The Pokémon 30th Anniversary Philippines celebration is officially underway, with Filipino fans set to enjoy the biggest lineup of official Pokémon events ever held in the country. From the first-ever Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store in the Philippines to the highly anticipated Pokémon RUN 30 and the massive PokéXciting! Manila festival, 2026 and early 2027 are shaping up to be unforgettable for Trainers of every generation.
The Pokémon Company officially unveiled its anniversary roadmap during a media event in Manila on July 7, celebrating three decades since the launch of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green on the Game Boy in Japan in 1996.
Partnering with SM Supermalls, the company revealed a series of exclusive events that will bring Pokémon fans together through gaming, shopping, interactive experiences, live entertainment, and community activities unlike anything previously held in the Philippines.
Pokémon 30th Anniversary Brings Historic Firsts to the Philippines
The Philippines has become one of the featured destinations in Pokémon’s Asia-wide 30th Anniversary campaign, joining celebrations taking place across the region.
Among the biggest announcements are:
- Pokémon RUN 30: Philippines Edition
- The country’s first-ever Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store
- The six-month “Celebrate 30 Years of Pokémon at SM Malls” caravan
- PokéXciting! Manila, one of only five cities selected across Asia
Together, these events mark the most ambitious official Pokémon celebration ever organized locally.
During the Manila preview, guests were treated to a special Pikachu dance performance alongside an early look at the upcoming anniversary festivities.
Pokémon RUN 30 Heads to SM Mall of Asia This October
Filipino Trainers can lace up their running shoes as Pokémon RUN 30: Philippines Edition arrives at SM Mall of Asia on October 3–4, 2026.
Carrying the theme “Run into the Future with Pokémon!”, the interactive 5-kilometer fun run transforms participants into Pokémon Trainers embarking on an adventure inspired by the Pokémon universe.
Rather than simply completing a race, runners will encounter themed activity stations throughout the course, including Pokémon Gyms, Pokémon Centers for hydration, and Pokédex challenges where participants can collect exclusive stickers while meeting various Pokémon.
One of the event’s signature moments comes at the finish line, where each participant’s chosen partner Pokémon “evolves,” adding a memorable finale to the experience.
Pokémon RUN 30 Registration and Runner’s Kit
Registration officially opened on July 7.
Participants can choose between two packages:
- 5KM Standard – PHP 2,450
- 5KM Premium – PHP 3,450, which includes an exclusive Pikachu Shoulder Plushie.
Every registered participant receives an official Pokémon RUN 30 Runner’s Kit featuring:
- Official event T-shirt
- Drawstring bag
- Type-themed race bib
- Poké Ball armband
- Pokédex Search Sheet
- Lenticular card featuring Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle
- Pokémon Trading Card Game Booster Pack
Premium runners will also receive the limited Pikachu Shoulder Plushie.
Pokémon Festival Zone Opens to Everyone
Even non-runners can join the celebration.
The Pokémon Festival Zone will be open free to the public and will feature:
- A special Pokémon Center Pop-Up merchandise area
- Pokémon Time Tunnel showcasing the franchise’s 30-year history
- Pokémon gaming experiences on Nintendo Switch 2
- Pokémon Trading Card Game activities
- Meet-and-Greets with Pikachu
- Interactive photo spots
- Sponsor booths and family-friendly attractions
The festival is designed to make the anniversary celebration accessible to fans of all ages.
First-Ever Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store Arrives in the Philippines
Perhaps the biggest announcement is the arrival of the first official Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store in the Philippines.
Opening at SM Mall of Asia from October 2026 until January 2027, the limited-time store will offer an extensive lineup of Pokémon merchandise that has previously been unavailable locally.
Fans can expect:
- Official Pokémon Center Original products
- Pokémon plushies
- Pokémon Trading Card Game products
- Exclusive 30th Anniversary merchandise
- Pokémon TCG tutorial sessions
- Interactive gaming experiences
The pop-up represents a milestone for Filipino collectors who have long awaited an official Pokémon retail presence in the country.
SM Supermalls Hosts Six Months of Pokémon Celebrations
Beyond the Pop-Up Store, SM Supermalls will launch the nationwide “Celebrate 30 Years of Pokémon at SM Malls” campaign from October 2026 through March 2027.
Participating malls include:
- SM Mall of Asia
- SM North EDSA
- SM East Ortigas
- SM Southmall
- SM Marikina
- SM Seaside Cebu
- SM Davao
- SM CDO Downtown
Visitors can enjoy Pokémon-themed installations, merchandise booths, Nintendo Switch 2 game demos, Pokémon TCG beginner sessions, Pokémon Mezastar, Meet-and-Greets, and exclusive giveaways.
Shoppers who spend at least PHP 3,500 in a single receipt can also receive a limited-edition Pokémon 30th Anniversary tote bag while supplies last.
PokéXciting! Manila Set for January 2027
The celebration continues into next year as Manila becomes one of only five Asian cities selected to host PokéXciting!, a large-scale Pokémon entertainment festival.
Scheduled for January 23–24, 2027 at SM Mall of Asia, the free event promises an immersive celebration packed with live performances, exclusive merchandise, themed entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Among its highlights is the debut of PokéXciting! Pikachu, a special version of Pikachu dressed in a vibrant red costume created exclusively for Manila.
Visitors can also expect:
- Pokémon Meet-and-Greet sessions
- Exclusive PokéXciting! merchandise
- A large Pokémon parade
- Live musical performances
- High-Voltage Night Stage shows
- Interactive experiences for fans of all ages
The celebration will also extend into Pokémon GO, where PokéXciting! Pikachu will appear during a special in-game event.
The Pokémon Company Celebrates Three Decades with Filipino Fans
The Pokémon Company says the anniversary celebration is designed to thank generations of fans who have supported the franchise throughout the past three decades while creating new memories for Trainers of all ages.
In a statement, Susumu Fukunaga, Corporate Officer of The Pokémon Company, shared the company’s appreciation for the Pokémon community across Asia.
“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. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our partner, SM Supermalls, for helping us make this exciting experience possible, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to join the fun.”
For more information about the Pokémon 30th Anniversary celebrations in the Philippines, visit the official Pokémon Philippines website at https://ph.portal-pokemon.com/30th/ or follow Pokémon’s official social media channels for the latest updates.
