There’s something exciting about walking into a store and realizing it isn’t just about buying—it’s about making. That’s exactly the experience at Ana Tomy’s very first in-line store in the Philippines, now open on the second floor of SM Megamall’s Building A.
Photo: Ana Tomy
If you’re new to the brand, Ana Tomy is a Malaysian label founded on a single idea: customization isn’t an afterthought, it’s the whole point. And stepping into their Megamall space proves it.
We got to try it out ourselves, and the process felt more like play than shopping. For the City Bags, you start by choosing the body, then you add a strap and a pocket. Each piece comes in different colors, so you can mix and match until you’ve built something completely your own.
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The notebooks are just as fun. Select a cover, choose your pages, add your preferred binder, and personalize it with your name.
There are different covers available, from solid shades to artist collabs (they regularly feature both local and international creatives; the current Peanuts collection is especially adorable). The pages are just as diverse, ranging from grids to dots, blank sheets, watercolor paper, recipe pages, to-do lists, calendars… You name it. After you customize your notebook, wait about 15 minutes, and you’ll walk out with something that’s 100% you.
Personalized my own journal at Ana Tomy | Photo: WhenInManila
Even the charms follow the same spirit. Select a cord, stamp up to three letters for your tag, and clip it onto your bag, notebook, or wherever you’d like. And if you’re a stationery geek, Ana Tomy also carries gel pens in gorgeous colors that make writing extra satisfying.
The best part? Everything here makes for perfect gifting. With Christmas just around the corner, a bag or notebook you’ve personally put together feels extra thoughtful—practical, stylish, and unique to whoever receives it.
Ana Tomy isn’t just about fun retail experiences. The brand began in 2017 at The Alphabet Press in Malaysia, when founders Cliff Leong, Zeejay Wong, and Fidella Ch’ng experimented with blending bespoke craftsmanship with ready-made accessibility. Their first big hit—the Classic Series Notebook and Planner—quickly set them apart. Jon Lee joined them in 2019 with his expertise in retail, and by 2024, Ana Tomy was ready to grow beyond Malaysia; the Philippines became their first international stop.
Founders Cliff Leong & Business Development Director Jon Lee at the Ana Tomy SM Mega Mall Opening | Photo: WhenInManila
At its heart, Ana Tomy believes individuality matters. Every notebook, every bag, every charm is a blank slate for creativity. And when you’re given the freedom to design, you don’t just make products—you make meaning.
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