Get ready to catch 'em all! Here's what to expect at the first Pokémon pop-up store in Manila
Philippine Pokémon fans, get your Poké Balls ready. Thirty years after the franchise first captured hearts around the world, The Pokémon Company is bringing the celebration to the country with a pop-up store, a fun run, and a party.
If you’ve ever wished you could wander through a real-life Pokémon Center without booking a flight to Japan, this is about as close as it gets. At a recent announcement, it was revealed that the Philippines is getting its first Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store. Housed at the SM Mall of Asia, the pop-up will run from October 2026 to January 2027.
Shelves will be packed with official Pokémon Center Original items, popular collectibles like trading cards and plushies, and—most excitingly for hardcore collectors—exclusive commemorative merchandise celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
What's more, fans can stop by the gaming experience booth to enjoy interactive activities inspired by the world of Pokémon.
As part of Pokémon's 30th anniversary celebration, a six-month mall caravan will also be held at select SM Malls, making stops at SM Mall of Asia, SM East Ortigas, SM Southmall, SM North EDSA, SM Marikina, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Davao, and SM CDO Downtown. Over there you could claim freebies such as Pokémon paper sunvisors and stickers, experience Pokémon Mezastar, and snap photos with their favorite Pokémon during meet-and-greet sessions. Pokémon-themed decorations and inflatables will also be on display across participating malls.
Shoppers who spend a minimum of P3,500 on licensed merch can also take home a limited-edition 30th Anniversary tote bag while supplies last.
There is plenty on offer for gamers and collectors, too. Visitors can drop by dedicated gaming experience booths to test out Pokémon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch 2, play Pokémon Mezastar, or jump into free "New Trainer Journey" tutorials to learn the ropes of the Trading Card Game.
Moreover, fans can also join any of the two standout events. First up is a Pokémon-themed fun run taking over the SM Mall of Asia Complex on October 3 to 4.
Then, to cap off the celebration, a free, large-scale party called PokéXciting! will take over Mall of Asia on January 23 to 24, 2027, complete with a special appearance by PokéXciting! Pikachu.
The franchise began with the release of Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Green Version in Japan in 1996. Throughout the years, it has grown into one of the world's most recognizable entertainment franchises, spawning trading cards, animated series, movies, mobile apps, merchandise, and more.