Francis J.
Google
May 2025 — I traveled all the way to the Buhangin district specifically to check out the men’s shoe section here, but the experience was deeply disappointing. For a mall that is relatively new to the Davao scene, it lacks the most basic customer-centric amenities.
The most frustrating issue was the absolute absence of seating in the men’s footwear section. It is baffling to expect customers to fit shoes while standing. I actually had to walk over to the women’s section just to find a decent, comfortable seat to try on a pair.
Furthermore, the fitting rooms are poorly designed. There is only one single hook in the entire cubicle. Trying to manage your own shirt, your bag, and the new items you’re fitting on one hook is an unnecessary struggle. It’s these small, inconvenient details that make the shopping experience feel like a chore rather than a pleasure.
While Citygate was marketed as an "upscale" addition to the Gaisano Grand chain, it feels strangely neglected. Even in late 2025, there are still many empty stalls and vacant spaces, giving the mall a hollow, unorganized atmosphere. It shares the same recurring issues I’ve found in other Gaisano branches: the layout feels random and unintuitive, there is a general air of neglect in terms of cleanliness and orderliness, and the staff often seem uninspired, reflecting a broader lack of management oversight.
If you are coming for the Supermarket, it’s a decent, less-crowded alternative to other hubs in Buhangin. But if you’re looking for a comfortable department store experience, you might want to stick to the more established malls downtown. It’s a shame because the building has potential, but the "Gaisano brand" of neglect is very much present here.
