Fans of the all-time favorite Pokémon were over the moon as Pokeverse opened its doors to Pokémon lovers from May 31 to June 2 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall.
Made possible by Marites Allen and her son “Captain” Kirck Allen, Pokeverse is the first Pokémon-themed expo in the Philippines. Inside the hall, there were numerous stalls offering various Pokémon merchandise. There was also a designated area displaying rare collections from the anime.
Fans were absolutely delighted as they roamed around the area, feeling as if they were truly in the world of Ash and Pikachu.
On the first day of the event, there was a panel interview with master collectors of Pokémon merchandise. The discussion highlighted the challenges of collecting Pokémon items, but the collectors expressed that despite the difficulties, it all becomes worth it when you love what you are doing.
However, no merchandise could overshadow the presence of Veronica Taylor, the original voice actress of Ash Ketchum, and Jason Paige, the original singer of the Pokémon theme song “The Voice of a Generation.”
Knowing that the two were visiting the Philippines for the first time, fans made sure not to miss the chance for autographs and pictures with them.
With such overwhelming support, Veronica Taylor, who started voicing Ash in her early 20s, shared how incredibly lucky she feels to be part of such an amazing community.
“One of the main things that Pokémon has affected in my life is that it has allowed me to travel and meet so many people who are fans of the show. I work on many different things, but Pokémon is the one project that everyone knows, and that allows us to start speaking and become friends because we love Pokémon immediately,” the now 58-year-old voice actress shared on the first day of the event.
When asked by a fan why she thinks Pokémon resonates with all generations, she believes it’s because of the youthful spirit of Ash and how he stays true to himself in his personal journey.
“It allows you to be you and encourages you to be who you are,” she said.
Throughout the question and answer session, Veronica treated her fans by switching to the voice she used when portraying Ash.
Jason Paige also ensured that fans didn’t leave without hearing him perform “Gotta Catch ’Em All!,” the original theme song from the first season of the English adaptation of the Pokémon anime. The event turned into a lively concert where fans passionately sang along with the artist.
Undoubtedly, in this fun-filled three-day event, cosplayers, anime lovers, and the Pokémon community met the very best like no one ever was.
ADVT.