Pokémon Celebrates 30 Years in the Philippines with RUN, POP‑UP STORE, and PokéXciting!
In a nutshell
- Pokémon RUN 30: Oct 3–4, 2026 at SM Mall of Asia, featuring themed challenges, festival zone, and exclusive runner kits.
- Pokémon Center POP‑UP STORE: Oct 2026–Jan 2027 at SM Mall of Asia, the first in PH, with anniversary merch, TCG tutorials, and Switch 2 demos.
- PokéXciting! Manila: Jan 23–24, 2027, free party‑style celebration with parades, live stage shows, meet‑and‑greets, and Manila‑edition Pikachu merch.
The Pokémon Company announced the Pokémon 30th Anniversary festivities with a lineup of milestone events announced during a press conference on July 7, 2026.
Pokémon RUN 30: Run into the Future with Pokémon!
Themed as “Run into the Future with Pokémon!”, Pokémon RUN 30: Philippines Edition will take place on October 3–4, 2026 at SM Mall of Asia.
- Course: 5KM Fun Run — perfect for casual runners, families, and fans.
- Fees: PHP 2,450 (Standard) / PHP 3,450 (Premium with Pikachu Shoulder Plushie).
- Runner’s Kit: T‑shirt, drawstring bag, type‑themed bib (Grass/Fire/Water), Poké Ball armband, Pokédex sheet, lenticular starter card (Bulbasaur/Charmander/Squirtle), booster pack, and plushie (Premium only).
The route includes interactive challenges:
- Pokémon Gym: Obstacle stations to test your spirit.
- Pokémon Center: Hydration stops.
- Pokédex Tasks: Collect stickers by meeting Pokémon.
- Finish Line: Watch your partner Pokémon “evolve” alongside you.
Apart from the run, a Festival Zone will be open to the public, featuring:
- Pokémon Center POP‑UP STORE
- Pokémon Time Tunnel retrospective
- Pokémon Experience Zone (Switch 2, TCG, mobile apps)
- Pikachu parades, meet‑and‑greets, photo spots, and sponsor booths
Registration opens July 7, 2026, 5 PM (PH Time) via RUNRIO’s official Facebook page.
Pokémon Center POP‑UP STORE & SM Supermalls Caravan
For the first time ever, the Philippines will host a Pokémon Center POP‑UP STORE at SM Mall of Asia, running Oct 2026–Jan 2027.
- Merchandise: Pokémon Center Originals, plushies, trading cards, and exclusive 30th anniversary items.
- Activities: TCG tutorial sessions, gaming booths, and Switch 2 demos.
Alongside the store, SM Supermalls will host a six‑month Pokémon caravan (Oct 2026–Mar 2027) across major malls, including MOA, North EDSA, Marikina, Cebu, Davao, and more.
Fans can enjoy:
- Licensed Pokémon merch and collectibles
- Free TCG tutorials via the New Trainer Journey
- Pokémon Pokopia and Champions demos on Switch 2
- Pokémon Mezastar arcade experience
- Meet‑and‑greets, inflatables, and themed decorations
- Freebies like visors, stickers, and limited‑edition tote bags (with PHP 3,500 purchase)
PokéXciting! Manila
The grand finale is PokéXciting! Manila, a large‑scale party event happening Jan 23–24, 2027 at SM Mall of Asia. Admission is free.
Highlights include:
- PokéXciting! Pikachu in a Manila‑exclusive red costume
- Parade: A musical procession of Pokémon marching together
- High‑Voltage Night Stage: Danceable music, live performances, and spectacular production
- Meet & Greet: Fans can interact with their favorite Pokémon
- Exclusive Merch: Manila‑edition items featuring PokéXciting! Pikachu
PokéXciting! will also tie into Pokémon GO, where the special Pikachu will appear in‑game.
