Pokémon 30th Anniversary in the Philippines: Pokémon RUN, Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE, and PokéXciting!

This year marks 30 years since the release of the original Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, for the Game Boy in Japan. To celebrate Pokémon's 30th Anniversary, The Pokémon Company held a press conference yesterday, 7 July 2026, at SM Mall of Asia to announce a series of events and activities coming to the Philippines. Representatives from The Pokémon Company were joined by its official partner, SM Supermalls, to unveil what Filipino fans can look forward to throughout the anniversary celebration.

The press conference opened with a special treat for guests: a lively Pikachu dance performance. *(Author's note: It was my first time seeing it in person!)*

Susumu Fukunaga, Corporate Officer of The Pokémon Company

Here are the anniversary events and activities that Filipino Pokémon fans can look forward to:

Pokémon RUN: Run into the Future with Pokémon!
“Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” event and the limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in the Philippines
PokéXciting! in Manila: Details Revealed!

These anniversary initiatives represent the most extensive line-up of official Pokémon experiences ever brought to the Philippines, giving Filipino fans an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate the Pokémon 30th Anniversary.

Pokémon RUN: Run into the Future with Pokémon!

To celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, Pokémon RUN will return on an unprecedented scale across multiple regions in Asia, inviting fans to celebrate the past, present, and future of Pokémon together.

Mr. Daisuke Kobayashi, Senior Director of The Pokémon Company

Mr. Kobayashi introducing the Pokémon RUN

Pokémon RUN, under the theme "Run into the Future with Pokémon!", is an interactive, themed running event where participants transform into Pokémon Trainers and step into an immersive Pokémon world. It is a fun-filled journey that blends adventure, collecting, and interactive challenges.

Details of the Pokémon RUN Philippines Edition are as follows:

Date: 3-4 October 2026
Venue: SM Mall of Asia
Course: Fun Run (approx. 5 km) Great for everyone! From casual runners to enthusiasts and Pokémon fans! Families and kids are welcome too!
Participation Fee (includes a special Pokémon RUN 30 Runner’s Kit!)
- PHP 2,450 - 5 km Standard
- PHP 3,450 - 5 km Premium (includes a Pikachu Shoulder Plushie)
Regional Sponsors: 7-ELEVEN, UNIQLO

The running route is designed as an interactive, themed course. After choosing your first partner Pokémon at the starting line, participants will set off to tackle fun, Pokémon world-inspired challenges along the way, including:

Pokémon Gym: Interactive obstacles designed to test a Trainer's spirit.
Pokémon Center: Refreshment stations where Trainers can hydrate to recover their energy.
Pokédex Tasks: Fill your Pokédex by meeting different Pokémon along the route and collecting special stickers.

A Memorable Finish: Upon crossing the finish line, participants will witness their partner Pokémon evolve right alongside them!

Presenting the interactive course

In addition to the running part, the event will feature a Pokémon Festival Zone, which is open to the general public for free. The festival area boasts a rich line-up of attractions, including:

Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE: Offering special 30th anniversary merchandise.
Pokémon Time Tunnel: A retrospective journey exploring the history of Pokémon video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), the animated series, and local licensing initiatives.
Pokémon Experience Zone: A hands-on gaming area featuring Nintendo Switch 2 titles, the Pokémon TCG, mobile apps, and more.

The Festival Zone will also feature Pikachu parades and a meet and greet, themed photo spots, and sponsor booths, ensuring all fans can immerse themselves in this milestone 30th anniversary celebration in their own unique way.

Every trainer who registers for Pokémon RUN 30 will receive a special Pokémon RUN 30 Runner’s Kit.

Pokémon RUN 30 T-Shirt
Pokémon RUN 30 Drawstring Bag
Type Themed Bib - Grass/Fire/Water *each participant can choose and receive one Type Themed Bib
Poké Ball Themed Arm Band
Pokémon RUN 30 Pokédex Search Sheet
First Partner Pokémon Lenticular Card – Bulbasaur/Charmander/Squirtle *each participant to receive one First Partner Pokémon Lenticular Card (must correlate with the Type Themed Bib)
Pokémon RUN 30 Pikachu Shoulder Plushie *only included in 5 km Premium
Pokémon Trading Card Game Booster Pack

only included in 5 km Premium

Registration for the Philippines event opens on 7 July 2026 at 5:00 PM (Philippine time). Check RUNRIO’s official Facebook page to get details on how to register: https://www.facebook.com/runrioinc

Interested members of the public can visit the official Pokémon RUN 30 Philippines page for more event information. https://ph.portal-pokemon.com/30th/topics/20260603_02/

“Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” event and the First limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in the Philippines

SM Supermalls has officially partnered with Pokémon for the upcoming Pokémon 30th Anniversary celebrations. A major highlight of this landmark collaboration is the first limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in SM Mall of Asia.

Philippines' first limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE

Pokémon will open its first-ever Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia for a limited time from October 2026 to January 2027.

*Subject to change. For illustrative purposes only.

The POP-UP STORE will feature a wide range of products, including Pokémon Center Original merchandise, trading cards, plushies, and more. In addition, special merchandise commemorating the 30th anniversary is scheduled to go on sale. Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorial sessions and a gaming experience booth will be set up in the POP-UP STORE as well.

“Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” event

In addition to the Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE, a six-month mall caravan at SM Supermalls will be held from October 2026 to March 2027. Participating malls include SM Mall of Asia, SM East Ortigas, SM Southmall, SM North EDSA, SM Marikina, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Davao, and SM CDO Downtown.

Fans can look forward to a wide selection of officially licensed Pokémon merchandise and collectibles, along with free Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorials through the New Trainer Journey. Visitors can also experience Pokémon Pokopia and Pokémon Champions on the latest Nintendo Switch 2, as well as receive exclusive freebies such as Pokémon paper sun visors and stickers. Pokémon Mezastar will also be available for attendees to try.

The event will also feature Pokémon meet and greets, giving fans the opportunity to take photos with their favorite Pokémon. Lively Pokémon-themed decorations and inflatables will be displayed throughout participating SM Supermalls, creating an immersive celebration. In addition, shoppers who make a minimum single-receipt purchase of PHP 3,500* can receive a limited-edition Pokémon 30th Anniversary tote bag.

PokéXciting! in Manila: Details Revealed!

The Pokémon Company is launching PokéXciting!, a large-scale party-style celebration across five cities in Asia, including Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore,and Bangkok, bringing together entertainment, nostalgia, and interactive experiences across generations, making it one of the most anticipated Pokémon celebrations to date.

PokéXciting! in Manila will take place on 23-24 January 2027 at SM Mall of Asia.

Mr. Go Nagano, Director of Events of The Pokémon Company, presenting the PokéXciting!

Visitors can look forward to a vibrant lineup of entertainment including a special appearance by PokéXciting! Pikachu*, slated to join the live stage show and series of performances lined up for the fans.

Throughout the event, guests can meet their favorite Pokémon during special meet and greet sessions and explore exclusive PokéXciting! merchandise, including Manila edition items featuring the red-costumed PokéXciting! Pikachu.

Guests can also experience the highly anticipated parade, where a wide variety of Pokémon march together in a lively musical procession, creating memorable moments for fans of all ages. As the celebration continues into the evening, guests can enjoy the High-Voltage Night Stage featuring PokéXciting! Pikachu, with energetic performances, danceable music, and spectacular stage production. Admission to the PokéXciting! in Manila will be free of charge for the public.

💡*PokéXciting! Pikachu is a unique Pikachu, bringing vibrant party vibes to every city! To enhance the excitement of Pokéxciting!, Pokéxciting! Pikachu will appear not only in Manila but at events in each city. Pokéxciting! Pikachu will be featured in a different-colored costume unique to each city. For Manila, it will debut in a vibrant red! A special PokéXciting!-related event will also take place in Pokémon GO, where PokéXciting! Pikachu will appear in the game.

Ms. Elaine Hui, Senior Marketing Director of Pokémon Go

Presenting the events in Pokémon Go

For more information, visit official web page: https://ph.portal-pokemon.com/30th/topics/pokexciting_news0/

With a nationwide lineup of events, exclusive merchandise, interactive experiences, and fan activities, Pokémon's 30th Anniversary promises to be one of the franchise's biggest celebrations ever held in the Philippines. Whether you're a longtime Trainer who grew up with Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green or a new fan just beginning your journey, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout the anniversary festivities.

💡Copyright Information

©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc., TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo. Pokémon and Nintendo Switch are trademarks of Nintendo.

The Pokémon Company

The Pokémon Company was established to manage the Pokémon brand. Currently, the company develops and produces video games, which is where Pokémon originates, as well as trading card games, animated TV series and movies, merchandise, tie-up promotions, events, and the Pokémon Center, directly managed Pokémon shops.