GMA-7’s Prime Time Queen Marian Rivera helped officiate the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Pop Mart’s first-ever pop-up store in Manila. In the photo, she is joined by Pop Mart’s Southeast Asia Market Director Jeremy Lee.
PHOTO/S: Marian Rivera / Olivia Estrada

At long last, Pop Mart is in Manila!

Starting this November 2, 2024, Filipinos can shop for their cherished Pop Mart toys and characters at the brand’s debut pop-up store on Level 2, North Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Leading up to the official day, a grand launching ceremony occurred on October 31, 2024.

Celebrities, content creators, and press members such as PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) were provided with a tour unveiling what to expect at Pop Mart’s pop-up store.

MARIAN RIVERA AT THE POP MART PH POP-UP STORE

GMA-7’s Prime Time Queen Marian Rivera was tapped for the occasion and helped officiate the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

During a brief interview after the event, Marian expressed her gratitude for being invited by the brand to their first pop-up store in Manila, as a devoted fan of their toy characters.

Marian said of her collection, “Parang nakakatuwa lang siyang i-collect.”

The Kapuso star further noted that she’s been collecting toys for years, starting with Sanrio characters. But the irresistible charm of Pop Mart’s toys has inspired her to revive her collecting passion.

“Nagko-collect ako before, pero Sanrío, alam mo yung mga Hello Kitty, so yan.

“Bumalik na lang ulit ako ngayon, parang sabi ko, something new, na parang bumalik yung dating hobby ko.”

(L-R) SM Mall of Asia executives Maria Carmela Baronia and Lyanne Salazar; GMA-7 actress Marian Rivera; Pop Mart’s Southeast Asia Director Jeremy Lee; Filbar’s Co-Owner Eric Cabochan; and Pop Mart’s Southeast Asia’s Market Manager Mansour Hu 
Photo/s: Nikko Tuazon

POP MART PH: MORE TO COME

Speaking exclusively to PEP.ph, Jeremy Lee, Pop Mart’s Southeast Asia Market Director, conveyed their delight at having Marian participate in the brand’s country launch, highlighting that she’s also a major fan of their toys.

Jeremy said, “I’m really grateful for her presence and as you know, she’s a great fan. And I think that’s how we like it… to keep it organic… People who genuinely like our products.

“And I think, when we invite them… obviously, you see she has such a huge following, [she’s] such a huge influencer. I’m just really grateful to have her here at the launch.”

Marian Rivera with Pop Mart’s Southeast Asia Market Director Jeremy Lee 
Photo/s: Courtesy of Marian Rivera