Its first flagship store in Southeast Asia opens in SM Mall of Asia on July 12, 2025.
The first-ever official Funko store in Southeast Asia has now made its way to the Philippines, and will open its doors at SM Mall of Asia, bringing a colorful and immersive hub for collectors, casual fans, and pop culture lovers alike.
Located at Level 2 of the North Entertainment Mall, the flagship store is a mecca of collectibles, with a giant Harry Potter figure by the entrance ready to welcome customers. Inside are eye-popping rows of iconic signature collectibles: from the regular Funko Pop! figures to the new Bitty Pop! line.
Collectors and fans will find characters from K-pop, anime, sports, Western films, and Filipino pop culture, such as Jollibee and Jose Mari Chan, alongside Manila-exclusive merchandise and accessories.
In one corner, there’s also a mini arcade dubbed the “Funko Funcade,” where shoppers can play for prizes. It’s one of the ways the store encourages fans to hang out, not just shop.
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Why the Philippines?
“Filipino fans are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable about Funkos,” says Andy Clemson, Funko’s vice president of Sales for the Asia Pacific region. “We go where the fan is and the Philippines was a natural choice.”
Pop culture is a big part of Filipino life, and Funko aims to celebrate that, from die-hard fans who collect everything, to casual buyers who just love a particular franchise. “You could just love Harry Potter or Disney. Or maybe you’re someone who likes giving collectibles to friends and family,” Clemson explains.
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Attending the launch were the singer Jed Madela, actress Kris Bernal, and Filipino Christmas icon himself, Jose Mari Chan. Madela, who started collecting the Disney line before the pandemic, states that he’s excited to get into collecting the One Piece characters. “I’m planning to collect the complete set, because I’m a completist,” he explains.
Photo from Jed Madela’s Facebook page
A booming market
For Clemson, the launch couldn’t come at a better time. He notes that the category of collectibles saw double-digit growth toward the end of last year, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in Asia, especially in the Philippines.
This resurgence is driven partly by what Funko calls the “kidult” phenomenon: adults reconnecting with the characters, shows, and franchises that brought them joy in childhood. “People are looking for fun, nostalgia, and a bit of good news,” Clemson shares. “Sometimes you just want to tune out the bad headlines and connect with something you love.”
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What’s next?
But beyond trends, Funko is thinking long-term. Clemson teases plans for more localized collaborations and Philippine-exclusive items, building on past successes like the Jollibee Pop, highlighting the importance of connecting with local culture, businesses, and icons.
Still, he emphasizes the importance of balance when it comes to releasing new items and collaborations. “The Filipino consumer understands value, and we want to keep that excitement alive without overdoing it,” he adds.
Funko also hopes to expand its presence across different aspects of everyday life. With new product lines like Mystery Minis, keychains, and even fashionable Loungefly bags, they’re aiming for greater visibility across different fan interests.
At the core of all these efforts is one simple principle: “You have to keep the fan,” he stresses. “That’s what this store is about.”
With its first Southeast Asian flagship opening on July 12, Funko is hoping that Filipino fans—old and new—will continue showing up, collecting, sharing, and spreading their love for the pop culture brand.
