Mindanaoan Meets World by: Maria Irene Aserios What is it with women and their love for bags? Trust me, I’ve heard that question a million times over and to this day, I still don’t have the proper answer. I’m a so-called “late bloomer” in terms of loving fashion, makeup, bags and shoes, you see. I do have several theories, though: the smell and feel of brand new bags cheer a woman’s insides up (like the line in a Friends’ episode: “I think my uterus just skipped a beat!”), bags are little treats for various personal achievements and, let’s face it, women like to “compete” with one another and the bags they carry can say a lot about them, their stories, their goals and their flair for fashion and style. Perhaps my theories are the same ones that Ladybag believes in. Ladybag is the newest store at Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro that caters to the ever growing demand for quality ladies’ bags. I found out about them during a hunt for a bag (or bags!) that I can bring with me on another forthcoming trip overseas. What makes the Ladybag store unique is that it only purely sells bags for women - from hobo bags to clutches, satchels, totes, backpacks, buckets and messenger bags. I was so pleased to see the diverse selection - from the luxurious to the very affordable. They also sell wallets, cosmetic pouches and bag organizers. I bought an orange Baggu reusable shopping bag for Php 490. A little expensive but I can use this for grocery shopping trips (lets me save on those “environmental fees” set by department stores whenever they provide plastic bags). I also like that it’s foldable and very light. What I usually do is bring bags like these during trips and fill them up with free maps from the airports, travel guides, souvenirs and other knick knacks. Easy.   photo-(1)   photo-(3)   photo-(2)   Two of the brands that you should look out for at Ladybag are Sakroots and Paul’s Boutique. Sakroots has a vibrant, affordable line of lifestyle bags (think colorful Thailand!). Paul’s Boutique, on the other hand, features classic designs with unique, edgy twists. This is apparent in my recently acquired Paul’s Boutique Hattie coral snakeskin duffle bag. It was love at first sight for me - it was a versatile drawstring bag in a beautiful, attractive color. Ladybag is located at the 2nd Floor of Centrio Mall. That’s it for this week! Visit my blog Mindanaoan.com for more lifestyle, pop culture and travel stories. Til next ish! Safe travels, everybody!