A Guy Designed Philippine Pokémon and They Look Amazing
Many of us spent our childhoods wishing we could quit school to become Pokémon trainers in real life. And if the worldwide success of Pokémon Go back in 2016 proves anything, it’s that these fictional creatures are still dear to our hearts. Today, artist Jhay Alejo has given us a good idea of what kind of Pokémon we’d be training if a Philippine region existed.
His illustrations come complete with Pokémon types and evolution charts. He’s come up with some pretty creative names as well. Steelapia had us cracking up and Starsier is just too cute. Some of Alejo’s Pokémon are based on Philippine myths. Bambakas and Bambelle are based on the legend of Malakas and Maganda, Foalish evolves into Trikbalang, and there’s the legendary Blakunawa.
When asked how he came up with the idea for Philippine Pokémon, Alejo says, "Ever since I was a kid, I loved Pokémon. And since artists left and right are making their own fakemon (fake Pokémon) and regions, I might as well share the Filipino culture through fakemon art."
While Alejo is still finalizing the name for his Philippine region, a friend of his has suggested the name Kaisa, derived from the Filipino word "kaisahan." "As with the tradition of naming Pokémon professors after trees, mine would be named Professor Acacia," he adds.
Alejo has done a lot of Pokémon fan art, as well as stunning illustrations of Filipino gods and goddesses. He’s open for commissions as well. To see more of his art, check out his profile on Instagram, Twitter, or Tumblr.
