It’s an awesome time to be a Pokémon fan in the Philippines because SM Supermalls, in partnership with The Pokémon Company, is bringing “Pokémon Fun Day” to SM malls all over the Philippines. The caravan is set to activate in Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Iloilo, and Davao from January 2025 until October 2025.
The main attraction of the “Pokémon Fun Day” event is the supersized Pokémon event space that will feature a giant six-meter-tall Pikachu inflatable. Other attractions include:
- Merchandise area; catch your favorite Pokémon toys, apparel, collectibles, and trading cards
- Pokémon video game demo area
- Free Pokémon Trading Card Game tutorial sessions
- Meet, greet, and snap photos with Pikachu!
Anime Corner had the honor of being invited to the launching event, which took place at SM North EDSA on January 31, 2025. Present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were SM Supermalls Group Head – Executive Vice President Joaquin L. San Agustin, The Pokémon Company Asia Business Development Corporate Officer Susumu Fukunaga, Animation International Philippines Director Tsutomu Kondo, and RUNRIO Inc. President and CEO Coach Rio Dela Cruz.
Bringing the Unique Pokémon Experience to the Philippines
At the “Pokémon Fun Day” launch, SM Supermalls Group Head – Executive Vice President Joaquin L. San Agustin spoke about the significance of this partnership:
“What makes this really important is that, at SM Supermalls, we would really like to bring new experiences to our customers. This is an opportunity and an honor to be able to bring an international star and activation, like Pokémon, closer to the Filipino people.
Things that they would only see on their mobiles, TV, or computer screens — we can actually bring them much closer and [Filipinos will] be able to experience it in a different way. That is something we would not only like to do here at SM North EDSA, but in 12 other malls throughout January until October.It is an honor and a privilege to be chosen by The Pokémon Company to bring this experience to our customers… not only for young children but for the people entering their senior years as well.”
The Pokémon Company Asia Business Development Corporate Officer Susumu Fukunaga also spoke about the partnership and the possibility of future events:
“We have been in talks with SM Malls and RUNRIO about these events since last year and incidentally the Pokémon Fun Date and Run are one week apart. If we would have more opportunities to partner with others to do these kinds of events, then of course we are looking forward to that.”
The Pokémon Run, organized by RUNRIO, will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Complex on February 9, 2025. The event is described as “a Pokémon-themed run, filled with fun, adventure, and interactive elements inspired by the iconic franchise. This immersive experience promotes physical activity while offering fans the chance to engage in a memorable journey, perfect for families, friends, and Pokémon enthusiasts alike.”
At the Pokémon Fun Date launch, RUNRIO Inc. President and CEO Coach Rio Dela Cruz shared a few things to look forward to at the Pokémon Run:
“This [Pokémon Run] is the definition of a fun run because you will be able to celebrate with Pikachu. This is the first time we partnered with Pokémon and we are looking forward to more of this. Of course, our focus is to make next Sunday a very fun event for our runners.
The activations will be at the main activity area like photo booths, Pikachu meet-and-greet, and many more exciting elements. Our priority is the safety of the participants, so there will be security and marshals all around. Hydration is also important…. [For perks and surprises], those who registered will be getting a shirt and ofcourse when they cross the finish line, they’ll be getting their finisher’s medals and a lot more products from our sponsors inside our loot bag.”
As of writing, the registration for the Pokémon Run is already closed and sold out. Visit the RUNRIO website for more details.
The “Pokémon Fun Day” caravan event will travel all over the Philippines from SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM East Ortigas, SM Taytay, SM Angono, SM Marikina, SM San Mateo, SM Caloocan, SM Fairview, SM San Jose Del Monte, SM Davao, and to SM Iloilo. For more information, check out the SM Supermalls website, SM City North Edsa’s Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
A Fun-filled Day at SM North EDSA
Check out our SM North EDSA event highlights in our reel video coverage and gallery:
A very big and heartfelt thank you to SM North EDSA and The Pokémon Company for having me at the Pokémon Fun Day launching event. Thank you for fulfilling my childhood dream of hugging Pikachu!
©Pokémon/Nintendo/Creatures/GAME FREAK
Disclaimer: Anime Corner was sponsored by SM North EDSA for coverage.
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