by this, to some extent the banter is a little discomforting as well to think about.

Overall, this still turned out to be a non-winning performance of a great song, even though I've "won" in a sense by having performed it live with bands. It might still take some time before I can attain something worthwhile by performing this song in a competition, even with everything going right, for which this one mostly did. Hopefully, they won't be impromptu like this one, but it's still good to know that it can be done as such with this song.

One year ago: Mixing In and Out of GBL

Two years ago: Getting in the Mood with Pikachu

Three years ago: Muscle Memory and Pokémon Games

Four years ago: Cosplay: Chibi Daisuki! Japan Fest 2019

Five years ago: A Pikachu Hand Puppet

Six years ago: I Claimed My Team

Reclaiming Lifelong Truths

"The truths we spend our lives learning are worth struggling to reclaim."

Toward the end of a certain game (not related to Pokémon), the above quote and/or statement is seen and heard. It has the implication that anything that a person considers to be true in any way - by experience, proof, and/or self-evidence - deserves to be taken back or even defended. There is a sense of universality that is communicated by this quote and/or statement, and as expected, some of that universality can carry over into Pokémon... at least in my perception, and I'd like to establish how that can be so.

While it is true that a lot of Pokémon nowadays has been geared towards children, it remains universal in its appeal. Therefore, any of its merchandise that rightfully (truly) belongs to a person belongs to that person, unless the person so chooses to bequeath to someone else. In this way, the person has every right to defend one's collection - thus, "reclaiming the truth" as above. This has significance for certain other fandoms as well, but the Pokémon context applies very well in this case, especially in relation to the above.

Recently (actually not at all recent), there has been a "new truth" to Pokémon that I've actually yet to address for certain reasons, which displaces an "old truth". The latter is something that long-in-the-tooth Pokémon fans may have accepted for that span of time, and it could be construed that there is at least some right to defend this "old truth" and carry it over in some way to the present, even if important changes have to be made in order to accommodate this process. I, for one, would support it, even if the "new truth" is just as believable and valid.

Even so, some Pokémon truths are hard to reclaim even if valid, like representing all generations in a game. This is mostly due to the technological burden it implicates; even Pokémon Go is starting to have a difficult time keeping things together in its present state, and it may lead to major goof-ups like one that just recently happened for a very icy Pokémon. The struggle for this truth may indeed have to take different forms or necessitate completely different means. Though not impossible, the task may indeed be monumental.

Considering the context of the quote and/or statement above, it may be construed as a "last resort" of sorts when faced with the divide between changing truths in life. This also seems to be demonstrated well by the various Pokémon phenomena above that demonstrate certain truths that could deserve to be reclaimed. The possibility and feasibility is another matter, of course, but it may still be well worth it to know that the truths exist, ready to reclaim for those who can make the valiant struggle.

One year ago: My New Current Pokémon Unite Role Preferences

Two years ago: Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Uptake

Three years ago: What If Pokémon Didn't Exist?

Four years ago: New Innovation, New Problems

Five years ago: Dreaming Big, Making an Impact

Six years ago: Friend Faves

Let's Talk About When Money Talks

Goh: Oh, a "Let's Talk" today?

Me: Um... yeah. There are reasons - but we'll get to those later.

Ash: OK, we're game.

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["I am too."]

Me: Now, I'm sure you two are familiar with the expression "money talks".

Ash: Sure! Um...

Goh: It's when money affects what you do and how you do things.

Ash: Yeah! What Goh said.

Me: Sure enough. Sometimes people - even me - are swayed by money for different things, leading them to do certain things and not others. For example, in my world, there are people who dedicate trying to keep saved money safe.

Goh: That has to be a tough job.

Me: But when they do what they do, then our money really does talk. And this will be important in a little bit, also for Ash.

Ash: Oh, OK.

Me: Outside of that, I'm sure there have been times that money talked for Ash.

Ash: Like when I decide to get a Scone instead of a Malasada when it's cheaper?

Goh: Typical, thinking with food.

Ash: Sorry about that.

Me: Yes, that would count - maybe food talked as well. What about you, Goh?

Goh: I guess... I might consider one kind of research more than another based on what I'd give and what I get.

Me: You know, I'd do that too back in my day. Of course, money shouldn't talk us badly or into bad things. I'm sure you're familiar with Team Rocket by now.

Ash, Goh: Yeah.

Me: For them, money must really talk in nefarious ways.

Ash: Like with their Pokémon machine from Pelipper!

Goh: Never mind that, there's also the way they treat Pokémon in general.

Pikachu: Pi-ka. ["Oh dear."]

Me: Anyway, today I sent Ash to certain places for certain things, one of which was for that "saved money" thing. How'd that go?

Ash: The people there didn't talk money at all, but I guess they said what they want to say about that. But their money just didn't talk to us, from what I heard.

Me: I see. No need to say more. The rest is just between you and me.

Goh: I think I can see where this is going. But I understand.

Me: Which is why I then led you to go on raids with a few friends for Kyurem. That must have gone better.

Ash: Much better! I got two Shiny ones for you.

Goh: Impressive.

Me: Well, I guess the money talked.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu. ["In a way."]

Me: So, from what we talked about, we can let money talk - but we shouldn't let it talk us into bad things.

Goh: Makes a lot of sense.

Ash: I'm with you on that one!

Me: Still, it seems soon I will need to make some of my money talk to help me get through a technology problem that came back.

Ash: Oh man. Not again.

Goh: Seems you can't get a break, huh.

Me: I'd love to let my money talk for such a "break", if I could.

Goh: If you can, I'm sure you can make it happen. Same for the problem you have. You'll get through this!

Ash: I'm totally with Goh on this one! You can make 'em talk - and make your money talk too.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Yes!"]

Me: Thanks. Let's close up this discussion before money talks me - or us - out of other things.

One year ago: The Contribution and the Results

Two years ago: Merchandise over Games?

Three years ago: Pokémon Go: Tap... Tap... Tappity-Tap...

Four years ago: Sitting Pikachu Keychain

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 12/20/2018

Six years ago: Movie Manga!

The TCGL Experience... From My End

After having been absent for a few months on the Trading Card Game Live (TCGL) platform, notably for getting my initial setup going and that first post about it, I've had the chance to experience the platform a little further and do things that I couldn't do initially, including getting some serious matches going. For that, I'd like to write up how that experience has turned out -mostly for me - and what it would mean overall.

The switch between Ranked and Casual play is almost seamless, and with it being done on the main screen instead of going through a menu like in the TCGO, it just gets things going quickly. The switch between Standard and Expanded modes in Casual play is similarly almost seamless, though for now I've opted for the former only. Since the keyword of this game is "Live", it means the focus is on battling against other people than a CPU or A.I. player, but it's a good thing that the game does goad players into doing that.

So far, I've only used the initially pre-constructed decks and haven't dared to make my own creations based on the cards I've acquired since the TCGO days, nor have I tried to import a deck based on the deck lists I retained from that point in time. Testing the decks with a CPU or A.I. player is important, as is setting a deck for use in battle, which takes place in the deck screen rather than the main screen. It may take some getting used to and a few plays, but familiarity can and ought to be achieved. 

Redeeming and collecting items, especially those from codes given in e-mails about the TCG, which are also my current priorities, also occur rather smoothly and immediately. When packs are obtained, they are also immediately opened, so the problem of packs tending to just sit there as it occurs often by my previous experience in the TCGO doesn't occur; this could be considered another part of the "Live" aspect with greater focus on getting to the cards and actually playing them, and that should be considered welcome.

I've only really scratched the surface of what I could be doing with the TCGL, and I have more to discover for myself (and eventually to write up on this blog) about the successor rendition of virtual play for the Pokémon TCG. What is clear is that the "Live" aspect is truly being embodied even at a glance, and it's something that players have to leap and embrace as the virtual TCG realm has done for its systems.

One year ago: Scarlet and Violet Uptake

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Weekend, 12/18/2021 and 12/19/2021

Three years ago: What It Takes to Contribute

Four years ago: Creations Without Drama: Cosplay Teaser for 12/22/2019

Five years ago: The Four Pillars of Pokémon

Six years ago: Nostalgic Returns

Pokémon Go Community Day Goodies: Extras and All

It's been another long time since I discussed the merchandise or goodies that could be obtained from Community Day meetups, particularly those in my local area. The selection since the last time I updated it still hasn't changed much, but there are or have been a couple of additional niceties that are important to mention, one of which was just obtained with this year's final edition. With that, it seems to be in good form to show off those goodies and explain about them.

Since they have been instituted in March, the postcards have continued in their distinct style, even up to this month. This should be indicative of their popularity among Trainers, and they will likely remain as such throughout forthcoming editions. It can be seen that unlike posters in the past, they aren't tied to the promotional art as seen on, say, news bulletins or the official blog, but that can only be a good thing that ascertains their uniqueness and contributes to the popularity as above. 

One thing that is new since the last time is the sticker on the left. From May of this year, a special commemorative sticker for the edition of a certain month is also given to attendees, and if they fulfill certain conditions, the sticker can also be iridescent. Unlike past Niantic or "Community Day" stickers, these also have a special function: to mark attendance for those editions as well, and ideally, they are to be stuck on the back of the postcards for that purpose, rather than being stuck elsewhere. 

Perhaps the most important merchandise is the lanyard on the right. This was indeed obtained from this month's edition, by presenting at least five postcards from previous editions, ideally with the above stickers on their backs. It's a very special one and appears to be locally tied; as expected, it is not to be resold - but then, I never resell any of the merchandise I obtain, to maintain good form. It has to remain purely a collectible, and that's exactly what it will remain as, in my possession.

The merchandise or goodies for Community Day meetups appear to be set with the way they are now. But even with sameness to be expected from this year's editions onward, they still remain a distinctly special part of them and thus will continue to be coveted by Trainers like me. On the off chance that something as unique as the lanyard from this month's edition comes up, that would only mean further affirmation for special times in any edition, now and furthermore.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Weekend, 12/17/2022 and 12/18/2022

Two years ago: Let's Talk About Making Teams Work

Three years ago: "Seasonal" or "Occasional" Gamers

Four years ago: A Cosplay Departure

Five years ago: Screenplay Writing

Six years ago: Good (Life)Times, Again

Pokémon Go Community Day Weekend, 12/16/2023 and 12/17/2023

Like in previous years, the final Community Day of the year is a recap affair with this year's and last year's featured Pokémon. The way it works this year is (or by now in my area, was) also quite similar to last year. At that time, I outlined the particulars in discussion form with Ash and Goh, but there might have been a few particulars that could seem to have been missed by being put in that form. This year, I've chosen to outline everything normally to get another perspective on things - moreover, since today I took care of things normally.

For its structure, the whole thing began yesterday at 9 AM and ended at 9 PM today. All featured Pokémon of this year appeared in the wild during those hours, including those of this year's five Classic editions. Meanwhile, all featured Pokémon of last year (minus those of the Classic editions) appeared in one-star raids and 2 km Eggs; regarding the former, if last year they appeared along with other regular raids, this year only those raids appeared in the style of previous paid events or Raid Days, almost completely dominating Gyms throughout the day, which should have provided some opportunity to catch them if needed. Regardless, all special moves of all of the applicable Pokémon became available yesterday and today at those times when respectively evolved to the forms that get those moves, along with trade bonuses (an extra Special Trade and discounted trades).

During the "main hours" of the event, which by now has been established as between 2 PM and 5 PM, things were a little different. Pokémon from this year's editions primarily appeared during those times, with those from January to May (Chespin, Noibat, Slowpoke and Galarian Slowpoke, Togetic, and Fennekin) appearing yesterday and those from June to November (Axew, Poliwag, Froakie, Grubbin, Timburr, and Wooper and Paldean Wooper) appearing today. Those of this year's Classic editions (Charmander, Squirtle, Larvitar, Swinub, and Mareep) also appeared more frequently in the last 10 minutes of each of those hours and sporadically outside of that. The slew of all other expected bonuses (double XP, Stardust, Candy, and Candy XL chance, as well as halved hatching distance and extended Lure Modules and Incense) were also in effect.

In the realm of Research, a Timed Research set provided encounters with all featured Pokémon from this year and last year as a supplement or alternative, as well as three King's Rocks (for evolving Slowpoke to Slowking) and a Magnetic Lure Module (for evolving Charjabug to Vikavolt). As usual, a paid Special Research set (titled "December Community Day 2023") was available for purchase, with the rewards being supplemental items for these two days, complete with Professor Willow reminiscing not only of Community Day but also of past happenings this year. Field Research was of the usual "catch-3" type, specific to all featured Pokémon. Capping the entire thing off was stickers from all previous editions this years through usual means, as well as Showcases of certain Pokémon on both days.

As I've mentioned, today I was just being myself to take care of things. Of course, the other day, Ash did have something to do and took care of things for me as a result, and that at least can be discussed together, along with Goh.

Me: So, yes, this was what happened yesterday before I sent Ash to the event.

Goh: I see. It all makes perfect sense now. Especially the way you explained things above.

Me: Well, that's the purpose of why I keep doing this.

Ash: Yeah! So that's what I did before going to the event. I met up with your friends and got you something real nifty by bringing things from some of the last times.

Me: Oh nice! That's exactly what I needed you to do, and there was time before the event, so it just had to be done. So thank you, and I'll explain that something later, I think.

Ash: No problem! Glad I could help.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["You're welcome!"]

Me: OK, since you had to leave early the other day, you didn't get to be in the group picture that day, but I got in for myself today.

Ash: That's neat! I like your shirt. I wish I had one.

Goh: Don't we all. By the way, what else did you do yesterday for this?

Ash: I just caught a few Pokémon and evolved some of the extras that you had. I think we did a good job of evolving this year, so there wasn't much to do. 

Me: I think so too. I took care of the rest today and we seem to be all set. If anything happens in the future, at least I have the tools for that.

Goh: Great stuff.

Me: Indeed. With the way things go for Community Day, I might need to count on Ash at some points in the future to help take care of things for that.

Ash: Don't worry - we've got this! We'll help each other when we need to.

Pikachu: Pi pika. ["Of course."]

Me: For sure. Thanks again.

Community Day always has certain dynamics to it, especially in some of the past years with a certain commotion and irregularity. Yet after that, it seems regularity has prevailed, and that has become evident with this recap edition as well as that of last year. It too is always nice to have multiple perspectives, in particular from my own and sometimes from the discussions that I make with Ash and Goh. Given the constant multitudinous nature of the event, any and all points of it - especially with its own individual coverage - is still welcome.

One year ago: Cosplay: IR X'Mas + Cosplay Party

Two years ago: Pokémon Lectures?

Three years ago: Quibbles with Candy XL

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Weekend, 12/14/2019 and 12/15/2019

Five years ago: Raid Dramas

Six years ago: Hoenn Pokémon Are Go!

Cosplay: Bocchi Noizu Mini Event III

Goh: And here's the third busy Saturday.

Me: Yeah, you see that.

Ash: Oh, it's Bocchi Noizu again!

Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Yet again!"]

Me: And like before, you probably will know what you need to do. In fact, a lot of today should be familiar.

Ash: I'm judging and performing today!

Me: Yes, indeed, for the third time this year.

Goh: Well, Ash is becoming someone hot around your area.

Me: He always has been - thanks to me, of course. But anyway, today we deal with this song and dance again. I give you... your Kalos outfit.

Ash: OK, so I guess it's "XY&Z" again. And, uh... I want to try my hand again at the pop-rock song.

Me: That's fine. I was actually on short notice for everything, so we've got to make do with this one. And speaking of short notice... you have an additional Pokémon task to take care of for a couple of hours before the event. You did take care of it, right?

Ash: I did!

Goh: This ought to be good.

Me: It is, but it's better to discuss it all separately - and I've allocated tomorrow for that. Now, more familiarity should have been abound.

Ash: They held it in the same place as the first one - the mini gathering!

Goh: That's nice. It should have been lively over there.

Ash: Yeah! Many people did come.

Goh: So, how did you sing?

Ash: Um... It was OK. I couldn't hear the music too well like last time - and I flubbed the pop-rock song a bit, but I could make it up. "XY&Z" was mostly fine - but I ran out of steam a little bit at the end.

Pikachu: Pi... ["Aww..."]

Me: Well, improvisation can be helpful, but something has to be up with that sound system.

Ash: I think I know why: before I came up, I saw a notice that said the volume has to be lower, since it's an open mall.

Goh: That could explain a lot of things. 

Me: Oh yes, that would make sense why we always seem to have problems. I was going to prepare XY&Z a little differently for you, but then there's that "short notice" again.

Ash: I want to hear that next time!

Me: Let me see what I can do. Now, how about the character parade, the one you judged today?

Ash: There were 15 characters! And most of them were great. But I kind of felt a little "targeted" today.

Goh: How so?

Ash: A few of them came up close to me - maybe even too close. And one of their things almost hit me when it flew.

Goh: Oh my! You must have been pretty surprised.

Ash: I was.

Me: Welcome to the less pretty side of judging... and we just had to get it this time.

Ash: Well, after all that, with the other judge - a character friend of us - we chose three winners and three favorites, and the community chose two other good ones.

Goh: That's a lot of winners! They must be pleased.

Ash: I hope they are, because they were pretty much the best ones.

Pikachu: Pi pika, pika chu! ["Really, the best!"]

Goh: What was the rest of the event like?

Ash: The usual stuff: music, dancing, and games. 

Me: No surprise there. But what you got (me) for the judging should have been good.

Ash: Oh, I think you'll like it - I think it's great!

Me: I'll believe it. So I think we can say we just had a great day today - even if it wasn't too great.

Goh: Why not? With that Pokémon task and this event, you two must have had at least a good day.

Ash: Goh is on point. It could've been a little better, but yeah, it was really fine.

Pikachu: Pika chu pika. ["Really just fine."]

Me: On that note, it was a fine time for a busy Saturday in more than one way. Good job today, and I think the one next week might (re)define that.

Ash, Goh: Ooh...

Me: Rest up and stay tuned (and sharp).

One year ago: Performance Critique: CHoCoDays 2022 Fun Karaoke Challenge

Two years ago: Salim Group and Pokémon

Three years ago: Perking up Holidays, Pokémon Style

Four years ago: PvP: After One Year

Five years ago: Pokémon Asia McDonald's Happy Meal Toys, Waves 3 and 4

Six years ago: Balanced Systems Stimulate Civilization

The Remnant Vestiges of Silph

The last time I wrote about anything that directly pertained to Silph Arena or The Silph Road was in July, for its final formats before its closure. And by now, in a way, it has done that... only perhaps in a way that one would not expect. That way is by leaving some vestiges of its existence, at least other than the expected ones. That reason is also why I've been holding off on writing the "farewell" post - although now it doesn't seem like one in the strictest sense. Even so, it seems the time has come for me to do just that and establish that "farewell".

One of those vestiges is the Trainer card for the Road side of things. It's the last accessible vestige of the site even with a login, although one may have to be wary about editing it at this point, which is well past the operational cutoff of August 1. Meanwhile, on the Arena side, things apparently didn't "go dark" immediately as expected at that point and all prior things are still accessible... or was, as on many browsers, now the Arena pages throw up a security certificate error, which I wouldn't recommend bypassing just for the sake of trying to view things unless it's absolutely necessary. At this point, the "farewell" is rather effective.

Some might recall that I also had to partake on a familiar gamer platform for the purpose of Factions communication, and the dedicated Silph Arena part of it is still there... just largely defunct. For me, all I see are what used to be the announcements section for Factions and the general chat space for its participants, which still sees messages from time to time by them, some purposeful and others less so. It's also still moderated but to a lesser capacity, just to keep certain people in line. Those who had participated in the Arena to a greater scale might see yet other things, but at the least, this is what I see.

As for other vestiges, they are (or seem to be) there where I can't see them, at least where I'm not privy as such. The ex-body of researchers for The Silph Road still operate in their own idiosyncratic ways, and they occasionally post reports on Reddit, a platform I don't (have many reasons to) check and browse through. It's one of the vestiges that has been said to survive even as I posted the initial farewell roadmap, something I didn't touch on at the time. While something may still be going at the least, the results could be potentially reflected in other ways and not necessarily bear their name.

Now with all the things that used to bear the Silph name becoming separate and disparate, a "farewell" seems to be really in order, even if it's not in the capacity of one. Whatever happens, all those Silph things at least had a bearing on my Pokémon Go experience for at least a significant amount of time, and nothing new or existing cannot change that. It may be that a "farewell" is subjective or figurative in this case, but it still has to be said somehow. So be it - farewell, and may the vestiges hold wherever they may.

One year ago: My "Friend Experience" in Playing Pokémon Unite

Two years ago: "My Pokémon Collection" in Indonesia

Three years ago: On the Statistics for My Blog

Four years ago: Cosplay: Panniversary 3

Five years ago: Only for You, For Your Eyes Only

Six years ago: The First-Generation Surfing Theme

Sun Matters, Pokémon Matters

Having made a post on relating the moon and Pokémon, it seems right and balanced to complement that with a post that relates to the sun. Many would consider it as the "better half" to the moon, even though they're technically different astronomical objects. Still, like the moon, certain "wonderings" exist for the sun, and they can be similarly tied to Pokémon (and its world) and discussed to a certain extent.

Like with the moon, two Pokémon species bear strong relations to the sun, and they would be Solrock and Solgaleo. They too can be described in similar ways; they are respectively an iconic manifestation and a spiritual representation. Solrock is totally iconic with its totally sun-like shape complete with sun ray appendages, as I had noted earlier, and Solgaleo is totally spiritual with its lion-like form, a being with high energy like the object it exemplifies. They're also both part Psychic types, with the latter also having a Steel type and the former having a Rock type, complementing the ways they exemplify the sun.

The sun is a high-energy wonder, and it can bring some of that energy to other Pokémon like those of the Helioptile family and the Sunkern family. In fact, both of these species families practically harness that energy - the latter using it to grow and the former using it to charge. They in a way become the "true" warriors of the sun, taking advantage of it for their own objectives. It's a little unlike certain closer-to-realistic imagery of some people about the sun, but it still works in their ways.

As for that high energy wonder, the sun sometimes spits out some of that high energy - like now during the so-called "solar maximums" - toward the earth. When it arrives, the energy disperses and creates beautiful yet foretelling (of certain danger) light shows in the sky. That's when Rayquaza, a Legendary Pokémon of the sky, might be called on to watch over the skies and make sure the light show proceeds as normal. This is as certain as the sky being the domain of Rayquaza, and therefore the Pokémon has a little something to do with the sun, or at least some of its possible aftereffects on the planet.

Overall, like the moon, the sun is an astronomical object that is as highly symbolic as it is highly important, and that also goes for some of its relations with Pokémon. Those relations might seem a little more involved, but it's clear that the inspiration, whimsy, and attraction are present, much like for the moon. For people in general and fans of Pokémon (like me) in particular, that much seems rather appreciable.

One year ago: Monthly Goals in Café Remix

Two years ago: Buying Games Ahead of Playing?

Three years ago: For the Sake of Something or Another

Four years ago: Putting Things on Hold

Five years ago: Local EX Raid (Double or Quits), 12/14/2018

Six years ago: Tears of Life... and Being Moved to Tears

My Personal Trainer Fashion Preferences

I've written in the past about elements of Pokémon Trainer fashion, and that's always a fascinating topic to be discussed. Yet something I've never really discussed is my preferences for them - as in, what I like or I would wear. Given that I'm a Pokémon Trainer across several different games and further portray a specific one at times through cosplay, it becomes something that's rather pertinent to me as a Pokémon fan. Based on that, I also have things that I like or choose to show off myself as a Trainer.

Recall that I have a distinct outfit set that I created for myself in Pokémon Go and have taken to replicate when portraying myself in my video series (which I'll get to again when I can), and that basically also represents what I mostly like to wear on a day-to-day basis. My preference is thus a T-shirt and shorts, which I like to wear at home and most times when going out. Though some circumstances will demand me to wear different things, T-shirt and shorts become my preference when nothing is demanded and I'm free to opt for anything to wear - and that automatically goes for my Trainer fashion as well.

As for accessories, like most Trainers, I'm not too big on them. Like Ash or Red, almost all I need or what I like most of the time are a cap and gloves, and even then I might forego the latter, while the former I'd occasionally remove to make things easier on myself. This also speaks of my preference for non-complexity, which is also why I prefer to cosplay characters with simpler outfits - again, like Ash and Red - unless the demand arises and/or I have the costume on hand. It also contributes to practicality, which is indeed another preference, given the things I mostly like to wear, even as a Trainer. 

Even though I'm only a Trainer in an imaginative capacity, what I choose to wear as one and what it reflects when I play roles actually do show off my real preferences, including fashion for other purposes. While Trainers do greatly vary in their fashion - as do people in general - I still have to opt for things that work for me, and what works for me is what I've described above. Regardless, it still does show off the closeness and pertinence of the topic to my life, which also applies to Pokémon and its other elements.

One year ago: Indonesia's Own Pokémon Event

Two years ago: The Bugs of Unite

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Weekend, 12/12/2020 and 12/13/2020

Four years ago: Performance Critique: Pokémon Theme feat. Otaku

Five years ago: Trainer Battles Are Go!!!

Six years ago: Will You Be There?