Manila to host biggest-ever Pokémon celebration for 30th anniversary

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MANILA, Philippines — Filipino Pokémon fans have plenty to look forward to as The Pokémon Company announced its biggest lineup of official events yet in the country to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary.

During a press conference in Manila recently, The Pokémon Company and its official partner, SM Supermalls, unveiled three major initiatives: Pokémon RUN 30, the Philippines' first Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE alongside a six-month mall celebration, and PokéXciting! in Manila.

The celebrations commemorate 30 years since the launch of the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green games in Japan in 1996, bringing fans of all ages together through interactive experiences, exclusive merchandise, and live entertainment.

Leading the lineup is Pokémon RUN 30: Philippines Edition, happening on October 3-4 at SM Mall of Asia. The themed 5K fun run transforms participants into Pokémon Trainers as they complete Pokémon-inspired challenges along the course.

Runners can choose their first partner Pokémon before taking on interactive stations such as Pokémon Gyms, Pokémon Centers and Pokédex tasks. Upon crossing the finish line, participants will witness their chosen Pokémon "evolve" as part of the event experience.

Registration includes a Pokémon RUN 30 Runner's Kit featuring commemorative merchandise, while premium participants will also receive a Pikachu shoulder plushie.

Even non-runners can join the festivities through the free Pokémon Festival Zone, which will feature a Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE, a Pokémon Time Tunnel showcasing the franchise's history, gaming experiences, themed photo spots, Pikachu appearances and other family-friendly activities.

Another major highlight is the country's first-ever limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE, which will open at SM Mall of Asia from October 2026 to January 2027.

The store will offer Pokémon Center Original merchandise, trading cards, plush toys, and exclusive 30th anniversary collectibles. Visitors can also enjoy Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorials and gaming experience booths.

The pop-up store forms part of "Celebrate 30 Years of Pokémon at SM Malls," a six-month caravan running from October 2026 to March 2027 across several SM Supermalls, including SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, SM East Ortigas, SM Southmall, SM Marikina, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Davao and SM CDO Downtown.

Fans can shop for licensed Pokémon merchandise, join free Trading Card Game tutorials, experience Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch 2, try Pokémon Mezastar, meet their favorite Pokémon during special appearances, and enjoy themed mall decorations. Exclusive anniversary giveaways will also be available during the campaign.

Kicking off 2027 is PokéXciting! in Manila, a large-scale celebration scheduled for January 23-24, 2027, also at SM Mall of Asia.

The Manila event is one of only five PokéXciting! destinations in Asia, alongside Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore and Bangkok.

Open to the public free of charge, the event will feature live stage performances, Meet and Greets, exclusive merchandise, a Pokémon parade, and the High-Voltage Night Stage with music and entertainment.

A special attraction will be PokéXciting! Pikachu, which will appear in a unique red costume exclusive to Manila. The special Pikachu will also be featured in a related Pokémon GO event.

"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," said Susumu Fukunaga, Corporate Officer of The Pokémon Company.

"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."

Together, the anniversary events represent the most extensive official Pokémon celebration ever held in the Philippines, giving longtime fans and new Trainers alike multiple opportunities to celebrate the beloved franchise's 30-year legacy through games, collectibles, live entertainment and shared experiences.

Editor’s Note: This press release from The Pokemon Company is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.