As February finally enters, a well-known Filipino fast food chain Jollibee, released their Pokémon Evolution Surprise Kids Meal, attracting the interest of Filipino children. However, this not only sparked in the eyes of kids but rather with Pokémon collectors of the community.
The said offer ran only for a day, Feb. 1, and as the promo began to start, content creator James Afante, also known as PokeJames, posted that he already got his, showing him together with tons of boxes of the collectibles he bought in a branch. The post immediately received opinions and backlash, as he hoard the collectibles given this being a limited offer only.
Knowing that the promo was released focusing on children, Afante’s hoarding limits the opportunity of the kids being able to get at least one or two. Although he said that it’ll be part of his giveaways, that does not change the fact that he showed greed.
He then posted another batch of boxes, said to be freebies for those who will buy Pokemon booster packs in his store. Instead of giving it away to the children, who were the supposed main audience of the promo, he then made it as a way to have more profit. His post even reached Poke World Australia, labeling him as an insane Pokémon Scalper.
Although collecting plays a huge part in the Pokémon community, that does not mean that one should have it all, especially when opportunity comes. Given that Afante is new to the community, he is immediately not welcomed to various Facebook groups that are focused on Pokémon collecting and marketplace.
Afterwards, he then released an apology to the public, yet, he was still criticized for having an AI-generated apology. Sincerity is what the community is looking for, not a so-called apology in order to stop the growing arguments. Still, it does not change the fact that Afante took advantage of the offer, leaving behind the kids who were looking forward to the toys.
After all, being a collector, trader, or seller should not be the reason to be as greedy as what he did. If an offer is focused only for the children, then might as well give it to them, not to some manchild who is there for greed.
Written by Jannah Jamila Dang-awan (Begonia), Insight PH
Jannah Jamila Dang-awan (Begonia), Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
