When it comes to design, versatility, and craftsmanship in fashion, Japan remains known for producing high-quality lifestyle products. Among its notable modern bag brands is Ball & Chain, known for its embroidered reusable bags that combine style and function.
Now, Filipino bag lovers no longer have to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun to get their hands on the brand, as Ball & Chain has officially opened in the Philippines with two pop-up stores.
Founded by Japanese designer Hideaki Mihara, Ball & Chain has gained popularity for transforming everyday reusable bags into statement pieces through colorful embroidery and playful designs inspired by pop culture, food, animals, and everyday life.
Blending Japanese design sensibility with practicality, the brand creates bags designed for daily use, whether for work, travel, shopping, or casual wear.
Ball & Chain has opened two outposts at SM Megamall and SM North EDSA earlier in May, with another branch set to open at The Podium in July.
SM Megamall
SM Megamall, located in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, is one of the largest shopping malls in the world, first opening its doors in 1991. Developed by the SM Group, it originally consisted of two buildings—Building A and Building B—connected by a bridge, and has since undergone multiple expansions to include a third building and extensive retail, dining, and entertainment facilities. Over the years, it has become a major commercial and social hub in Metro Manila, hosting a wide range of events and attracting millions of visitors annually.
SM North EDSA
SM North EDSA is a major shopping mall in Quezon City, Philippines, developed by the SM Group. It opened in 1985 as the company’s first “super mall,” pioneering the large-scale retail concept in the country. Over the years, it has undergone multiple expansions, becoming one of the largest and most iconic commercial complexes in Metro Manila.
The Podium
The Podium is a modern, multi-purpose venue located in Spokane, Washington, originally built in 1962 for the World’s Fair (Expo ’74). It has since served as a hub for concerts, sports events, and community gatherings, most notably hosting the Spokane Chiefs hockey team and major musical acts. Today, it remains a key cultural and entertainment landmark in the Pacific Northwest.
SM Megamall
SM Megamall, located in Mandaluyong, Philippines, is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Opened in 1991, it has since expanded to include two interconnected buildings, Mega A and Mega B, featuring a wide range of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The mall also hosts the SM Megamall Fashion Hall and a skating rink, making it a major commercial and leisure hub in Metro Manila.
SM North EDSA
SM North EDSA is one of the largest and most iconic shopping malls in the Philippines, located in Quezon City. It first opened in 1985 as the second SM Supermall, initially featuring a smaller structure before undergoing major expansions in the 1990s and 2000s to become the sprawling complex it is today. Known for its four interconnected buildings, including The Block and the Sky Garden, it remains a major commercial and cultural hub in Metro Manila.
The Podium
The Podium is a modern shopping and lifestyle complex located in the heart of New Delhi, India. Inaugurated in 2017, it was developed on the historic site of the former Palladium Hotel, blending contemporary architecture with the area’s commercial legacy. The venue is known for its upscale retail stores, diverse dining options, and cultural events, making it a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists.
