Fans outraged after 'disappointing' Pokeverse event in Manila

Pokeverse, advertised as the “premier Pokémon-themed expo in the Philippines, made by fans for fans,” is receiving backlash online as eventgoers post their complaints and inconveniences. The hot topic has now caught the eye of international pop culture sites IGN, Kotaku, and Eurogamer.

The event was top-billed by Veronica Taylor (the voice of Ash Ketchum) and Jason Paige (the original singer of the Pokémon theme song), held at SM Megamall last May 31 to June 2.

Overpriced tickets

Tickets cost P1,000 for a one-day pass, P2,500 for a three-day pass, P6,000 for a VIP one-day pass, and P15,000 for a VIP three-day pass. The VIP tickets did not cover a selfie (P500), an autograph (P1,500), and a picture-and-video session (P2,000), with Taylor clarifying on X that she was “not receiving any money to appear.” In the ticket information, Pokeverse assured attendees their money would go towards "substantial costs associated with organizing the event" and enhanced crowd control measures to ensure everyone's safety.

Among those who were upset was a cosplayer named Vyn Coser, who wrote in his Facebook post that the organizers “only made this event for profit.”

While he listed things he liked about the 3-day event—the prizes, the community, and stage recognition—Coser claimed he did not get the 50% discount the organizer’s partner Pinoy Otaku Festival announced for those cosplaying Pokemon characters.

“She (the ticket seller) started off by mentioning how I had to be in full cosplay, despite me cosplaying as Gym Leader Allister,” he said. “[A]nd after I showed an image of him, they mentioned ‘Oh sorry sir, we already wrote you down, we can't change it, we are are just doing our jobs.’”

He also mentioned how he "felt really bad" towards a fellow cosplayer who "lost so much money and didn't even have a chance to fully put his ticket to its intended use."

"The VIP is nothing more than slight benefits to what you already get as [a] normal Congoer," he wrote.

Mismanaged event

An exhibitor named Marie Angelique, owner of crochet crafts store Fiberfairy Pilipinas, also shared her experience as a merchant at Pokeverse.

“Let me make this clear: I am thankful to have met VT and JP for this event. Even more grateful that my merch made it to all of the headliners (except [Pokeverse founder] Kirck [Allen]). However, this doesn't mean that those experiences are enough for me to turn a blind eye to the other things that happened during the event,” she posted on Facebook.

The merchant then listed the problems her colleagues encountered at Pokeverse: delayed response time, last-minute and late-night announcements, small tables, poor location for foot traffic, and merchants being mentioned only in passing during the event and not promoted on its social media pages. 

“Coordination was all over the place. We were made to print multiple pages of permit[s] that were useless,” she added. 

Marie Angelique also criticized the stamp rally abruptly included in the event. “The stamp rally was a pathetic attempt to drive sales. Instructions were given late and we were all confused about it. We were given an additional task to make sure we were tagged on the posts. Para daw may exposure kame,” she said.

Crowd control issues

Coser also claimed that security "didn't even check" his wrist as he walked through the door. He said that his Day 1 wristband was accepted on Day 2.

Meanwhile, artist BintuRita, who ranked second place in the PokeSinger contest at the event, was alarmed at how the security was not doing anything to control a man who called himself "Ravioli Man" eating off a ravioli jar in his pocket.

"...there were children under five running around the space and he smelled ROT. Security refused to do anything despite several congoer's reports," she posted.

BintuRita said he was eventually escorted out but only after he took a sponge and started rubbing it on one of the sponsors' booths. "Though later in the EXPO, security still let him back in. I thought ticket rates were going into Crowd control and security?"

Eventually RAVIOLI MAN was escorted out but only after he took a sponge and started rubbing it on one of the sponsors booths.

Though later in the EXPO, security still let him back in.

I thought ticket rates were going into Crowd control and security?

— Rita WAS @ POKEVERSE (@BintuRita) June 4, 2024

Pokeverse to 'investigate'

BintuRita in her post also took offense at how the Pokeverse production team recorded and uploaded a video of her friend despite their protests. She also mentioned that she did not receive her prize in the contest.

Pokeverse then left a response on BintuRita’s Facebook page, apologizing for the oversight and informing her that they are investigating the matters with the production team.

“The organisers have been very busy with post production but have said will reach out to you personally to make sure your concerns are addressed,” Pokeverse said. “It’s our first event with very little time to prepare but we do agree that better that a lot of things need to be improved for another season but we appreciate your participation and will continue take your feedback to do better next time.”

Pokeverse also asked the artist to send a private message as they did have her prize ready that day and intended to give it to her after the performance. They added that they will have the item delivered to her.

“We have taken down the PokeSinger video as well for the time being to investigate further,” Pokeverse added, expressing their appreciation for "being part of the event." Pokeverse also wrote that they "hope to excite better for another one."

BintuRita, however, stressed that she did not want the performance taken down but only the clip that included her friend.

She also wrote a massive thread on X, detailing her disgust at how Pokeverse handled the event, which included a delayed ribbon cutting, overpriced tickets, and escorting “immunocompromised, terminally ill” cancer patients on stage—noting that one kid could barely stand.

Make-A-Wish Philippines was present at Pokeverse to raise funds to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. Attendees who donated P150 were able to participate in the games at its booth to win special prizes. 

On her social media, BintuRita gave her overall feedback on the event, saying Pokeverse should take down the videos of unattended minors and congoers, as well as the "livestream with the sick kids you dragged on stage."

Last Sunday, Pokeverse posted its official statement on its Facebook page, saying that while the event was "filled with fun and excitement", it recognized "there were areas for improvement."

 "Your constructive feedback is invaluable, and we are committed to addressing these aspects to ensure a better experience in the future," it added.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to include Pokeverse's official statement.