MANILA, Philippines, July 7, 2026 — Filipino Pokémon fans have plenty to look forward to as The Pokémon Company officially unveiled a massive lineup of activities in Manila celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary.
From an interactive fun run and the Philippines’ first Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE to a large-scale party featuring a special Pikachu, the anniversary celebration is set to bring Pokémon fans together through experiences spanning games, collectibles, entertainment, and more.
The announcements were made during a press conference and preview held in Manila on July 7, where representatives from The Pokémon Company and official partner SM Supermalls gathered to reveal the upcoming celebrations.
Guests were also treated to a special Pikachu dance performance and a preview of what to expect from PokéXciting! in Manila, one of the biggest highlights of the anniversary festivities.
The Pokémon 30th Anniversary celebrations in the Philippines will feature three major initiatives: Pokémon RUN 30, “Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls,” and PokéXciting! in Manila.
Pokémon RUN 30: Run Into the Future With Pokémon
Ready to catch ’em all while getting your steps in?
Pokémon RUN 30: Philippines Edition is coming to SM Mall of Asia on October 3 and 4, 2026, inviting participants to become Pokémon Trainers and take on an interactive 5-kilometer course inspired by the world of Pokémon.
Under the theme “Run into the Future with Pokémon!”, the event combines running with interactive challenges, Pokémon encounters, collecting activities, and themed stations.
Participants can choose their first partner Pokémon at the starting line before taking on different challenges throughout the route, including the Pokémon Gym, where Trainers can test their skills through interactive obstacles, and the Pokémon Center, which will serve as a refreshment station.
Trainers can also complete Pokédex Tasks by meeting different Pokémon along the route and collecting special stickers. The experience culminates at the finish line, where participants can see their partner Pokémon evolve alongside them.
The 5K fun run is open to casual runners, enthusiasts, families, and Pokémon fans of all ages.
Event details:
- Date: October 3–4, 2026
- Venue: SM Mall of Asia
- Course: Approximately 5K
- 5K Standard: PHP 2,450
- 5K Premium: PHP 3,450, including a Pikachu Shoulder Plushie
Regional sponsors for Pokémon RUN 30 include 7-ELEVEN and UNIQLO.
Every registered participant will receive a special Pokémon RUN 30 Runner’s Kit containing a Pokémon RUN 30 T-shirt, drawstring bag, Type-Themed Bib, Poké Ball-themed arm band, Pokédex Search Sheet, First Partner Pokémon Lenticular Card, and a Pokémon Trading Card Game Booster Pack.
Those who register for the Premium category will also receive a Pokémon RUN 30 Pikachu Shoulder Plushie.
Participants can choose between Grass, Fire, and Water Type-Themed Bibs, with their First Partner Pokémon Lenticular Card corresponding to their selected type.
Beyond the race itself, the Pokémon Festival Zone will be open to the public for free. It will feature a Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE, Pokémon Time Tunnel, Pokémon Experience Zone, Pikachu parades and Meet and Greets, photo spots, and sponsor booths.
The Pokémon Time Tunnel will take fans through the franchise’s history, covering its video games, Pokémon Trading Card Game, animated series, and local licensing initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Pokémon Experience Zone will give visitors the chance to explore Nintendo Switch 2 titles, the Pokémon TCG, mobile apps, and other Pokémon experiences.
Registration for Pokémon RUN 30 Philippines opened on July 7 at 5:00 PM Philippine time through RUNRIO.
Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE Is Coming to the Philippines
Pokémon fans in the Philippines are also getting something they have long been waiting for: the country’s first limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE.
In partnership with SM Supermalls, Pokémon will bring the pop-up store to SM Mall of Asia from October 2026 to January 2027.
Fans can expect a wide selection of Pokémon Center Original merchandise, trading cards, plushies, and special products commemorating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
The pop-up store will also feature Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorial sessions and a gaming experience booth, giving both longtime fans and newcomers something to explore.
But the celebration does not stop at SM Mall of Asia.
“Celebrate 30 Years of Pokémon at SM Malls”
From October 2026 to March 2027, SM Supermalls will host a six-month Pokémon 30th Anniversary mall caravan across selected locations nationwide.
Participating malls include:
- SM Mall of Asia
- SM East Ortigas
- SM Southmall
- SM North EDSA
- SM Marikina
- SM Seaside Cebu
- SM Davao
- SM CDO Downtown
Fans can shop for licensed Pokémon merchandise and collectibles, join free Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorials through the New Trainer Journey, and experience games including Pokémon Pokopia and Pokémon Champions on Nintendo Switch 2.
Visitors can also try Pokémon Mezastar, take photos with their favorite Pokémon during Meet and Greet sessions, and explore Pokémon-themed decorations and inflatables around participating SM Supermalls.
There will also be freebies, including Pokémon paper sun visors and stickers.
Fans who meet the minimum single-receipt purchase of PHP 3,500 can also receive a limited-edition Pokémon 30th Anniversary tote bag, with further details to be announced.
PokéXciting! Is Bringing the Party to Manila
If you are looking for a bigger Pokémon celebration, PokéXciting! is set to bring the party to Manila in January 2027.
The large-scale celebration will take place across five Asian cities: Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore, and Bangkok, bringing together entertainment, nostalgia, and interactive Pokémon experiences.
For Manila, PokéXciting! will take place on January 23–24, 2027 at SM Mall of Asia, with admission completely free and open to everyone.
One of the biggest attractions will be the appearance of PokéXciting! Pikachu, a special version of Pikachu created for the celebration.
For Manila, PokéXciting! Pikachu will debut in a vibrant red costume, with each participating city getting its own unique color.
Fans can meet their favorite Pokémon during special Meet and Greets, shop for exclusive PokéXciting! merchandise featuring the Manila-exclusive red-costumed Pikachu, and watch a Pokémon parade featuring various Pokémon in a lively musical procession.
As the celebration continues into the evening, fans can also look forward to the High-Voltage Night Stage, featuring PokéXciting! Pikachu, energetic performances, danceable music, and large-scale stage production.
PokéXciting! Pikachu will also make an appearance in Pokémon GO through a special PokéXciting!-related event.
According to Mr. Susumu Fukunaga, Corporate Officer of The Pokémon Company, the celebration is a way for the company to thank Pokémon fans across Asia for three decades of support while creating opportunities for fans to celebrate together.
“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,” Fukunaga said.
A Big Year for Filipino Pokémon Fans
With Pokémon RUN 30 bringing fans onto an interactive 5K course, the first Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE opening at SM Mall of Asia, a six-month SM Supermalls celebration, and PokéXciting! turning Manila into a Pokémon party destination, the Philippines is set for one of its biggest official Pokémon celebrations yet.
For a franchise that began with Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in Japan in 1996, its 30th anniversary is not just a look back at three decades of games, anime, cards, characters, and collectibles. It is also an invitation for a new generation of Trainers to experience the world of Pokémon together.
And for Filipino fans, the adventure is only getting started.
Pokémon RUN 30 Philippines
October 3–4, 2026
SM Mall of Asia
Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE
October 2026–January 2027
SM Mall of Asia
PokéXciting! in Manila
January 23–24, 2027
SM Mall of Asia
Free admission
For more information, visit the official Pokémon 30th Anniversary Philippines website and follow RUNRIO and SM Supermalls for registration and event updates.
#PokemonAsia30 #PokemonRUN30
