EDSA Shangri-La’s Alter Ego

June 10, 2017 Kevin

Located at the 5th floor of the east wing in EDSA Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Alter Ego offers fashionable yet functional bags and accessories for the modern “geeks”.

Ever since I started working almost 3 years ago, I’ve been trying to maximize all the expenses I make. That means racking up memberships, rewards, and credit cards at every establishment available. Of course, that also meant that my wallet would be packed and I’d need a card holder as well.

I bought my first card holder from Landmark in Makati. Although I didn’t quite like the design, I had to get it for temporary use. Finding a card holder is easy in department stores. However, finding one that’s fashionable, functional and secure is a totally different story. After scouring lots of websites online, I finally found Urban Traveller Co.

Currently, Urban Traveller merchandise are sold at two stores: Spectre in Mandaluyong and Alter Ego in EDSA Shangri-la Plaza Mall. Since I wanted to walk around a mall and dine out, I opted to visit Alter Ego. That of course, wasn’t exactly a wise decision as I have only been to Shangri-la once. After a bit of going around in circles, I finally found the concept store along the bridge between the main wing and the east wing. Now that I think about it, I should have just checked out the mall map online first…

Since my main goal was to look for card holders, I immediately asked a sales clerk as to where I could find them. He then led me towards the counter where different holder styles were displayed. While the outer material varies from original to recycled leather to aluminum, all of them have RFID and NFC protection. This prevents unscrupulous elements from scanning your credit card information. Talk about paranoia, but I’d rather be safe than sorry! After browsing, I finally decided on the bluish green Secrid Miniwallet Original Leather. Since the one on display was the last one though, I asked for a black one instead. Prices can be steep, ranging from PHP 3,000.00 to PHP 6,000.00. But I’m not going to complain much since it took me a while to find these!

Random thoughts: While the clerk was looking for a new stock, I went ahead and browsed through other stuff for sale. In addition to card holders, they also sell bags, notebooks, and other trinkets and accessories. Maybe I’ll drop by again when I decide to change my messenger bag?

Aside from catering to fashion-forward individuals, Alter Ego is also a haven for geeks who are looking for their next board game. Fitting name for the concept store, don’t you think?

Random thoughts: I really wanted that Pandemic Legacy edition! I’m eyeing zombie-themed board games for my next purchase too. Oh, and thank you to the owner who invited me to play! Sadly, I had a few more errands to run and had to leave…

An even better surprise was that they were from Gaming Library as well! To be honest, I had to muster all my strength just to stop myself from checking out all the board games and buying a few. At least for now!