It’s hard to believe that it’s been 30 years since Pokémon first debuted in 1996. What started as a pair of video games has grown into one of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises, spanning anime, films, mobile games, trading cards, collectibles, and more.

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, The Pokémon Company has partnered with SM Supermalls to bring a lineup of firsts to the Philippines, including an interactive fun run, the country’s first-ever Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store, and a massive fan celebration happening early next year.Here’s everything you need to know.

Join the Pokémon Run 30 this October

The celebrations kick off with Pokémon Run 30, happening on October 3 to 4, 2026 at SM Mall of Asia.

More than just a typical 5K, the interactive run lets participants become Pokémon Trainers from the moment they cross the starting line. Runners will get to choose a partner Pokémon before taking on themed challenges throughout the course.

Along the route, participants can stop by a Pokémon Gym featuring interactive obstacles, recharge at a Pokémon Center, complete Pokédex Tasks by meeting different Pokémon and collecting special stickers, and watch their partner Pokémon evolve when they reach the finish line.

Registration costs P2,450 for the 5K Standard package and P3,450 for the 5K Premium package, which comes with an exclusive Pikachu Shoulder Plushie. Both packages also include a Runner’s Kit and other event-exclusive collectibles.

The Philippines is finally getting its first Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store

Another major highlight is the country’s first-ever Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store, opening at SM Mall of Asia from October 2026 until January 2027.

Fans can shop official Pokémon Center merchandise, including plushies, Trading Card Game products, accessories, and other collectibles. Special 30th anniversary merchandise will also be available during the pop-up’s run.

Visitors can also try a Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorial if they’re looking to learn the ropes, or head to the gaming experience booth for even more Pokémon fun.

If you can’t make it to Mall of Asia, a six-month mall caravan will also visit select SM malls from October 2026 to March 2027. Participating locations include SM Mall of Asia, SM East Ortigas, SM Southmall, SM North EDSA, SM Marikina, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Davao, and SM CDO Downtown.

PokeXciting! is making its way to Manila

The celebrations continue with PokeXciting!, a large-scale Pokémon festival happening on January 23 to 24, 2027 at SM Mall of Asia. Best of all, admission is free!

Manila joins cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore, and Bangkok in hosting the regional celebration.

Visitors can expect appearances from PokeXciting! Pikachu, a special version of Pikachu wearing a vibrant red headpiece created exclusively for the Manila event. Fans can also look forward to meet-and-greet sessions with their favorite Pokémon, exclusive merchandise—including a limited-edition red-costumed PokeXciting! Pikachu—and a lively parade featuring multiple Pokémon in a musical procession.

Pokémon GO players also have something to look forward to, as a special in-game PokeXciting! event will introduce PokeXciting! Pikachu for players to encounter during the celebration.

Whether you’ve been collecting cards since the ’90s or only recently caught the Pokémon bug, the anniversary celebrations promise something for every kind of fan.

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