Destined Rivals Launches in the Philippines on May 30, 2025

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) community in the Philippines is abuzz as the next Scarlet & Violet expansion—Destined Rivals—officially hits local shelves on May 30, 2025. This highly anticipated set reunites fans with epic showdowns, returning villains, and powerful Pokémon ex that promise to shake up both collectors’ binders and competitive play alike Pokémon.

What Is Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals?

Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals is the tenth main expansion in the Scarlet & Violet series. Spanning 244 cards (182 cards in the main set and 62 secret rares), it brings back iconic Team Rocket Pokémon ex alongside beloved Trainers like Misty, Cynthia, and Steven. Collector favorites include Illustration Rares, Hyper Rares, and the new lineup of secret rares that add sparkle to every booster pack PokeBeach.

Key Features That Set This Expansion Apart

• Team Rocket’s Pokémon ex: 83 new ex cards tied to Rocket’s roster—think Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Rocket’s Arbok, and Rocket’s Weezing ex—deliver villainous power with game-changing effects.
• Trainer Pokémon ex: 17 Trainer’s Pokémon ex, such as Cynthia’s Garchomp ex and Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex, spotlight the heroes and their legendary partners.
• Illustration & Secret Rares: 23 Illustration Rares, 11 special illustration rares, and six hyper-etched gold rares push collectible appeal to the max.
• Heroic Showdowns: Spotlight battles like Giovanni vs. Ethan and Cynthia vs. Team Rocket add narrative flair to gameplay.
• Competitive Impact: Cards like Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex and Steven’s Metagross ex are already trending in tournament circles.

Prerelease Events: Get a Head Start

Local game stores across Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and beyond will host Destined Rivals prerelease tournaments from May 17 to May 25, 2025. These events offer:

• Build & Battle Kits (three booster packs + entry ticket)
• Early access to the full card pool for sealed-deck play
• Exclusive promos and participation prizes for winners

Whether you’re a collector chasing that first secret rare pull or a competitive trainer refining your deck, prerelease is the perfect way to dive in early PokeBeach.

Must-Have Cards & Chase Rares

1. Rocket’s Mewtwo ex – A devastating attack that can swing games in your favor.
2. Cynthia’s Garchomp ex – Beloved for its raw power and strategic utility.
3. Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex – A fiery attacker with built-in recovery options.
4. Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex – Known for disruptive abilities that hamper your opponent.
5. Steven’s Metagross ex – A resilient behemoth that tanks hits while dealing heavy damage.
6. Secret Rares & Illustration Rares – Hunt down the six Hyper Rare gold-etched cards and artist-signed Illustration Rares for your display cases!

Where to Buy Destined Rivals in the Philippines

Local Game & Hobby Stores

• Toy Kingdom (Mall of Asia, Trinoma, Greenbelt)
• Comic Odyssey (Robinsons Galleria, Festival Mall)
• Board & Brew (Ortigas, Maginhawa)
• Level Up! Games (SM North Edsa, Ayala Center Cebu)

Online Retailers & Marketplaces

• Shopee & Lazada: Pre-order booster boxes and Elite Trainer Boxes from verified sellers
• Pokémon Center Online: Official merch and limited-edition tins
• Facebook Marketplace & Carousell: Secondhand singles and sealed products

Tip: Always check seller ratings, especially around launch dates, to avoid scalpers marking up prices excessively.

Competitive Deck-Building Tips

• Balance Pokémon Types: Draft a pool that includes both ex attackers and supportive Basics (e.g., Energy accelerators, Basics with draw power).
• Tech Cards: Sneak in one or two copies of Rocket’s Arbok ex to disrupt opponent’s setups.
• Energy Efficiency: Use cards like Cynthia’s Garchomp ex, which can attack for low Energy costs and recycle itself.
• Consistency Trainers: Include staples such as Professor’s Research and Quick Ball to maximize draw consistency.
• Sideboard Strategy: For best-of-three matches, adapt cards like Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex for match-up‐specific tech.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When can I attend a prerelease event?
A: Prerelease events run May 17–25, 2025. Check your local game store’s Facebook page or website for exact dates and registration details PokeBeach.

Q: How many cards are in the set?
A: 244 total: 182-card main set + 62 secret rares.

Q: Which card types should I prioritize for competitive play?
A: Focus on Pokémon ex with synergy (e.g., Cynthia’s Garchomp ex) and disruptive Trainer Pokémon ex like Rocket’s Mewtwo ex.

Conclusion

Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals brings a perfect storm of nostalgia, high-stakes rivalries, and powerful new cards to the Philippines on May 30, 2025. Whether you’re hunting secret rares for your collection or drafting a meta-smashing deck, this expansion has something for everyone. Mark your calendars for prerelease events (May 17–25), secure your booster boxes early, and prepare to face your ultimate rival—Team Rocket—in the latest chapter of the Pokémon TCG saga!

Stay tuned to local hobby stores and online listings to guarantee your spot at launch day. Good luck, Trainers!