Celebrating 30 Years of Pokémon

Manila joins the Pokémon 30th Anniversary celebrations with “PokéXciting!” and a lineup of exciting experiences

In Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, which made their Game Boy platform debut in Japan in 1996, a press conference and preview were held in Manila. In honor of Pokémon's 30th anniversary, the company announced important milestones for some of the first-ever events and activities that will make their debut in the Philippines.

The press the limited-time Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE at SM Mall of Asia, PokéXciting, and the "Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls" event. were formally unveiled in Manila.

When taken as a whole, these anniversary events offer Filipino fans an unparalleled chance to commemorate Pokémon's 30th anniversary with the most comprehensive lineup of official Pokémon experiences ever introduced to the Philippines.

More detailed information of the key announcements follows:

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

1. Pokémon RUN 30: Run into the Future with Pokémon!

Entering an immersive Pokémon world, participants in Pokémon RUN, an interactive running event with a theme, transform into Pokémon Trainers. This thrilling journey combines adventure, collecting, and interactive challenges. To celebrate Pokémon's 30th anniversary, Pokémon RUN will make an unprecedented comeback in a number of Asian regions. The past, present, and future of Pokémon are being celebrated with the participation of fans.

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, Meet and Greets, themed photo locations, and sponsor booths so that every fan can fully participate in this historic 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 momentous collaboration, the Philippines will host its first temporary Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE at SM Mall of Asia. The 30th anniversary of Pokémon will be commemorated with a six-month event at SM Supermalls titled "Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls."

*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 short time between October 2026 and January 2027. The POP-UP STORE will sell a range of products, including Pokémon Center Original merchandise and well-known items like trading cards and plush toys. There will also be an exclusive merchandise sale to commemorate the 30th anniversary. A gaming experience booth and Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorials will also be available at the POP-UP STORE.

“Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon at SM Malls” event

From October 2026 to March 2027, SM Supermalls will have a six-month mall caravan in addition to the Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE. Participating shopping centers 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 take part in the New Trainer Journey's free Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorials and obtain your favorite licensed Pokémon collectibles and merchandise. In addition to playing Pokémon Pokopia and Pokémon Champions on the newest Nintendo Switch 2, you can also receive entertaining freebies like stickers and sun visors made of Pokémon paper. Don't miss the chance to try out Pokémon Mezastar!

Additionally, during the Meet and Greet, you can take special photos with your favorite Pokémon and enjoy the colorful Pokémon decorations and inflatables found throughout SM Supermalls! Additionally, for a minimum single-receipt purchase of PHP 3,500*, a limited-edition Pokémon 30th Anniversary tote bag is offered. Join us at SM Supermalls as we commemorate Pokémon's 30th anniversary!

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.