Pokémon fans in the Philippines have reason to celebrate. The Pokémon Company recently announced a major lineup of events to mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary. These celebrations will bring new experiences to fans across the country.
Pokémon RUN 30: Run into the Future
The highlight of the celebration is “Pokémon RUN 30.” This interactive running event will take place on October 3–4, 2026. The event will be held at the SM Mall of Asia.
Participants will act as Pokémon Trainers during the 5KM run. The course is designed to feel like an immersive Pokémon world. Runners will encounter interactive challenges along the route.
These include Pokémon Gym obstacles and hydration stations themed as Pokémon Centers. Trainers can also fill their virtual Pokédex by collecting stickers along the path. Those who finish the race will watch their partner Pokémon evolve.
Registration opened on July 7, 2026. Runners receive a special kit including a T-shirt, a drawstring bag, and a trading card booster pack. Premium ticket holders will also receive a Pikachu shoulder plushie.
The First Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE
For the first time, fans in the Philippines will have a local Pokémon Center experience. A limited-time POP-UP STORE will open at the SM Mall of Asia. It will run from October 2026 to January 2027.
The store will offer exclusive Pokémon Center merchandise. Fans can purchase 30th-anniversary products, plushies, and trading cards. The space will also host gaming zones and trading card tutorial sessions.
Mall Caravan and Nationwide Fun
The excitement continues with a six-month mall caravan. This “Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” initiative runs from October 2026 to March 2027.
The caravan will travel to various SM Supermalls. Locations include SM North EDSA, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Davao, and several others. Families can enjoy free Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorials. Visitors can also play new games on the Nintendo Switch 2.
The malls will feature giant inflatables and photo spots. Fans can also participate in meet-and-greet sessions with their favorite Pokémon. Shoppers who meet a minimum spend requirement can receive a limited-edition anniversary tote bag.
PokéXciting! Manila
The celebration concludes with “PokéXciting!” in early 2027. This large-scale party will arrive in Manila on January 23–24, 2027, at the SM Mall of Asia.
The event includes a live stage show and a Pokémon parade. Fans can enjoy the “High-Voltage Night Stage.” This performance features dancing, energetic music, and special effects.
The event will also sell exclusive Manila-edition merchandise. This includes items featuring a special red-costumed Pikachu. Admission to this event is free for the public.
Pokémon’s Corporate Officer Susumu Fukunaga stated, “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.”
These initiatives represent the largest collection of official Pokémon experiences ever held in the Philippines. Fans are encouraged to follow the official social media channels for more details and event updates. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Pokémon history!
