While some childhood favorites belong to a fleeting era, Pokémon remarkably belongs to several. I had this realization on a random Sunday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Pokémon Center pop-up.
Since 1996, Pokémon has blossomed from a humble handheld game into an unstoppable global phenomenon. It now spans animation, trading cards, toys, blockbuster films, mobile apps, and fashion. Yet, its core heartbeat remains simple: it invites us to explore a vibrant world, befriend unique creatures, and embark on unforgettable journeys.
I dragged a childhood friend with me, Pat Santos, who is an even bigger Pokémon nerd than I am. As we squeezed through a sea of people, we glimpsed the various activities set up for the event.
Bringing Pokémon Into the Real World
The shared affection for Pokémon was on full display at the SM Mall of Asia, where thousands of Trainers recently converged for the Pokémon RUN 30: The Philippines Edition.
Beyond the run itself, the celebration brought the official Pokémon Center experience to the country. For fans like Pat and me, the pop-up offered a rare, tangible chance to step inside a piece of the universe. Although fictional worlds usually live behind glass screens or expensive import fees, this event brought them into physical reality.
“Di ko na kailangan magpunta ng Japan,” she says. Although Quezon City was quite a long way from MOA, she had no trouble getting motivated to come. Instead, she remarked, “In an hour, napapalibutan na ako ng merch.”
Inside, one corner featured shelves packed with merchandise. There were soft plushies, detailed figures, and exclusive items that fans couldn’t wait to collect. Nearby, dedicated gaming tables hummed with competitive energy as players of all ages gathered to battle and trade using the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Meanwhile, Pat—a self-proclaimed “retired TCG player”—got to witness how the game she once loved grew in her absence. Initially, she hoped to jump into the bracketed competition system, but she quickly found herself bested in her first game.
“I used to be good at this,” she joked.
Elsewhere, video game kiosks drew long lines. Eager kids and adults alike happily took turns testing their skills and sharing tips on the latest titles. Because I couldn’t quite keep up with the newest games, and seeing the lengthy queue, we opted instead to watch from the sidelines.
Something for Every Trainer
Over lunch, we talked about why Pokémon resonates so deeply across generations.
For instance, original titles like Pokémon Red and Blue on the Game Boy served as an entry point for older fans. Meanwhile, for Pat and me, our gateway was watching Ash strive to become the very best on television after school, while younger fans today find that modern games like Pokémon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch draw them in with fresh, laid-back offerings.
However we entered the world, we are all part of the same grand ecosystem.
There is a distinct magic in seeing your favorite Pokémon rendered in official merchandise. It is also special to examine a collector’s item up close or share a game console with a fellow fan while immersed in a universe we have loved for decades.
Still Part of the Journey
Pokémon’s appeal has matured seamlessly alongside its audience.
Indeed, the pop-up reflected this multigenerational charm. It was never just a child’s dreamscape; instead, it functioned as a vibrant reunion space. Adults who grew up trading cards in the nineties reconnected with their past and shared that joy with the next generation. Take for example, a parent who once saved allowance for booster packs now browses shelves side-by-side with their child. In the same way, friends who bonded over the anime decades ago trade strategies across TCG tables, proving that fandom has truly no age limit.
Perhaps that is why Pokémon endures against all odds: it evolved dramatically with its audience without ever alienating those who came before.
From Game Boys to smartphones, and from digital worlds to real-world sanctuaries like the MOA pop-up, Pokémon constantly reinvents its orbit. Ultimately, the regional maps will change, the mechanics will update, and fresh faces will take their very first steps into tall grass. But the feeling will always remain wonderfully familiar: there is always another adventure waiting just around the corner.
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