"Umbreon Chasing Moonlight" ft. Pok3tini | TRAINER'S EYE #131

Starting with the Pokémon anime, Pok3tini's journey expanded when he received Pokémon Yellow and later formed a strong connection with Pokémon Gold & Silver. In this episode, he reflects on unforgettable moments in the second-generation games and how they shaped his Pokémon passion. Reconnecting with the franchise through Pokémon GO and diving into card collecting, Pok3tini shares how these experiences have reignited his love for the world of Pokémon. Whether you're into the Pokémon games, Pokémon card collecting, or Pokémon GO, this interview is packed with nostalgia and fresh insights.

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Sources
Opening Song: "Forget You" by Alex_MakeMusic from Pixabay

Transcript

Pok3tini 0:00

I'm Poka Tini and this is my Pokemon story.

David Hernandez 0:42

Welcome to as the pokeball turns where we interview people about their experience with Pokemon. My name is David Hernandez I'm joined by Pokitini, here to share his passion for Pokemon. Pokitini, welcome to the show!

Pok3tini 0:56

Wow. Thank you so much for having me, David. I really appreciate it.

David Hernandez 0:59

Absolutely, and you know, I know you're very excited, I'm very excited, we're all just very excited to Dive into your journey. And what I love about your journey is you are just like me almost you started day one and I want to ask this question because you have some photos on your Instagram.

Pok3tini 1:13

Oh, absolutely.

David Hernandez 1:14

of the photos you have is actually you holding a big Pikachu plushie and when we say that, I don't know if you remember, it's like a huge giant plushie and you're like maybe 7 or 8.

Pok3tini 1:23

Yes. maybe in that picture, I was probably around five or six years old.

David Hernandez 1:27

Okay, because it reminded me of one I had as well and we got, we got, at the state fair. Where did you get that? Do you remember?

Pok3tini 1:33

I do not recall, but I do remember, it's actually a backpack, actually. It's one of those, it's a little, it has a little, um, zipper.

David Hernandez 1:42

Oh, really?

Pok3tini 1:42

stuff in it. Yeah. Yeah. I don't really remember when I got it. Maybe it could have been a Christmas present or a birthday present. I forgot when I got it, but I was super excited. That was actually my first plushie Pikachu, actually.

David Hernandez 1:54

Really? So that was like back when Pokimane was happening. That was the first plushies your parents

Pok3tini 1:58

absolutely. Yeah. I, that my first, I think my first, maybe one of my first Pokemon backpacks, I would say. Yeah.

David Hernandez 2:05

That's awesome. What was it like in those initial days when you were young and Pokemon, was everywhere?

Pok3tini 2:10

Oh, I see. It was just one of those, like I was in a kid and in a candy store, basically the fact that, it was a huge craze back when I was a kid. all my cousins were playing the game. all my classmates were also were into it. It was just a huge craze. I just remember I got so sucked into it. I'm like, Oh, this is. An awesome franchise and then want to be a part of it.

David Hernandez 2:32

Do you remember? Like, what got you into it? Was it like just seeing the enemy on the TV show? The cards, the games,

Pok3tini 2:37

So it was, um, my cousins were the ones who introduced me to it. there was like, Hey, Martin, there's a show. You should check it out. so I started watching the anime. And I got so into it that I love the franchise itself. I told my parents, I think at the age of seven, I told her, I really want to do a Pokemon theme party. So they're like, Oh yeah, let's do it. So I remember, as a kid. 10 years old, I had a Pokemon theme party, and I always wanted to get my first Gameboy there. So, surprisingly enough, one of my aunts gave me a Gameboy Color. And it was a teal colored as well. And my first ever Pokemon game I ever played was Pokemon yellow. And ever since then, that took me into a huge craze of Pokemon and played a lot of games ever since. It's insane. It's the same how that, that, version got me into the, franchise. And never looked back and I'm like, wow, it started with, an aspiration of becoming the best Pokemon trainer. And here we are now. I'm talking to you, talking about the love for Pokemon. It is crazy how one game can change it all.

David Hernandez 3:49

Ooh, I love that. It's amazing how one game can change everybody's life, man. That's the, that's the perfect line right

Pok3tini 3:56

for sure. but yeah, I played the games, watched the anime, collect the cards as well. And I still continue till this day. So it's great.

David Hernandez 4:04

You know, it's kind of cool that your parents were supportive of you to be able to play Pokemon, because they even tried to get

Pok3tini 4:09

Mm hmm.

David Hernandez 4:09

birthday. And, you know, keep in mind, this is back when Pokemon first started, so they don't have, like, the default balloons or the, like, the party stuff that went around. Like, what do you remember of that party? Like, all your friends coming over? Like, did your parents, like, have to get kind of creative to make some of the Pokemon stuff?

Pok3tini 4:24

Yeah, yeah, They had like little activities, right? So they had a section where you guess who named that Pokemon. That's like one game. And then there's a coloring book section they did. And they remember, um, and they were like, Oh, best coloring contests. I remember that. And then they would have like, Different, cutouts of Pokemon all over the house, basically. And I remember also, I also had a birthday cake that had different types of Pokemon. I think it had all the starters. It had Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and then also it had a Pikachu. Um, I forgot. It said Artificial, but it was I don't remember.

David Hernandez 5:00

Just let people know it was definitely unofficial, because this stuff did not exist back in our day,

Pok3tini 5:04

Exactly. But, um, that was the, yeah, it was a core memory of mine too. So it was cool to see all my friends and even my cousins all come together, you know, for the love of Pokemon. It was really cool to see that everyone all coming together, sharing that joy.

David Hernandez 5:19

you know, it's also cool to where I know. Initially, the enemies would introduce to you and you and your cousins were kind of diving into the Pokemon together. And then of course they gave you Pokemon Yellow, which is the closest game we've ever gotten to this day, that resembles the anime. Did you feel like when you played Pokemon Yellow, that you were almost like Ash Ketchum, like going through each region, trying to beat the game, just like he did?

Pok3tini 5:41

absolutely. And so it was funny too. I would, uh, I remember watching the episode of the anime and I was also along with my own journey to, and I would just kind of like play through it as if I was wearing Ash Ketchum and it was cool. Yeah. I remember going through it, Getting your, getting your Pikachu. Oh man. That thing. And also you had to beat Gary with his Eevee. So it kind of, it felt simultaneously like you were playing the game. While watching the anime, so it was really cool.

David Hernandez 6:11

Now, did you try to use Thundershock on Onix to see if it would work, just like the anime did?

Pok3tini 6:14

Oh yeah, absolutely! Yeah, exactly what I did too! I was like, oh I hope, you know, Thundershock could just help, and and then somehow like, it will go off as a sprinkler, and then rain will down, I beat it, but to, to my dismay, just knowing that, oh, it was not affected, I'm like, oh. So, I need, I need to find another way to beat this Onix.

David Hernandez 6:38

It was where's the sprinkler man? Come on. It should in right now. I'm

Pok3tini 6:43

little did I know that, typings were a thing. So I had to figure that out. So, I learned the hard way. So,

David Hernandez 6:52

Hmm.

Pok3tini 6:53

But thankfully, I remember, um, uh, you know how right before you get the Pokeballs on the left side, of that route of Viridian City, that's where you can get at least a Mankey or a Nidoran, and that was, that was the game changer, where it's like, okay, this person knows, like, a fighting type move, like Double Kick, right? And, I think I was like, okay, let me get this Pokemon, they look cool, and then that, uh, those Pokemon did help along the way.

David Hernandez 7:18

so for me, I didn't really care for making it all. And I use Nidoran and Pokemon red, but my go to was always Butterfree, with confusion because I would raise my 10 to, you know, to get a Butterfree and learn confusion. I'd always be the way I beat it. Brock. That was the only way I did for

Pok3tini 7:31

Oh, that's

David Hernandez 7:31

yellow.

Pok3tini 7:32

I thought it was the coolest thing to have like a, bug learning psychic, type move, which is insane. I'm like, Oh, that's

David Hernandez 7:36

especially that early on. I was like, Oh my God, this is such OP power. Like it was

Pok3tini 7:40

OP power. Right.

David Hernandez 7:42

but it was,

Pok3tini 7:42

too, even the, like, in the beginning, like psychics, the psychotype was such a powerful, like typing in those days,

David Hernandez 7:49

when it came to the anime? What? Scenes stick out to you when it came to watching Ash's journey, like where there's any of your favorite episodes that you enjoyed watching.

Pok3tini 7:55

I think it's like the main ones, right? bye bye, Butterfree. That was the first time a kid can, you know, kid cry. I was like, what? The fact that they also put some like sad background music too. I'm like, why, Pokemon? Why are you making me tearing up at this? Oh my goodness.

David Hernandez 8:11

It's such emotion episode. Yeah.

Pok3tini 8:13

emotional episode. The fact that, you know, Caterpie was his first ever caught Pokemon, right? Ash and, having your first Pokemon, you know, evolve into Metapod and then into a Butterfree. you build a strong bonding relationship with that Pokemon, and they'll see the let it go because of a girl Butterfree. I'm like, what the?

David Hernandez 8:30

Right.

Pok3tini 8:31

Bye bye. But, um, but Yeah, it was really sad. It's just, uh, I just remembered seeing Pikachu's face crying off of the cliff while he said goodbye. I'm like, damn, don't go.

David Hernandez 8:41

And then also keep in mind that even beforehand when he was on the SSA and, you know, he was originally traded his Butterfree for eradicate and he felt emotional just doing that. So it was very difficult for him just to let him go. Cause he tried before and he couldn't do it in this.

Pok3tini 8:56

try and

David Hernandez 8:56

Was it build up even more to it?

Pok3tini 8:59

Exactly. Exactly. it pulled the heartstrings when I saw that episode.

David Hernandez 9:05

Oh my Do you know the episode for me that pulled the heart strings? It's gonna be a different one. I literally cried. I still cannot watch to this day. The one where he almost gave up Pikachu.

Pok3tini 9:16

Oh my gosh. Yes. Because

David Hernandez 9:19

underrated

Pok3tini 9:20

of a family of two.

David Hernandez 9:21

Yeah. Like Pikachu meets is like a full, group of Pikachu in the wild. And I guess throughout the episode, Ash notices Pikachu having a lot of fun seeing Pikachu actually be happy. And keep in mind, this is. Yeah. Pikachu's relationship had gotten better, but it's still kind of new and Ash is contemplating leaving Pikachu and he literally just says Pikachu stay and run and I can't watch that part from when he turns back to that episode because it just it's so emotional for me. It's such a heartbreaking episode. Although in the, you know, eventually Pikachu does come back, but still.

Pok3tini 9:52

yeah, I thought honestly, I thought he was going to actually let him go time. I'm like, what? No way. This is your ace Pokemon and you're letting that one go? What?

David Hernandez 10:02

Now we know what happened to Ash's dad. We see pattern.

Pok3tini 10:06

Oh yeah. Exactly.

David Hernandez 10:15

Oh gosh. It was, it was too soon. Too soon.

Pok3tini 10:19

Um, but yeah, that, those are, um, that one, even to, um, when Ash tried to fight against Lieutenant Surge too, when he had that conflict of if he should evolve his Pikachu give that Thunder Stone. And that was a thing where he had a tough decision, I know he wanted to win, but, he's had that conflict of if I should evolve it or not make it stronger, but he's stuck with his gut. And then peeked you pull through.

David Hernandez 10:41

Yeah, Pikachu eventually won it, thankfully. And I think they still kept that Thunderstone if you keep watching later on. This is like years later to where up the Thunderstone again. And it was kind of a cool homage to think about why Ash kept it all this time. You know, you find out Pikachu is the one who wants to be the strongest Pikachu of all time. That's why he doesn't want to ever evolve.

Pok3tini 10:59

Oh yeah, I feel like every season 2 he's like probably level 100, or beyond it every time.

David Hernandez 11:03

He should be. He should be. Oh

Pok3tini 11:05

It still, it still baffles me that he lost to Snivy Snivy from episode, I'm like how? In um, the fifth generation Black Manta.

David Hernandez 11:15

That whole arc I have beef with, man. That whole arc is where I stopped watching the anime for a bit.

Pok3tini 11:22

I think the same team, the same here too. I probably didn't stop watching it that point. But uh, but yeah, it's crazy.

David Hernandez 11:30

you know, keep moving forward. So, you know, eventually, you know, Pokemon keeps going with the games. It came to Johto and Hoenn. Did you stick with the franchise throughout?

Pok3tini 11:38

Oh, absolutely. So, after Pokemon yellow, play, I had the silver version and my sister had the gold version, so we, did our little battles here and there. Um,

David Hernandez 11:47

your sister got in the plane too.

Pok3tini 11:48

Oh yeah. I think it was my whole family got into it. cousin and my sister got into it. she eventually fell off with it, Thankfully I had a sister to battle with practice with. I remember using those link cables. Oh, here we go. Fine, man. Uh, man, kids don't know the struggle when trading. It was a thing.

David Hernandez 12:07

All they know is Wi Fi and we had to use

Pok3tini 12:08

Wi Fi. Yeah, exactly. Exactly. but yeah, honestly, Jelta is actually one of my favorite regions. I like the fact that, you got to play two regions, you got Kanto and Johto, and it was just a cool experience you feel like a real Pokemon trainer, batting all the gym leaders you can, also the Elite Four, and then after that I play, uh, Ruby and Sapphire. that was actually a fun, that was a fun, I love, I see New Pokemon too from that region. Love that. I did not get myself a Ds, so I skipped out on Diamond and Pearl in platinum, and I remember in high school, finally got a DSI, that's when I played a black and white. And I remember that was, that was a fun experience too, playing that world to a whole new set of Pokemon. And then after that I didn't get a 3DS. So I did skipped on the sixth, generation. So I didn't play X and Y And then, unfortunately, I also missed out on Sun and Moon, but then I finally got a Switch. Then I started playing back to the games again, and then I played Sword and Shield. And then Scarlet and Violet now. And that's my history of my gaming.

David Hernandez 13:16

that's cool. So what is it about like Pokemon has kept you like engage the entire time because, you know, you've taken some breaks here and there, obviously, but something about franchise literally keeps you hooked in throughout your entire life that you've grown up with.

Pok3tini 13:28

Oh, it's, I think the creativeness of like building your own team. also like, you know, battling with each other, trading. And there's a special connection to it. I feel like it's just like, you feel like it's your own pet, you know, and you're reading it, reading it. And I always wished, you know, Pokemon were real, but thankfully we're, we're getting there. We're pretty much getting there with this Pokemon Go stuff with the augmented reality. could happen eventually. So, so it's awesome. so that's, you know, what keeps me going is the fact that you can, you know, you're creating new Pokemon and trying to collect them all. It's, that's the gotta catch them all

David Hernandez 14:04

Got catch them Pokemon. theme

Pok3tini 14:07

Pokemon, right? So that's what gets me going is just the fact that you want to become the very best, like no one ever, ever was. And you keep going, try catch them all. So that's it. That's, that's what gets me going. and also the, what also makes it very fun is that the community itself is awesome. it's amazing to see that we can all come together because this franchise made this, made it happen for us. So it's. Really cool to see.

David Hernandez 14:30

What are some of your favorite Pokemon

Pok3tini 14:32

There's only one particular Pokemon I always wanted to have. So it's, my favorite Pokemon is Umbreon is one of my favorite Pokemon's,

David Hernandez 14:39

was about embryo on the mix of your favorite.

Pok3tini 14:41

So, like I said, gen two was really one of my, favorite generations. I think it's the design of itself. I also loved Eevee, but the fact that you can evolve this Pokemon in Midnight with increasing the friendship, thought that was such a cool way to, evolve it a Pokemon. So it was such something new that I enjoyed, just love the design of it. and it's also known as the Moonlight, Pokemon. if you also don't need to know, I also play the Playano. So my first ever songs I played classically on the Playano was, uh, Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. And ever, ever since then, I just been hooked into the idea of Moonlights and Moonlight Pokemon. So that's why Umbreon is one of my favorite Pokemons.

David Hernandez 15:20

that's so cool. Like, Yeah. such a cool connection. So you play Beethoven's a moon night and then your favorite Pokemon is also based on the moonlight. It's a cool connection.

Pok3tini 15:29

It's such a connection. Yeah. So I think I just, ever since then, I, you know, what's your favorite Pokemon? And that it always falls back to that. I know I'm not the only one who loves Umbreon, everyone loves it. That's why it's, that's why it's so hard, you know, to get all the cards that are Umbreon related because they're hella expensive, but it's, it's, it's a cool Pokemon. That's, that's the reason why there's such a big love for it. So,

David Hernandez 15:51

So funny enough for me, those two SP on embryon, I didn't care for when they first out. It wasn't until I play Pokemon Coliseum

Pok3tini 15:59

Oh, really? Okay.

David Hernandez 16:00

I appreciated him a lot more embryonic course is more tanky, but I actually fell more in love with Espeon because it just hits hard.

Pok3tini 16:07

Oh yeah. special attack, right?

David Hernandez 16:08

that special attack is huge. And also just the way it was designed. Like, I feel like. Top 10 for me, just because that game, and it's kind of cool just to see how people have those connections with Pokemon, like for you, it's just because of the moonlight and it's just kind of cool how you connect both the real world with Pokemon It's kind of awesome.

Pok3tini 16:27

Yeah. And also high, high, high special defense. You know, it's cool.

David Hernandez 16:30

It's a tank. It

Pok3tini 16:31

a little, a tank. Yeah. Um, but yeah, I'd love that too. also my other favorite Pokemon too. I also love Dragonite Dragon is also one of my favorites

David Hernandez 16:40

to go with classic. Yeah. Yeah.

Pok3tini 16:43

also love Erdos. Gengar, oh yeah, Gyarados is awesome. I remember first, we were watching that episode also in the anime where, James Magikarp somehow turns into a Gyarados in that

David Hernandez 16:55

Yeah. Cause he bought it off that guy for

Pok3tini 16:57

Oh, for the guy?

David Hernandez 16:58

Yeah. And he kicks it saying it was useless. Yeah.

Pok3tini 17:00

Yeah, exactly. And all of a sudden, Yeah,

David Hernandez 17:03

And that's a fun fact. I think that's the only time I've ever seen James. Abuse or be mean to a Pokemon everything yeah, he's very caring for his Pokemon That's the only time that he's ever done it I think I don't quote me at the reruns the entire anime from scratch But still that's that's very rare to see James do that even back then

Pok3tini 17:23

I remember he kicked it off, right? He kicks off the, that's his ass.

David Hernandez 17:27

He keeps it off the little raft. They were staying on because I think they were Stuff they shipwrecked I think

Pok3tini 17:32

Yeah,

David Hernandez 18:20

when it comes to Johto what did you like about playing those games? Because I know you said it was like both multiple games. Did you also like, you know, facing your former self and also the gym leaders and all that?

Pok3tini 18:30

all that was cool and all, but I think that the, and the final challenge, right. You, when you face against red, it like, whoa, that's cool. Like, that's like a whole nother challenge. You thought you'd like, you can beat the champion. You know, I think, I think Lance was the champion in that, in that season. And, but the fact that there's a, there's a more to it where you go to, it's a melt silver. that's where you beat. Red, and you can see his old OG Pokemon. And I think that was a cool thing too. That's why that also got me hooked. That there's also, there's a final boss that you have to

David Hernandez 19:03

which was your former self. Yeah, it's

Pok3tini 19:04

It former self,

David Hernandez 19:05

biggest twist ever in Pokemon

Pok3tini 19:07

yeah, exactly. Oh, that plot twist or spoiler alert. I mean, but I think that's the reason why I enjoyed that game so much is that, you know, besides, you know, you're playing two regions, but the fact that you do battle against your former self. It's something pretty cool.

David Hernandez 19:24

me, I always enjoyed the time changes. Um,

Pok3tini 19:27

Oh yeah, that's right.

David Hernandez 19:28

yeah, I was the first time, you know, because, you know, the SBN embryo were the first time introduced evolutions and seeing both the difference between day and night was kind of unique for me at that age at the time. I didn't get the chance to see nighttime because, you know, I was younger, so I couldn't stay up as late because I didn't get to be up to like 8 something like that was very late. So I can never see nighttime till I was older. But it was just kind of cool to see how much the game could simply change because of, time I feel like that's kind of been missing lately or just not as noticeable. Maybe we take it for granted. I don't know. It could be one of the other, I still wasn't just enjoy those small little details of just how much area can change and you have to go back. I know they reintroduced it with black and white when they did seasons. And I just kind of like that how an area can just change based on whether you change the time or season or what have you.

Pok3tini 20:12

I'll give me like two with the legends of Arceus too. Oh, that's also the game I'll also play too. You know how you get Ursa Luna, right? You have evolve your Ursaring right in the moonlight. So things like that. That's pretty cool.

David Hernandez 20:25

so eventually, you know, you started doing Pokemon TCG. you know, you started collecting. Were you always collector, or did you kind of collect later on?

Pok3tini 20:32

so yeah, when I was a kid too, I, I mean, I always collected, the Pokemon cards. I remember that I was a fascinated about them. didn't play the game too much. It was just more of like, Oh, something to collect. Right. So instead of baseball cards, I was collecting Pokemon cards when I was a kid. just trying to collect them all. But like I said, I had a hiatus where I stopped during high school college days. I didn't, I stopped. I think ever since the pandemic happened, Watching other YouTubers, like pulling cards, the nostalgia of like opening a pack and pulling the chase card that got me back into the, the hobby itself. So, um, now, now, now I try to see a collect, collect all my favorite cards. I can, of course, I'm trying to collect all my Umbreon cards.

David Hernandez 21:13

Do you try to complete, like, certain sets, or do you try to, like,

Pok3tini 21:16

uh,

David Hernandez 21:17

you like?

Pok3tini 21:18

there's, I mean, there's some sets I did want to, like, try to complete. try to master set the 151. the Scarlet Violet, which is, something I would like to have.

David Hernandez 21:27

Some of those are just sick too. Yeah,

Pok3tini 21:29

Yeah, it's really cool. I think every year like artwork is just getting better and better.

David Hernandez 21:32

that's what keep saying. Like some of this artwork, I'm like, where was this when I was younger? Like, I mean, Oh

Pok3tini 21:39

before, you know, like, you know, probably 10, 20 years time is going to have some like, hologram cards where

David Hernandez 21:45

my gosh. Well,

Pok3tini 21:45

figures will just pop out, it was going to be

David Hernandez 21:47

TCG pocket.

Pok3tini 21:51

exactly. yeah. And then ever since I got back into the hobby, collecting the cards that I like and stuff. I think what got me back in learning to play in the game is, TCG Pocket. It's actually back to learning the game itself, uh, which is great. So, I think I liked it, how simplified it is. So, it's also pretty quick, So I think that's game gave me back to learning to play the game. So, but I love it.

David Hernandez 22:15

I love TCG pocket too. Like I was looking forward to when they'd said they were doing immersive cars. I'm like, I'm in. I I just love artwork. I wish there was more of it, but you know, you can't everything, but even I'm, I open this app every single day and I'm just excited to get what I'm going to get. And I

Pok3tini 22:30

I need to open a

David Hernandez 22:31

Yeah, it's great. It just doesn't, I don't have to pay for it.

Pok3tini 22:35

Oh, yeah, I know. Right. And I get to get the little free two packs, you know,

David Hernandez 22:39

Well, don't pay as much. I should say.

Pok3tini 22:41

Oh, I know. I, been guilty about it. even so I remember when the, the Pokemon company, remember they do every annually, they make an announcement when they had first announced about TCG pocket. I was like, ah, another game. Just like, uh, virtual Pokemon, Pokemon cards. Honestly, I was not enticed by it. I was like, ah, that could just let it go. But I think ever since they showing more news about it, showing all the card artwork in it, I'm like, okay, let me give it a chance. remember downloading it. I'm like, oh my gosh, these cars look sick. I want them all, and it got hooked ever since.

David Hernandez 23:16

Yep. And it is the collector side of it because I feel like Pokemon TCG online was way more of a competitive side of things, which isn't bad, but. For those who just don't want to really deal much, or would rather have the option of battling and just want to collect, Pokemon TCG Pocket fits that niche perfectly, because you can collect, the battling's there if you really want to, but it's not necessary for the experience compared to TCG Online. It's kind of pushed towards it in my opinion.

Pok3tini 23:41

Yes. So I get both sides, the collector part of it and also just the idea of battling, But I think it's more catered to more of the collectors out there. So, Yeah.

David Hernandez 23:51

I want to talk about is your chase card was your prismatic evolution Umbreon you got it. What was finally get that card after waiting so long and seeing other people get it and maybe build up the story on like what it is behind it for those who may not be familiar.

Pok3tini 24:09

Oh, wow. Yeah. So I'm gonna get a little emotion about it just because it's just, I can't believe I just manifested.

David Hernandez 24:15

Let's go! Yeah! That's Mm

Pok3tini 24:19

like I said, my favorite Pokemon was Umbreon. And I remember when they did introduce the, terrestrial festival set, introducing a, skies 2. 0. And they're just featuring all the evil evolutions. I got super excited. I just was looking forward to what you're going to do with the Umbreon card. when the Pokemon, company finally did release the new artwork. I was like, wow, I need to get this so badly. I need this card in my collection right now. you know, I was waiting patiently and just getting my, you know, get my pre orders and, you know, hopefully I get my box. and then. I kid you not David, every time I would open the app on Instagram and check my feed, I just see people pulling it and like, Oh, I finally put the movie on our son, or they call it a Sunbreon because it looks like a son right behind it. And I'm like, Oh, he finally pulled it. You finally pulled it. And I'm like, I'm like putting in a fake smile. I'm like, Oh, good job. Congratulations. I'm so happy for you. I'm like, God damn it. Wasn't my chance. Wasn't my turn.

David Hernandez 25:17

It's like you're like, seething, and you're sitting with the Happy Space

Pok3tini 25:20

Oh, I know it exactly. Oh, now it hurt every time. Every, every time I saw a post, someone posting about it, a little part of me just tears up and like, I wish it's mine. I wish it was mine, but then after that, and finally I got another box. I told myself I'll. Purchase another booster box and I did a live where I did. Uh, I opened two boxes I didn't get any evolutions. I did I did get like a secret art rare cards, which are really cool. I was like, oh, it's not an evolution, but it's okay But i'll take what I can so but I had one more box. I'm like, okay, let me save that box because I was gonna meet with my cousins Who also, who introduced me to the Pokemon. I was like, Oh, let me open this last box with them and shout out to my cousins. They're honestly huge supporters of me. And I, appreciate each and every single one of them. And I told myself, I hope, hope there's this, Umbreon card in this box. You know, if not, I was about to like lose it. I'm like, I need to change a new favorite Pokemon I. I was like, I'm just so tired of it. I'm just tired of how expensive, this Pokemon is. And I need something new because it's not, I don't have the budget for this, this, this new Pokemon. So I remember we went to my cousin's place, we, finally got together and we just told ourselves, we're going to manifest it. We're going to send all this prayers. So like, let's go live and see, hopefully we can pull it. And without a doubt, you know, it finally happened when I finally pulled the last card and saw the rainbow border. I'm like, this could be it. And I just lost it. with excitement, I was jubilated, ecstatic, and super happy that I finally pulled it and tears of joy just came down streaming through my face and saying, I finally did it. He's got a man infested. He's got to keep praying, man. That's prayers do work. So,

David Hernandez 27:16

It must be kind of cool to just also have it around your family who got

Pok3tini 27:19

oh yeah, it

David Hernandez 27:20

you and just see the joy. Yeah,

Pok3tini 27:22

It's the people that you, you love and who support you since day one, you know, seeing them, super excited for me. It's, it's such an awesome feeling to have. So I'm very blessed to have them in my life. So yeah, I'm not going to get emotional, but it's awesome. I super happy. That and super blessed to have them in my life. So yeah, I don't know. I'm lost for words, actually.

David Hernandez 27:47

dive into that a little bit. So, like, how has having your family, you know, be such an essential part within your journey as a Pokemon trainer? How important has they played as a role? And how much has it impacted your life over time? Mm hmm. Mm hmm.

Pok3tini 28:03

tremendous. Honestly, they, the support they've given me, you know, and there's some people out there too, like, you know, I know they have family members who are like, who don't get about Pokemon, like, Oh, it's just, you know, it's just a kid's game or, why would you still continue to, uh, love that franchise? But honestly, I Pokemon's for everyone. It's I think it's universal. Um, it doesn't matter if you're one or two years old and if you're 90 years old or a hundred years old, it's Pokemon is still something if you still love it and you do enjoy it, that's something you should keep holding to you. what makes it special is that, you know, if your family supports your love for Pokemon, it's rewarding too. it's awesome. It's tremendous. It's having them, along with you with the Pokemon journey. it's hard to explain in words, but it's, it's having, having that backbone of support for you is, it's a tremendous, it helps a lot when you, find something that you love or you're passionate about and have, people that you love supported with you, it goes a long way. So I'm, I'm fortunate enough and blessed enough to have a family who has been there since day one. So I'm truly grateful for them.

David Hernandez 29:11

And, you know, let's talk about the community real quick. Cause you've also had people who were just as happy to see you finally get what you're chasing.

Pok3tini 29:17

Oh yeah.

David Hernandez 29:17

Like what kind of amazing people have you been able to meet just

Pok3tini 29:20

Oh man, I remember,

David Hernandez 29:21

You

Pok3tini 29:23

too, I got a, um, a plethora of like, DMs how good they were congratulating me because they all know, all my friends in the, in the community, they know that I've been trying to search for this Pokemon, trying to get myself an Umbreon card and being as an Umbreon fan, like you need this card in your collection, Yeah, I was, I was bombarded by all of these, uh, congratulations. And it was, it was also uplifting and rewarding to see that, people who out there supporting your, uh, filing that chase card for you. And it's awesome. So out to all of them out there. You know who you are. You all know who you are.

David Hernandez 29:59

yeah, was there ever that temptation to just buy the card by itself to, like, give up on trying to a pack and just like, go ahead and buy it online.

Pok3tini 30:10

Yeah, I know. And there's all, I know it's like those people that like, why you just buy the car, Marty? Like, you know, why you just save them and just buy the card. But I think it's the fact, the opening a pack, you know, one of those things and pulling it yourself. It's just a, It's a, it's a different feeling when you do that. So, it just feels like, you know, when you're, you know, back when I was a kid, remember I, I pulled a base set to Charizard. Uh, I I remember how excited I was that feeling, you know, that nostalgia feeling of pulling something big up a car like that. It's just like, oh, like I said, it's hard to describe in words, but you just got to, you're feeling the moment and there's a sense of jubilation in your system. Uh, it's great. So I think that's why, and also, I mean, like I said, Umbreon, it's an expensive Pokemon, right? It's so high. And I'm like, why, that's like a lot of paychecks to like, you know, fulfill. I have other things too. Uh, financial obligations you have to do, that's why, uh, it's, it's rewarding

David Hernandez 31:08

I think it ties into like a lot of people, why they are engaged with the franchise. You know, you got people who chase the shiny Pokemon, you know, yes, they probably buy it online or they could breed it or whatever, have you, but they're after the chase, they want that experience. And, you know, for them to experience the shiny Pokemon for you, your experience in getting a card you really wanted. And for me, I remember the first time I ever got, uh, it was the first time EX, uh, Pokemon came out and I got my first EX, like when I opened a random booster pack and it was a Kingdra EX. Probably not a good card, but I still remember it. And it's those memories that you kind of want to cherish. Like you, if you had just bought it, you would have missed out on this family joining you around you and getting all you know, DMs and all that. So there's more to it than just. Getting the item itself. It's also getting the experience that comes with it, which would have been robbed. I think

Pok3tini 31:57

Yeah, absolutely. It does bring out the core memory, you're going to have that last forever now in your, in your memory, right? It's that having that core memory itself. It's, something I will, you know, trade it in the world. So it's great to have it.

David Hernandez 32:09

now, if you just want to give me the card and then you can just go back to chasing again, I don't mind the chase continues, man.

Pok3tini 32:18

The chase continues! I sure, I know, of course. For the moon, it's for the moon breon too, the other one, the evolving skies one, my goodness. Like that's something I don't, I don't think I'm ever gonna pull it. But I might have to be saving up then. I guess that's my next one, just to save up for that, actually, so. That's an exception that I would actually have to pay for because there's no way

David Hernandez 32:41

Oh my gosh. You never know. We'll see. Thanks Cap. The dreams happen.

Pok3tini 32:44

dude. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I just got manifested. Yeah. You know, positive vibes. honestly, I was, I was getting distraught. I was gay. I was getting on the low. I was like, ah, I've seen people pull it. I'm like, well, I always told myself if I'm going to pull it, that'd be awesome. So, but I finally came into fruition and here we are talking about it. So awesome.

David Hernandez 33:06

You know, speaking of this experiences, I know you had a chance to go to go tour, I believe

Pok3tini 33:11

Oh yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

David Hernandez 33:12

and I want to ask, like, what was it like to kind of place? I think if it was near where you are from, or at to it was like to go to there and be around people who are playing Pokemon

Pok3tini 33:23

it was incredible. Actually. It, the fact that, go tour, it was just kind of like right next door because I also, it was in Pasadena. It's by the Rose bowl. I remember just the fact that there were so many people all over the world coming to this location. It was really cool. I think it's exciting. that's where I met, uh, one of my friends there too, from shout out to, uh, Bobby, yeah, he, he was there too. And I remember that's when I first actually met him, uh, meeting him, the first time, and it was, it was funny because I was walking by and he was like, There's someone who knows my name and was actually him and he's like, wow, that was so exciting. And I remember, I remember taking a picture with him. So a shout out to you, it was awesome to meet him and I met other, other content creators who also saw super Danny as well. got a picture with her as well. It was really cool. got some shinies that I really wanted to, so it was really cool. I think that I got both the shiny de alga and paia. The, the origin form wheel was really cool. So, I was super, and also the, the fact that they also opened the field for us too, so they, the football field, they, uh, opened it up for us to explore as well, which it was really cool. So the fact that I got to walk on the football field was really. it was exciting.

David Hernandez 34:36

Hey, yeah, it's like the go to event sometimes to meet people. That's what I love about going those live events because you get to kind of. Play Pokemon, but just get to meet fellow Pokemon nerds who love the as much as you do.

Pok3tini 34:47

exactly. It was super fun. also, I also went to, to, uh, even last year I went to, uh, New York as well. I went to go fest when I was there

David Hernandez 34:57

Really? What

Pok3tini 34:57

Yeah. That, that

David Hernandez 34:58

Yeah. What was it like to go to New York for GO Fest? Let's

Pok3tini 35:01

Oh, yeah. I mean, like those, that was my first ever time, uh, to visit New York. So, uh, a little overwhelming, but no, it was, it took some days to, uh. figure, uh, figure the subway system out.

David Hernandez 35:13

Yeah. Little wrong turns and stuff like that.

Pok3tini 35:16

You got to get lost once, once in a while,

David Hernandez 35:19

Only once I was going to say you're pretty good then.

Pok3tini 35:22

no, no. I also, when I was back in high school, I took the subway system too. So it isn't, much of a difference. If need to know, you just got to take your time with it. Thankful, thankfully, Google maps. You just got to beat, you know, Vigilant, but it does, it gets confusing. Just only which direction you're going. So, but it took a while. It took a learning curve, but I was fun at New York. It was really cool. It's exciting. It felt like, uh, experiencing a lot or so many people compared to LA. So many people, much all different types of walks of life with people there. So, uh, but it was fun. I had a good time in New York at it. It was a really fun experience.

David Hernandez 36:01

Well, Pocatini, I want to ask this last question before we this interview. If you were going to have a team of six Pokemon, which six would you pick?

Pok3tini 36:09

Oh, man. let's see here. definitely not Umbreon. I'm just kidding. I'm joking. course, that he's definitely my ace there. So Umbreon will be there. yeah, I will have Dragonite. I would like to have a Dragonite there. I would like to have, oh, Gengar. Let's do some OGs. I like Gengar, Gyarados. I do like Greninja. I do like Greninja. That's actually favorite. And one more. Let's do, uh, a Metagross. I like a Metagross Metagross would be cool. Yeah, that'd be cool.

David Hernandez 36:45

Yep. Well, Pocatini, thank you for coming on as the Pokeball turns before you go. If people want to connect with you, if they want to check out your content, where can they go by all means, please plug away

Pok3tini 36:55

Alright guys, if you guys wanna check me out. I'm on Instagram. It's uh, po uh, the e is a, is a number three and um, I usually post a lot, some lives reels and post a lot of con Pokemon content out there. Um, and I'm also on Discord as well. I am also go. Pocatini with P O K with a number three T I N I. And I'm also on Twitch by don't stream by just follow people out there too. So Twitch, discord, and Instagram.