POKÉMON fans were given an opportunity to bond at Pokeverse Expo – Season 1. From May 31 to June 2, attendees not only celebrated the legacy of Pokémon and its role in their lives, but also got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Veronica Taylor, the voice of protagonist Ash Ketchum, and Jason Paige, the original Pokémon theme singer.
The headliners for Pokeverse 2024 are (from left) actor and cosplayer Myrtle Sarrosa, Pokémon theme singer Jason Paige, Pokeverse organizer Kirck Allen, Ash Ketchum voice talent Veronica Taylor and actor Robi Domingo. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Paige enthused about his experience at Pokeverse, getting the chance to perform with beloved fans, who could still remember the lyrics of the iconic song.
Paige said: “The performance space and the audience were the best I’ve ever experienced at any Comicon-type event. All of the vendors and exhibitors I met were [very] gracious and happy. Everyone had a great time, and I was super happy seeing the excited faces of the Filipino people, enjoying all the various attractions at the event. Pokeverse is setting up to be a great attraction for Pokémon fans in the Philippines and, hopefully, across all of Asia.”
Two Ash Ketchum voice talents meet at Pokeverse 2024 with DJ Kara as the Filipino voice talent (left) and Veronica Taylor as the English voice talent. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Taylor expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet Filipino Pokémon fans. An especially memorable moment was meeting her local counterpart, DJ Kara, the voice talent of Ketchum in the Filipino-dubbed Pokémon.
Taylor said: “I was honored to be invited to the inaugural Pokeverse event in Manila. It offered me the extraordinary opportunity to meet [quite a number of] wonderful people and hear their amazing stories. I was especially happy to spend time with each of the children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Thank you to all who welcomed me and my daughter with such generosity and kindness. Mahal ko kayo (I love you)!”
Likewise, the fans were also thrilled to be part of Pokeverse.
Cosplayer Sol Lim, who was declared the Pokeverse Cosplay Contest champion, said he would cherish the memories made at the event.
In a Facebook post, Lim wrote: “Despite everything, I’d say I truly enjoyed the event. I met with my childhood heroes, won a cosplay contest and got to forge a lot of new friendships as well as strengthen old bonds. I got to sing my heart out and be that Pokémon master I’ve always wanted to be without being judged by others.”
Influencer and voice actor David D’Angelo also shared his enthusiasm after getting the opportunity to meet and voice act with Taylor and sing with Paige.
Influencer AllYellow Joshua said the event gave him a chance to relive his childhood, particularly when he started watching Pokémon during his kindergarten years.
Pokémon theme singer Jason Paige serenades the crowd with the nostalgic opening song. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Likewise, Pokémon fan and cover artist Jhoenel Marquez spoke about the feeling of nostalgia after hearing Taylor and Paige.
“As a Pokémon fan and cover artist, singing the Pokémon theme song with Jason Paige was a dream come true. I can’t thank Pokeverse enough for making this once-in-a-lifetime dream and opportunity come true,” Marquez said.
Godfrey Murillo, the largest Pikachu collector in the Philippines, said the event was a dream come true and the experience was exciting.
“While it wasn’t a perfect expo, if we come together as one community, it can certainly become the best Pokémon Expo in the Philippines. For Season 2, I’m looking forward to more collaborations from different Pokémon hobbyists and communities,” Murillo said.
On the other hand, the man with the largest Charizard collection in the Philippines, Derrence Lam, believed that Pokeverse was a successful event.
“It was a gathering of big names in the industry [such as] Hobby Stadium and Arken. My [first Zardaddy] exhibit was memorable, and I’m definitely looking forward to Season 2,” Lam Said.
Trading Card Game (TCG) players engage with TCG head judge Filip Monakil. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Hobby Stadium Chief Executive Officer Stephen Go remarked on the success of the Trading Card Game (TCG), saying: “After initially expecting 60 players for the Hobby Stadium [TCG] tournament at Pokeverse, we also ended up doubling it with 107 players. Seeing many happy faces all around during the event, we are very much looking forward to a much improved and even better Season 2. At Hobby Stadium, we will continue to support events that aim to promote positivity, good vibes and inclusivity.”
Pokémon TCG player and TikToker Daniel Bernas said he attended all 3 days of Pokeverse for the tournament, adding that competing with fellow players and meeting Taylor and Paige made it worthwhile.
Pokémon collector and karate master James de los Santos hoped that there would be a Season 2 for the expo.
TCG Asia Caster Devan Kyle Timbal hoped the community would support more of these kinds of events.
Timbol said: “We need the input and support of the community. There were a lot of things to celebrate [such as] the TCG side events, and the opportunity to meet and greet Veronica Taylor and Jason Paige. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and, hopefully, we can come back stronger to celebrate all things Pokémon.”
Pokeverse united beloved fans, creators and iconic personalities to create a vibrant and unforgettable celebration, and to share their love for the Pokémon world.
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