The Pokémon Company is bringing a series of events to the Philippines to mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary, including the country’s first Pokémon Center pop-up store, a 5-kilometer fun run, and activities at selected SM malls.
The limited-run Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE will operate at SM Mall of Asia from October 2026 to January 2027. It will sell trading cards, plush toys, and 30th-anniversary merchandise.
The store will also offer tutorials for the Pokémon Trading Card Game and gaming activities featuring Pokémon titles on Nintendo’s latest Switch console.
The Pokémon Company and SM Supermalls will hold a six-month anniversary campaign from October 2026 to March 2027. Participating locations include SM East Ortigas, SM Southmall, SM North EDSA, SM Marikina, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Davao, and SM CDO Downtown.
Activities at the malls will include free trading card game tutorials, interactive areas, and promotional items tied to purchases.
A separate event, “Pokémon RUN 30: Run into the Future with Pokémon!,” is scheduled for Oct. 3 and 4 at SM Mall of Asia. The family-oriented event will feature a 5K fun run.
Registration opened on July 7. The standard package costs P2,450, while the P3,450 premium package includes a Pikachu plush toy. Registered participants will receive a Pokémon RUN 30 runner’s kit.
The anniversary program will continue with “PokéXciting! in Manila” on Jan. 23 and 24, 2027, also at SM Mall of Asia. The event will feature a live stage show, interactive activities, character appearances, and a special appearance by PokéXciting! Pikachu.
“PokéXciting! is more than just an event – it is our way of expressing gratitude to Pokémon fans across Asia who have supported us over the past three decades, while creating unforgettable moments that bring fans together through their shared love of Pokémon. We are thrilled to bring PokéXciting! to Manila and share this special celebration with Filipino fans, whose passion and enthusiasm for Pokémon continue to inspire us,” said Susumu Fukunaga, corporate officer of The Pokémon Company.
The Pokémon franchise debuted in Japan in 1996 with the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green for the Game Boy.
