By Cedie Lazaro
The back-to-school season in the Philippines is famously hectic. Between the soaring heat and the daunting “long lists” of supplies, parents often find themselves hopping from store to store in a frantic search for quality items that won’t break the bank.
However, this year, a new name is shaking up the traditional school run. Anko, the Australian brand beloved for its minimalist aesthetic and budget-friendly price tags, has officially become a “must-visit” destination for Filipino families gearing up for the new academic year.
High Style on a Low Budget
The standout feature of Anko’s school range is the price point. In an economy where costs are rising, finding everyday essentials like erasers, sharpeners, and sticky notes for under PHP 100 feels like a win. Stationery basics start as low as PHP 20, allowing students to stock up on the essentials without parents feeling the budget stretch.
But it isn’t just about the basics. Anko is leaning into the “study-aesthetic” trend that helps keep students motivated. From Croissant-themed notebooks (PHP 220) to sleek Desktop Pegboard Sets (PHP 1,400), the brand offers tools that turn a cluttered corner into a functional, calm study sanctuary.
Gear Built for the “Daily Grind”
Lunchtime is another hurdle for parents, but Anko’s durable mealtime gear is designed to withstand the school day. Their collection includes:
- Silicone Bento Boxes (PHP 550): Perfect for organized, leak-proof portions.
- Dual Function Drink Bottles (PHP 520): Stylish and sturdy for all-day hydration.
- Insulated Lunch Sets (PHP 560): Featuring kid-friendly designs like dinosaurs and strawberries.
Learn the Art of the Bento
To add a bit of fun to the preparation process, Anko is going beyond the shelf. On June 6, the brand will host a free Bento Box Workshop at its Ayala Malls Feliz branch. The event aims to help parents and kids create “Instagrammable” yet nutritious meals that children will actually look forward to eating.
How to Join
Parents interested in the workshop or exclusive member perks can register via the Anko Club app or by following @anko_philippines on social media.
As the first bell of the school year approaches, the goal for many is simple: less stress and more ease. With its blend of affordability and Australian-cool design, Anko is proving that getting ready for class doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a highlight of the season.
———————————————————————-
Janeena Chan is on the cover of STYLISH Magazine right now. The multihyphenate media star, in-demand host, singer, actress, Sparkle artist, and our very own Stylish correspondent shares her journey as a modern Filipina-Chinese woman navigating her career in entertainment and lifestyle while embracing her heritage.
Read the Stylish Magazine January-February 2026 cover story here.
Our #StylishPodcast episode featuring our September-October cover girl Jasmine Curtis-Smith is out. Watch it on Facebook and YouTube.
Stylish Magazine is “your source of self-love, style & inspiration” first introduced in June 2020. Our television series format, Stylish TV, once ranked one of the Top 50 Most Watched Multicultural Shows in the USA, can be streamed on iWantTFC and be watched on TFC (The Filipino Channel) in more than 50 countries. Watch it online here.
Style Visionary Network is a lifestyle-business online platform where #WeCreateVisionaries. Also introduced in June 2020, Style Visionary Network is also the digital home channel of media brands Stylish Magazine and Stylish TV.