The Pokémon Company is celebrating 30 years since it brought the beloved pocket monsters to life through the Pokémon Red and Green video games. To commemorate the milestone, the company has begun activities worldwide, including in the Philippines, where the franchise has remained popular over the decades.
On July 7, a press conference was held at the SM Mall of Asia to announce the Pokémon pop-up store and other events. Fans were greeted by three dancing Pikachu mascots, which generated a lot of excitement among both press and mallgoers. The Pokémon Center will open its first-ever pop-up store in the Philippines, in partnership with SM Supermalls, from October this year until January 2027.
The limited-time Pokémon Center pop-up store at the SM Mall of Asia will feature a wide range of products, including Pokémon Center original merchandise, trading cards, and plushies. A special anniversary merchandise lineup will include a Philippines' 30th anniversary limited-edition Pikachu plush. Additionally, Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorial sessions and a gaming experience booth will be set up in the pop-up store.
The Pokémon RUN 30, an interactive, themed running event, will take place on October 3 and 4 at the SM Mall of Asia. Participants will "transform" into Pokémon Trainers and step into an immersive Pokémon world. The five-kilometer run will blend adventure, collecting, and interactive challenges, welcoming casual runners, families, and even children.
A six-month mall caravan will be held from October this year to March next year, with stops at various SM Supermalls. The caravan will offer licensed Pokémon merchandise and collectibles, free Pokémon Trading Card Game, and experience zones for Nintendo Switch 2 titles. Inflatables and meet-and-greets with mascots are expected to be popular among kids.
Finally, PokéXciting!, a large-scale party-style celebration, will be coming to Manila on January 23 and 24, 2027, at SM Mall of Asia. Visitors can look forward to entertainment, including a special appearance by PokéXciting! Pikachu, a live stage show, and a parade featuring a wide variety of Pokémon. Admission to the PokéXciting! in Manila will be free.
