Legendary voices in “Pokémon” heading to Manila for “Pokeverse”

TRAINERS, want to meet the voices behind “Pokémon” character Ash Ketchum and the series’ theme song?

Good news! Veronica Taylor and Jason Paige are coming to Manila to meet the fans of the popular animated and video game series at the “Pokeverse” event set to take place in SM Megamall Megatrade Hall on May 31 to June 2.

Pokeverse is an unofficial Pokemon-themed expo crafted by fans, for fans to honor its enduring legacy among the hearts of the Filipinos and beyond. 

Photo Courtesy: Pokeverse/Facebook

Taylor, one of the three other voices (Japanese voice actress Rica Matsumoto, Kayzie Rogers and Sarah Natochenny) behind Ash, is a renowned voice actress in the industry known for her versatility and dedication to bringing life to a character. She has earned merits and a very dedicated fanbase for her craft. Taylor has given life to many other characters that I’m sure some of you may know.

More than just Ash Ketchum, Taylor extended her contribution to the popular franchise. She lent her voice to other characters in “Pokémon,” including Ash’s mother, Delia Ketchum, May and more.

Other roles she has taken are April O’Neil in the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” series and Sailor Pluto in the “Sailor Moon” series. She’s known for voice dubbing other anime characters as well which has made her a beloved figure in the anime world.

In addition to her work in television, Taylor showcased her versatility in film and video games as well, with her significant contributions of voicing characters in major projects such as “Slayers,” “One Piece,” “Dinosaur King,” and “Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters.” 

“I was working on another anime called ‘Slayers,’ in English, and it just [so] happens that the people who cast me in that were doing the casting for ‘Pokémon.’ So, I auditioned for it, and there were many callbacks. I happened to get the role, and even when I got it, I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep it, and it just kind of went on and on. It’s one of the most challenging and joyful roles I’ve ever had. I love playing Ash, he was this 10-year-old normal boy full of just courage and positivity,” Taylor told the media via a Zoom video press conference.

“It changed my life because I think I took positivity for granted before this. But now I realized how important it is. I’m looking forward to Pokeverse and can’t wait to meet everyone and hear their stories about Pokémon,” added Taylor, who also does audiobooks, where she’s referred to as Kathleen McInerny, and commercials.

Paige is gracing the event as well with his amazing voice and presence. He’s the one who sang the English intro of the popular series that got us singing our hearts out before every episode.

The event features immersive activities such as a comprehensive museum with vintage “Pokémon” products, competitive competitions themed toward the Pokémon IP, and a lineup of local celebrities reigniting their passion and sharing their journey with the brand, among others. Tim Yap, Myrtle Sarrosa and Robi Domingo will be guiding the festivities as they unfold.

The “Pokeverse Expo,” although not affiliated with The Pokémon Company and its subsidiaries, is made possible through partnerships with licensed “Pokémon” distributors in the country, including leading hobby shops like Hobby Stadium and Arken, esteemed “Pokémon” collectors, exhibitors, and fans; and the organizers themselves; Kirck Allen and the Philippine Feng Shui queen Marites Allen, and the whole Pokeverse team. 

A portion of the event proceeds will be dedicated to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, the largest wish-granting organization in the world. 

To attend, make sure to secure your tickets at https://pokeverse.ph/ and follow the official Facebook fan page at: 

https://www.facebook.com/PokeverseOfficial for updates. For inquiries, you can e-mail info@pokeverse.ph.

With reports from Jacqueline Beatrice M. Dejesa