Manila joins the Pokémon 30th Anniversary celebrations with “PokéXciting!” and a lineup of exciting experiences
July 7, 2026 – To commemorate 30 years since the original Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green video games launched in Japan in 1996 for the Game Boy platform, The Pokémon Company hosted a highly anticipated press conference and preview on July 7, 2026 in Manila, making major milestone announcements for some first-ever series of events and activities debuting in the Philippines to celebrate the Pokémon 30th Anniversary.
Amongst the highlights shared during the press conference, Pokémon RUN 30, “Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” event, the limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE at SM Mall of Asia, and PokéXciting! in Manila, were officially unveiled.
Together, these anniversary initiatives represent the most extensive lineup of official Pokémon experiences ever brought to the Philippines, giving Filipino fans an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate the Pokémon 30th Anniversary.
Representatives from both The Pokémon Company and its official partner, SM Supermalls, attended the preview. Guests at the press conference were also treated to a special Pikachu dance show and a sneak peek of the upcoming PokéXciting! activities planned for Manila.
More detailed information of the key announcements follows:
- Pokémon RUN 30: Run into the Future with Pokémon!
- “Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” event and the First limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in the Philippines
- PokéXciting! in Manila: Details Revealed!
1. Pokémon RUN 30: Run into the Future with Pokémon!
Pokémon RUN 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. 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.
Under the theme “Run into the Future with Pokémon!”, Pokémon RUN 30: Philippines Edition will be held on October 3 – 4, 2026 at SM Mall of Asia.
- Dates: October 3 – 4, 2026
- Venue: SM Mall of Asia
- Course: Fun Run (Approx. 5km) 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 – 5KM Standard
- PHP 3,450 – 5KM 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!
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 lineup 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 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 5KM Premium
- Pokémon Trading Card Game Booster Pack
Registration for the Philippines event opens on July 7 at 5:00 PM (Philippines 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/
2. “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. As a highlight of this landmark collaboration, the Philippines will have its first limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in SM Mall of Asia. A six-month long celebration, “Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls”, will also be held at SM Supermalls to commemorate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
*Subject to change. For illustrative purposes only.
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. The POP-UP STORE will feature a wide range of products, including Pokémon Center Original merchandise, popular items such as trading cards and plushies, and more. In addition, special merchandise commemorating the 30th anniversary is scheduled to go on sale. Additionally, Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorial sessions and a gaming experience booth will be set up in the POP-UP STORE.
“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.
Get ready to grab your favorite licensed Pokémon merchandise and collectibles, and join the free Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorials through the New Trainer Journey. You can also experience Pokémon Pokopia and Pokémon Champions on the latest Nintendo Switch 2, and receive exciting freebies like Pokémon paper sun visors and stickers. Don’t miss your chance to try out Pokémon Mezastar as well!
Plus, you can take memorable photos with your favorite Pokémon during the Meet and Greet, and enjoy the lively Pokémon decorations and inflatables across SM Supermalls! You can also get a limited-edition Pokémon 30th Anniversary tote bag with a minimum single-receipt purchase of PHP 3,500*. Come and join the fun to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary at SM Supermalls!
Celebrate the world of Pokémon to the max in the Philippines at your most loved SM Supermalls. For more news, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.
*Stay tuned for future announcements for more details.
