Ayala Malls Lure Drop Party

Disclaimer: I am not a player of Pokemon Go but I am publishing this article for the benefit of diehard fans out there. So Pokemon hunters, prep up and hunt down all your favorite pocket monsters this weekend!
 By Maricris Irene V. Tamolang

 DAYS after Pokemon Go has officially been made available in the country, players have gone gaga over the augmented reality game that has virtually taken over the world.

 As it continuously makes quite a stir among smartphone users, more and more Filipinos are jumping on the bandwagon as they download the free-to-play mobile app and become Pokemon hunters in an instant.

 Joining the latest craze in town is Ayala Malls with its “Lure Drop Party” happening on Aug. 12-14 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m. in six of its biggest shopping malls.

 To rev up the growing excitement of diehard fans, the real estate subsidiary of Ayala Land has listed down 64 PokeStops that players can flock to where Pokemon creatures could be captured through a non-stop Lure drop, and 4 PokeGyms where they can take their catch to battle against other gamers with.

Trainers know the drill all too well. Pokemon Go that works both in Android and iOs, makes use of GPS (global positioning system) for a real-world location and augmented reality, allowing them to move around and explore areas where pocket monsters may pop up.

Gamers can also opt to drop by PokeStops. These are usually landmarks where players can get items from, or specified locations where they can drop Lure Modules to attract more Pokemon creatures.

Pokemon hunters of all ages will surely be in for more fun and surprises over the weekend. Any trainer who is into arts can head straight to the Mosaic Giraffe Contemporary Art at Glorietta 4, or walk by Glorietta Leaves at Glorietta 5, which are both located at the Glorietta Mall in Makati City.

 Players living in the outskirts of the metropolis such as Angeles City in Pampanga also stand a chance of making a good catch of more pocket monsters by attending a Mass at the Chapel of our Lady of Perpetual Help on the third level of the MarQueeMall starting late Sunday morning. Families can also dine out in any restaurant at the shopping mall and drop by the MarQuee Park Fountain for a round of friendly Pokemon battle.

 Art enthusiasts who frequent the Greenbelt Mall can linger by the Homage to Noguchi in front of the Ayala Museum or take a stroll along Greenbelt 3 Park near the Chapel area and pay the Chapel Bell of Hope a visit.

 Residents at the south of metropolis can show off their personalized Pokemons at a PokeGym such as the street between Chili’s and Nanbantei at Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City. Kid gamers can also enjoy a carousel ride at the mall’s Activity Center or stay near the fountain at the Town Plaza while in search of more Pokemon creatures.

 Pokemon hunters living in Quezon City can head to the Starbucks fountain on the 4^th level of TriNoMa, visit the Central Garden near Shakey’s (On app: Project Pie Graffiti Wall) or drop by at the Central Garden mango tree (on app: Black kneeling sculptural horse) at the Fairview Terraces in Fairview, Quezon City.

 With a little twist thrown into it, the event features the “Pokemon Go Revenge” that would have random Pikachus going around the malls with large inflatable PokeBalls and hit random players.

 Whoever is hit during the day gets an Amore Card, a credit card and privilege card in one that allows shoppers to enjoy mall perks and privileges while letting them earn shopping rebates as they spend in their favorite shops, restaurants, and establishments at Ayala Malls.

 So Pokemon hunters, what are you waiting for? Prep up to hunt down all your favorite pocket monsters this weekend so you can add them up to your Pokedex and battle them with other trainers.  This even will surely give you more opportunities to forge new friendships and widen your network while having fun.