About Mongol
Mongol is one of the most iconic stationery brands in the Philippines, best known for its wood-cased pencils, crayons, erasers, sharpeners, and other school and office supplies. For generations of Filipinos, the brand has been closely associated with education, making the name “Mongol pencil” almost synonymous with “pencil” in everyday language. Today, Mongol products are widely sold through bookstores, supermarkets, school supply retailers, and online marketplaces such as Lazada and Shopee. [1]
Overview
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Brand: Mongol
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Industry: Stationery and school supplies
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Product Categories: Pencils, crayons, colored pencils, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, pens, markers, correction products, and educational stationery
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Primary Market: Philippines
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Current Philippine Distributor: Star 360 Philippines, Inc.
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Availability: National bookstores, office supply stores, supermarkets, Lazada, Shopee, and other retailers. [2]
History
Origins
The Mongol brand originated in the United States under the historic Eberhard Faber pencil company. The first Mongol pencils were introduced around the beginning of the 20th century (commonly cited as around 1900) as premium graphite pencils. The name “Mongol” was inspired by the historical practice of naming pencils after regions associated with high-quality graphite, although the brand itself was American. [3]
Arrival in the Philippines
Mongol pencils reached the Philippines before World War II through local distributors. Over the decades, the brand became deeply embedded in Philippine education, with countless students using Mongol pencils throughout elementary and high school. Its widespread availability and consistent quality helped establish it as the country’s leading pencil brand. [4]
Manufacturing Under AMSPEC
For many years, AMSPEC (Amalgamated Specialties Corporation) manufactured and marketed Mongol pencils in the Philippines under license from Eberhard Faber and later its successors. During this period, AMSPEC expanded nationwide distribution and aggressively protected the Mongol trademark from counterfeit products.
According to Philippine intellectual property records, Mongol became the dominant pencil brand in the country, capturing the majority share of the Philippine pencil market and developing strong consumer recognition. [5]
Transition to Star Paper and Star 360
Following changes in international licensing after the acquisition of Eberhard Faber’s assets, AMSPEC eventually ceased production of Mongol pencils. Distribution later shifted to Star Paper Corporation, which introduced Venezuelan-made Mongol pencils to the Philippine market.
Today, Mongol is distributed in the Philippines by Star 360 Philippines, Inc., which manages a portfolio of local and international stationery brands. [6]
Brand Identity
Mongol has long positioned itself as a brand that supports:
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Education
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Creativity
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Learning
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Academic excellence
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Artistic development
For many Filipinos, the yellow Mongol No. 2 pencil is considered a nostalgic symbol of childhood and school life. The brand has maintained this educational identity through school programs, classroom use, and marketing campaigns. [7]
Product Line
Although best known for pencils, Mongol now covers a broad range of stationery.
Writing Instruments
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Graphite pencils
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Jumbo pencils
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Triangular pencils
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Colored pencils
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Mechanical pencils
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Pens
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Markers
Art Supplies
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Wax crayons
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Oil pastels
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Colored pencils
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Sketch accessories
School Supplies
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Erasers
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Pencil sharpeners
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Rulers
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Pencil cases
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Geometry tools
Office Supplies
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Correction products
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Whiteboard markers
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Permanent markers
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Other writing accessories
Product offerings may vary by retailer and season. [8]
Signature Products
Mongol No. 2 Pencil
The classic yellow Mongol No. 2 remains the company’s flagship product and is widely used for:
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Everyday writing
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School examinations
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Standard classroom work
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Office use
Its durability and smooth graphite have made it one of the most recognizable pencils in the Philippines.
Mongol Crayons
Mongol expanded into crayons to encourage children’s creativity. Marketing campaigns emphasized educational development and artistic expression, including endorsements aimed at young students. [9]
Cultural Significance
Few stationery brands enjoy the level of recognition that Mongol has in the Philippines.
The brand has become part of Filipino culture in several ways:
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Many Filipinos refer to any wooden pencil simply as a “Mongol.”
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Multiple generations have used Mongol products in school.
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The pencil is frequently associated with examinations, handwriting practice, and early education.
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Collectors recognize vintage Mongol editions as nostalgic items.
Its cultural impact is often compared to other brands whose names became generic terms within local usage. [10]
Limited Editions
Over the years, Mongol has released special editions, including the well-known “I Am Ninoy, I Am Cory” commemorative pencils honoring Filipino democracy icons. These editions have become collector’s items among stationery enthusiasts. [11]
Reputation
Mongol is generally regarded as:
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Reliable
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Affordable
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Student-friendly
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Durable
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Widely available
Its pencils continue to receive positive feedback from both Filipino consumers and international pencil enthusiasts for their writing performance and nostalgic appeal. [12]
Distribution
In the Philippines, Mongol products are available through:
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Major bookstores
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School supply stores
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Office supply retailers
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Supermarkets
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Lazada
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Shopee
The brand remains one of the country’s most accessible stationery names. [13]
Legacy
More than a century after the original American Mongol pencil was introduced, the brand’s strongest identity survives in the Philippines. While it began as a product of Eberhard Faber in the United States, Mongol has evolved into a distinctly Filipino educational icon through decades of continuous use in classrooms and homes. Its enduring association with learning and creativity has made it one of the most recognizable stationery brands in the country. [14]
