Pokémon 30th Anniversary Hits Manila with PokéXciting! and a Ton of New Events
What is happening for the Pokémon 30th anniversary in the Philippines? The Pokémon Company, alongside partner SM Supermalls, is pulling out all the stops with a massive series of events in Manila from October 2026 through January 2027, including the first-ever official Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in the country, a themed 5K run, and a city-wide party called PokéXciting! in Manila.
We got a first-hand look at the big press conference and preview held on July 7, 2026, in Manila. The energy was electric, with a special Pikachu dance show and exclusive reveals for the upcoming festivities. This is, without a doubt, the largest official Pokémon presence the Philippines has ever seen. Let's break down exactly what Filipino fans can expect.
Quick Facts: Pokémon 30th Anniversary in Manila
– Pokémon RUN 30 (Philippines Edition): October 3–4, 2026, at SM Mall of Asia. Features a 5K interactive course. Registration starts at PHP 2,450.
– Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE: First ever in the Philippines. Open from October 2026 to January 2027 at SM Mall of Asia.
– ”Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” event: A six-month mall caravan from October 2026 to March 2027 across eight major SM malls.
– PokéXciting! in Manila: A free, large-scale celebration on January 23–24, 2027, also at SM Mall of Asia. Features a special red-costumed Pikachu.
Pokémon RUN 30: A 5K Adventure for Every Trainer
This isn't your average fun run. We checked the details, and Pokémon RUN 30 is built as an interactive, themed course where you actually become a Pokémon Trainer. You start by choosing your first partner Pokémon, then hit a 5K route filled with challenges.
What’s on the course? You'll face a Pokémon Gym with obstacles, refuel at Pokémon Center hydration stations, and complete Pokédex Tasks by collecting stickers from different Pokémon along the way. The best part? When you cross the finish line, your partner Pokémon “evolves” in a real-time visual moment. It’s a clever, family-friendly twist.
– Date: October 3–4, 2026
– Venue: SM Mall of Asia
– Cost: PHP 2,450 (Standard) / PHP 3,450 (Premium, includes a Pikachu Shoulder Plushie)
– Sponsors: 7-ELEVEN, UNIQLO
Outside the run, the free Pokémon Festival Zone is open to the public. Expect a Pokémon Time Tunnel (a history walkthrough of games and the TCG), a hands-on gaming area with Nintendo Switch 2 titles, Pikachu parades, and—most importantly—the ability to buy special 30th anniversary merchandise at the on-site POP-UP STORE.
The First Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in the Philippines
This is huge. For the first time, a Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE is landing in the country. It will set up shop at SM Mall of Asia for a limited run from October 2026 to January 2027.
We’re told it will stock official Pokémon Center Original merchandise, including plushies, trading cards, and anime-related items. On top of that, special 30th anniversary items will go on sale. The store itself will also host Pokémon TCG tutorial sessions and a gaming experience booth, so it’s more retail destination, less pop-up tent.
Six Months of Pokémon at SM Supermalls
Alongside the store, the “Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” caravan will run from October 2026 to March 2027. It’s hitting eight malls:
– SM Mall of Asia
– SM East Ortigas
– SM Southmall
– SM North EDSA
– SM Marikina
– SM Seaside Cebu
– SM Davao
– SM CDO Downtown
Based on our briefing, each stop will feature free Pokémon TCG tutorials (called the New Trainer Journey), hands-on time with Pokémon Pokopia and Pokémon Champions on the Nintendo Switch 2, plus a chance to play Pokémon Mezastar. You can also snag freebies like paper sun visors and stickers. For those spending PHP 3,500 in a single receipt, you get a limited-edition 30th anniversary tote bag.
## PokéXciting! in Manila: The Grand Finale
The biggest party is PokéXciting! in Manila on January 23–24, 2027. This is a free, open-to-all street-fair-style celebration happening across five Asian cities (Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore, and Bangkok).
In Manila, the main draw is PokéXciting! Pikachu, a unique Pikachu wearing a vibrant red costume exclusive to the Manila leg. It will appear on stage for live performances and meet-and-greet sessions.
What else is happening?
– A Pokémon parade with a walking musical procession featuring multiple Pokémon.
– The High-Voltage Night Stage with energetic music and performance.
– Exclusive PokéXciting! Manila merchandise featuring the red-costumed Pikachu.
– A special PokéXciting!-themed event in Pokémon GO where this special Pikachu will appear as a catchable Pokémon.
Admission is completely free. No tickets, no registration. You just show up at the Mall of Asia grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Pokémon 30th anniversary event in the Philippines?
Events start with Pokémon RUN 30 on October 3–4, 2026. The Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE runs from October 2026 to January 2027. The final big event, PokéXciting! in Manila, is on January 23–24, 2027.
How much does it cost to join Pokémon RUN 30 in Manila?
The standard registration is PHP 2,450, which includes a Runner's Kit. If you want the Premium kit with a Pikachu Shoulder Plushie, it costs PHP 3,450. The Festival Zone at the event is free for everyone.
Will there be a Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in the Philippines for the first time?
Yes. The first official limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in the Philippines will open at SM Mall of Asia from October 2026 to January 2027. It will sell 30th anniversary items and general merchandise.
Is the PokéXciting! event in Manila free to attend?
Yes, admission to PokéXciting! in Manila on January 23–24, 2027 is completely free and open to the public. It will take place at SM Mall of Asia.
What makes the Manila PokéXciting! Pikachu special?
Each city gets a Pikachu in a different-colored costume. For Manila, the PokéXciting! Pikachu will wear a vibrant red outfit. This Pikachu will also appear as a catchable Pokémon in Pokémon GO during the event.
The celebration isn't stopping here. With the Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE landing in Manila for the first time and a free, city-wide party like PokéXciting! coming in January, the 30th anniversary is shaping up to be the biggest year ever for Filipino trainers. Mark your calendars and start planning your teams—this is a celebration you won't want to miss.
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