I remember years back – sometime in the early 90’s — that my sisters and I excitedly went to a new mall that had just opened. We felt like little princesses rushing down the grand stairs and the sparkling marble floor. Yes, the grocery just looked massive, clean, white, shiny and new. The entire place – the huge columns, the balconies, the escalators, the architecture – was like a castle.
We ran through aisles and aisles of colorful goodies and junkfood. I remember buying my Yan Yan the first day my family and I went to Gaisano Country Mall.
Indeed, Gaisano Country Mall is one of the first big malls in Cebu City. It has become a landmark in the Banilad area. Back then, as far as I was concerned, it was a major sign of glorious “civilization”.
Now that SM City Cebu and Ayala Center Cebu are around and constantly expanding and undergoing impressive facelifts, I still feel at home with Gaisano Country Mall. It may no longer be as big as it looked like when I was a kid and it may not have renovated like the other malls, but it still retains its own beauty.
Gaisano Country Mall is indeed convenient for those living nearby. If you crave for fast food, there is Jollibee and Chowking. Other notable food establishments are Red Ribbon, Pizza Hut, Goldilocks, Black Angus, Lighthouse Restaurant, Family Choice Restaurant, A Taste of Mandarin and Ofukusan Japanese Restaurant. I must say Ofukusan has the best California Makis around.
Gaisano Country Mall is known to be economical for consumers. Most stores and products there are actually cheaper, compared to most shops, say, in Ayala or SM. The movies are also cheaper! You can enjoy widescreen entertainment for lower prices. A Gaisano Bowlingplex is also located at the back of the mall.
Gaisano Country Mall is located in Banilad Road, Cebu City. You may contact them at (032)231-1481.
I still keep going back there for a Yan Yan and other grocery goodies. It’s still a castle to me!
Banilad Town Centre, more popularly called ‘BTC’, definitely adds more spice to the Cebuano lifestyle. Located just a few blocks away from Gaisano Country Mall, BTC offers a charming variety of shops and restaurants. It is nirvana to those who are living near the Banilad area.
Among the shops in BTC are Chains, Republik, Nike Athletic Club, Adidas, Exs Factory, Premium Concepts, Cagnaan Booksales, and iStore.
Delight your taste buds with the variety of cuisines offered. If you want some Asian flavor, you can go to Krua Thai, Spice Fusion, Dimsum Break, Tapa King, or Rai-Rai Ken. If you’re craving for American food, Yellow Cab Pizza and Brothers Burger (major YUM!) are your best bets. Bo’s Coffee Club and Postrio are wonderful places to sit back and relax. Craving for sweets? Satisfy your sweet tooth at Go Nuts Donuts.
If you need to do some grocery shopping for the family, you can head on to the Robinson’s Supermarket located at the basement. Now how convenient is that?
BTC is not as large as the SM City Cebu or Ayala Center Cebu malls, so you can usually shop and dine without the inconvenience of a crowd.
Boxing enthusiasts frequent the Ala Gym Fight Club. There is also a string of salons and spas for those who want to pamper themselves.
When night falls, BTC is also the place to be and be seen for partygoers. Night owls love to flock over to Formo, one of Cebu’s trendiest resto-bars. Phat Thursday is also a great place to wind down and chill out with friends. What’s to love about Phat Thursday? Aside from their hearty servings, they offer guests a game area where you can play some pool and darts. If you’re aching to do a karaoke session, sing your heart out at the classy POD 5 Family KTV Bar and Resto.
Image Source: Gaisano Country Mall
