VERONICA TAYLOR, JASON PAIGE Headline POKEVERSE Event in Manila!

POKEVERSE, the premiere Pokemon themed event organized by fans for fans is happening today at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City. Yesterday, we were able to interview Ms. Veronica Taylor, the original voice actor who did Ash Ketchum in the Pokemon series and Jason Paige, the awesome guy who sang the original Pokemon theme song. They're here for a meet and greet, so you could fulfill your Pokemon dreams from May 31 to June 2 (yes, this whole weekend!). 

Veronica was so nice, she was very accommodating and told us the story of how she was able to land that voice acting gig for Pokemon. Jason too was very friendly. I thought they would feel the welcome we Filipinos are known for, but I guess they do it excellently too. They didn't think this was going to be this big, it was work for them but eventually, they felt the cult following right after the first season. 

This brought them opportunities beyond their wildest dreams, to begin visiting different countries and expo's, their schedules filled up in no time. 

Today, it's your chance to meet them in the flesh! Head on to pokeverse.ph to get tickets to POKEVERSE and be the first ones to meet them at the event. Tickets may be hard to actually get at the venue as there would be a LOT of people there (lining up is challenging!). 

Here's the press conference in full:

Aside from them, Tim Yap, Myrtle Sarroza, Robi Domingo and Kirk Allen will be there to entertain you the whole day. There will be several events happening inside the venue, something they prepared for those who grew up with the game, your kids, even the parents who would be accompanying the little ones for the event. Discounts will also be given to selected cosplayers, but it will be very limited. It is highly encouraged for you to wear something Pokemon themed of course. I'd want to come as Snorlax but perhaps my trainer uniform would suffice, I've seen their merch and those caps would be a good thing to take home. (some are actually limited edition too for VIP's, make sure you catch them all!).

See you in SM Megamall later! I'll be there!

STR8 Holds GAME ON Event at SM Megamall

Str8 is a new fragrance brand that originated in Greece. They manufacture fragrances (deo spray), deodorants, shower gels and more. They launched in the Philippines today at SM Megamall's Event Center in Mandaluyong City. In the event, we were challenged to do a few games like 3D swords, race cars, Valorant, Mobile Legends among some of the best streamers and online personalities this side of town.

 

Ms. Hazel Lee the Str8 Brand Comptroller says "We want you to exude success and be relentless live and in the virtual world. To empower you, your go to fragrance is Str8, the game is on!"

 

The scent is pretty much straight forward, it's got no floral notes, mostly musky and leather. It also comes in EDT form which is encased in a tin with velvet like container inside. They also have one that is a deo spray, much like in liquid form and smells quite the same. The deo spray on the other hand feels cool to the skin, and I think the scent from all of these pretty much gives you much confidence because you know you smell good.

This is exclusive for Watsons and SM, but it's also available in Shopee and Lazada for those who want to purchase them online. Congratulations to STR8 Philippines for a very successful launch!

Endless Rice + Fire Grilled Chicken Goodness at El Pollo Loco!

When they say Fire Grilled, they're not LOCO huh? This is El Pollo Loco!

See, I've always been thinking of this whole Fire Grilled Chicken since I last visited El Pollo Loco. For those who don't know, El Pollo Loco all started from a Mexican family recipe that was handed down to generations. Founder Pancho Ochoa sold it on the streets initially, and found himself catering to a line in no time. Then he opened his first shop in Southern California which bared the name El Pollo Loco.

In the Philippines, they are under the good people of The Bistro Group. If there's something good in El Pollo Loco like what I've tried in their Megamall branch for years now, it's the Fire Grilled Chicken. There's something about it that's quite mysterious, because it doesn't taste like the usual roasted chicken we have in the PH. It's got that little flair, something that has deep spice, something fruity, citrusy and a little savory. Plus it's expertly Fire Grilled, leaving a really soft, juicy, smoky chicken that you'll surely appreciate once you get a taste of it. Together with it is a side of salsa, freshly chopped and prepared every day, it was amazing!

It's pretty hard to explain in words, so here's a video of my food adventures that afternoon at their Venice Grand Canal Mall branch in Taguig:

 

"Endless Spanish Rice"

For Rice lovers, I bare good news about their current offer called "Endless Spanish Rice" which you can avail of when you order 2 piece chicken with salsa meal. That means, you can have as much Spanish Rice as you want when you dine in the restaurant. I had a few cups myself and I bet, you'll love how it would taste like since it's probably got a smoky paprika and annatto seed base, it's hearty and filling. Who knows, you could battle it out with office mates if you get to have meals at El Pollo Loco.

If you prefer other things on the menu, they've got a wide spread of Loco Sets, Sides, Tortilla, Tacos and those custom made for the Filipino palate. Here's a preview!

Barbecued Ribs, I don't have to convince you do I? It's quite tender, just dip it in the barbecue sauce that comes on the side.

If you've got room for dessert, there's this tortilla bread that they toast up with hazelnut spread inside plus honey and walnuts.

I didn't get to have this because I was already full, but friend says it's good! They had a variety, just ask!

To go with the Fire Grilled Chicken, you might want to have Salad first! They do it fresh!

And because the Venice Grand Canal had water, we might as well take photos under the sun! It was sun bathing! LOL!

There's just so many food items to discover with the El Pollo Loco menu. There are also other side dishes available, so I advise you to just go ahead and ask what's available when you get there. Aside form the Megamall and Venice Grand Canal branch of El Pollo Loco, I heard they're about to open new ones in Robinsons Magnolia, Eastwood City and Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. If you're all been asking yourselves where to eat, you might want to give El Pollo Loco a try this week. I like what I saw, I didn't have take out because I finished my plate, plus it's not that expensive. Meals could probably run around 3-500 pesos a head, depending on what you prefer to order. Go get acquainted with it before the new branches open, it's super good especially the Fire Grilled Chicken. I wouldn't recommend take out because you need to eat it while it's hot, fresh off the grill. Then again if you prefer that, I wouldn't stop you!

As they say, it ain't the same without the flame! Go follow their social channels via @ElPolloPH for more information about it!