Global travel lifestyle brand LOJEL has officially opened its first concept store in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia, a serene and thoughtfully designed space that brings the brand’s philosophy of intentional, meaningful travel to Manila. The launch marks a major milestone for LOJEL’s presence in Southeast Asia, as it continues to expand its community of function-driven and style-conscious travelers.

“For longtime LOJEL travelers around the world, this feels like coming home. And for those discovering the brand for the first time here in the Philippines, welcome to a new way of moving—intentional, enduring, and crafted for life on the go,” shared An Chieh Chiang, CEO of LOJEL. “Since LOJEL began in Japan in 1989, our mission has remained the same: create travel companions that are purposeful, resilient, and beautifully designed. This new store allows us to share that philosophy more closely with Filipino travelers.”

Designed around LOJEL’s minimalist Japanese heritage, the concept store highlights the brand’s two core luggage lines—Cubo and Voja—anchored by neutral palettes, clean displays, and The Lab, a dedicated area for maintenance and repair. For its first look in the Philippine market, LOJEL also unveiled two new colorways: Cubo in Indigo, a deep, modern shade that brings quiet sophistication to the brand’s beloved expandable hard-shell series, and Voja in Ivory, an elegant, airy neutral crafted for travelers who embrace understated refinement.

The opening gathered a mix of esteemed personalities including Glaiza de Castro, Katarina Rodriguez, Hannah Arnold, Bubbles Paraiso, Jai Agpangan, Kaori Oinuma, Jason Dy, Adrian Alandy, Marlo Mortel, Jasmine Alkhaldi, Aya Fernandez, Pinky Tobiano, and Priscilla Meirelles, who explored the new space and experienced LOJEL’s design philosophy firsthand.

Representing the vision behind LOJEL’s Philippine debut, Dinah Yau Lim, Chief Operating Officer of Primer PH Retail, shared: “We are proud to bring LOJEL to Filipino travelers, building a community that values the same principles the brand stands for—intentionality, longevity, and a more meaningful way of moving through the world.”

LOJEL is now open at Level 2, South Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia. Explore the collection, discover the new colorways, and experience the brand’s vision of mindful, intentional travel. Stay inspired by following @lojeljourneys on Instagram, and share your own journeys with #LojelPH and #LojelJourneys—because every adventure deserves a thoughtfully designed companion.

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Travel isn’t just about the destinations we reach — it’s about the stories we bring home. This is the vision behind “Travel Tales,” a new talk series by World Traveller that champions authentic travel experiences through the voices of seasoned explorers.

For its inaugural session, World Traveller featured Kach Umandap, the youngest Filipina to journey across all 195 countries with a Philippine passport. In a live preview at Newport Mall, Umandap went beyond her milestone to share the realities of traveling solo, busting myths and misconceptions many Filipinos have about visas, and shared smart travel hacks, and cultural encounters that shaped her global journey.

She revealed the simple tools that became her trusted travel companions — including her bright Dubai Lime Punch luggage from World Traveller, which she says is more than just stylish. “It’s so practical — with its neon color, I can always spot it immediately at the baggage claim carousel. It saves me time and keeps my travels stress-free,” she shared. She also led a session on first-time traveler myths — debunking common beliefs like “weekend bookings are cheapest” or “a return ticket is always required.” Instead, she armed the audience with actionable insights: book midweek for better deals, use onward tickets to satisfy immigration, and follow airlines’ newsletters for hidden promos.

To complement her stories, the event featured a live packing demonstration with World Traveller luggage and The Travel Club’s smart travel essentials — from World Traveller packing cubes that maximize space, to World Traveller Digital Weighing Scales that save travelers from unexpected airport fees.

“Travel Tales is our way of bringing real journeys closer to people,” shared by Ruby Palma, AVP of World Traveller . “Kach’s story proves that travel isn’t just about ticking off countries — it’s about preparation, discovery, and meaningful connections. Our mission has always been to equip modern explorers with the right travel gear and inspire them to see the world with confidence.” Through “Travel Tales,” World Traveller reinforces its mission to equip and inspire modern explorers, proving that with the right mindset and the right gear, every trip — whether across oceans or across town — becomes a story worth telling.

Guests and mall-goers are invited to visit The Travel Club Newport store at the 2nd level to explore the latest World Traveller collections and enjoy exclusive offers until September 21, 2025. Don’t miss the World Traveller Giant Luggage installation at the Ground Floor of Newport Mall — snap a photo, tag us on Instagram, and get a chance to win a special prize!

To stay updated on the latest collections, travel tips, and future Travel Tales sessions, visit www.worldtraveller.com.ph and follow World Traveller on social media for the latest happenings.

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