Pokemon reveals 30th anniversary event lineup, new pop-up store

MANILA, Philippines – The first-ever temporary Pokemon Center pop-up store in the Philippines was announced as part of Pokemon’s 30th anniversary event lineup during the influencer and media conference held in SM Mall of Asia, July 7.

The anniversary lineup also includes Pokémon RUN in October, a nationwide mall roadshow, and PokeXciting for January 2027.

Pokemon Center pop-up store

The Pokemon Company announced their official partnership with SM Supermalls to open a temporary pop-up store at the SM Mall of Asia from October 2026 to January 2027.

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The pop-up store will feature official merchandise such as plushies, trading cards, and other popular Pokemon items.

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In an exclusive interview with Tech INQ, a Pokemon representative could not confirm a potential permanent Pokemon Center in the country.

“We never know about the future, and we don’t have any plans yet,” clarified Ray Kagami, Director of Asia Business Development of The Pokemon Company.

However, they did confirm that they will improve access to trading cards in the country after noticing its demand and popularity.

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“We recognize that more people are getting interested in the trading card game, we are trying our best to expand the capability of production,” added Kagami. “It’s difficult to mention the details of the actual numbers, but I can say we’re trying our best to expand.”

Representatives also confirmed that the pop-up store will feature trading card game tutorial sessions and a gaming experience booth.

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Pokemon RUN

As part of the announcements, registration for Pokemon RUN also opened on July 7. The event will take place on October 3 to 4 at SM Mall of Asia.

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary celebration, this year’s Pokemon RUN will be a more interactive experience.

Participants will run a five-kilometer course, featuring Pokemon Gym-inspired obstacles. Additionally, they’ll also be able to collect special stickers to fill in their own pokedex.

Participation fee is at P2450 for the standard price that includes a runner’s kit. Meanwhile, the premium cost is at P3540 and includes a Pikachu Shoulder Plushie

The runner’s kit includes the following items:

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

Pokémon RUN 30 Pikachu Shoulder Plushie *only included in 5KM Premium

Pokémon Trading Card Game Booster Pack

Nationwide roadshow

As Pokemon expands their celebration across the country, representatives also announced a six-month mall caravan.

The caravan will travel to SM Mall of Asia, SM East Ortigas, SM Southmall, SM North EDSA, SM Marikina, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Davao, and SM CDO Downtown.

PokeXciting

To wrap up the event, limited details of PokeXciting, were revealed during the press conference.

PokeXciting is a party-style event that will take place in five cities in Asia: Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore, and Bangkok.

The celebration is set to include a lineup of performances, a Pokemon parade, and exclusive merchandise. The Manila event will be held on January 23 to 24, 2027.

“PokeXciting is more than just an event, it is our way of expressing gratitude to Pokemon fans across Asia who have supported us over the past three decades,” said Susumu Fukunaga, Corporate Officer of The Pokemon Company.

“We are thrilled to bring PokéXciting! to Manila and share this special celebration with Filipino fans, whose passion and enthusiasm for Pokémon continue to inspire us.”

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