Stores, Malls or Markets in Iligan City

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There are at least 6 computer type stores in Iligan City ( and probably even a few more than that ). Some of these stores are independently owned and operated and others are branch stores of regional or national chains.

A decade or two ago a computer store may have been far removed from something a tourist would consider going to. These days with the popularity and portability of such items as laptops, netpads, note pads coupled with the ever increasing availability of WiFi, the " Carry Around " version of the personal computer is standard equipment with many people.

On my first visit to Iligan City I went to quite a few of the computer stores that I saw, primarily just to see what kind and familiar brands of equipment and accessory items were available in this part of the world and how much they were selling for compared to both retail and discounted prices in the USA. At that time I was not really looking to make a purchase but was more interested in " sightseeing " Iligan Citys computer stores.

On my second visit there were some accessory items I wanted to purchase as gifts for friends I was visiting so I returned to some of the places I had visited previously. The first few stores I went to although they were nice stores with helpful sales people, personally ( and I emphasize that point " personally " ) I just did not get excited enough to make a purchase at the moment. Then I remembered from my prior visit a computer store by the City Plaza that was crammed from floor to ceiling with all kinds of computer related things so I said to my friends " Lets go to that place by City Plaza " .

Iligan Datavision is located at the City Plaza on the opposite side of the plaza from the Maria Christina Hotel. The place is crammed from the floor to the ceiling with well known brand name items as well as what I would describe as maybe regionally known brands of computer accessory and related items as well as PC's etc. The sales person I dealt with was very knowledgable and from my brief description knew exactly what I wanted. Additionally I spent some time looking at many of the items available at this store for future reference.

Although you can not expect " Walmart " type prices or those of mega on-line discount website type prices at local or independent type retail stores, the prices I paid for the items I purchased at Iligan Datavision were well within range of what I expected to pay for them, so no problem there.

I enjoyed some pleasant conversation with the people in this store who made me feel most welcome and it is experiences like this that make me want to patronise them again on future visits.

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It seems that for quite some time the residents of Iligan City with its population of over 300,000 wanted a shopping mall similar to those found in other major cities in The Philippines. After several years of continuing construction " The Mall " opened, in stages, during 2008 and as of this writing this mall has been in operation for over 1 year as final construction and full occupancy nears completion.

Although many travelers and tourists especially those from other parts of the world enjoy open markets and things more expressive of local and regional culture, I personally enjoy seeing what kind of products are marketed in more conventional stores and shops. There are at least two open markets in Iligan City that I am aware of. I have yet to explore the open market in Pala-O and the Iligan Wet Market. These are something I look forward to on a future visit.

The main entrance to Iligans Gaisano Mall located on Roxas Avenue is straddled by fast food franchises Jollibee and McDonalds. On the ground floor just inside of the main entrance is a circular area reserved for public presentations of entertainment, arts and culture and other such events. This mall provides a favorable getaway from the outdoor tropical climate as it is fully air conditioned often providing welcome relief to residents and visitors alike.

Nationwide retailer " Gaisano " is the anchor store featuring quite a wide variety of products and merchandise including a supermarket style grocery item section. The many other stores in this mall typify those you would expect to find in a shopping mall featuring items that cater to the Philippine market.

The food court is now in the process of opening up with quite a variety of different style food offerings. There is a Red Ribbon Bakery shop on the first floor. You will not go hungry at this Mall. There is an amusement arcade at one end of the second floor.

This state of the art 4 story Mall is equipped with elevators, escalators and stairs. On my visits to this mall so far I have found it to be sparkling clean and well maintained as construction continues in the remaining few areas to be occupied. Two of four Cinemas opened in May 2010 with the other two scheduled to open soon.

There is a multi story parking lot adjoining the building, an overhead cross walk off of the second floor balcony area in the front of the building to make crossing busy Roxas Avenue simple, safe and easy and affording some good views for taking pictures.

Uniformed security is provided at all mall entrances and throughout the interior of the mall. There is ample public transportation at the main entrance, always available.

I have had several pleasureable visits to the Gaisano City Mall in Iligan City and look forward to many more in the future. It is in my opinion that the residents of Iligan City who have been waiting for years for something like this to happen are finding this Mall well worth the wait.

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There are a bunch of shops selling Maranao products along quezon avenue beside trendline store, near asia gm printshop...
With Iligan's close proximity to Marawi City, the Islamic City of the Philippines, you're sure to find authentic Maranao goods... you don't have to go to Zamboanga or even Marawi to enjoy Maranao crafts, they're all here in Iligan.

What to buy: There are the wooden chests of different sizes.... what makes these chests unique is the very intricate designs using capiz shells.

Malongs. you'll discover that there are over a hundred beautiful malong designs! some more expensive than others because of the cloth, the quality, and the manufacturer? some are manufactered in indonesia, they say. but i guess compared to flying to indonesia, malongs are still way cheaper bought here.

Brass gongs. they come in different sizes...some as big as your biggest cauldron and some as small as a 1-peso coin (used as a pendant). it's a nice way to add some "oomph" in your interiors... you can even have a set of gongs and have your very own "kulintang".

Banig. Though not as striking as banigs made in Samar, banigs sold here are more subdued...and a lot cheaper! round banigs are my fave.

What to pay: Since these shops line together and compete with each other, you're sure to get the best deal... IF you haggle!

make sure to visit all stores and endure the "salesladies" (yes, some can be very annoying and N-O-I-S-Y). don't commit to one shop until you're very sure you've found the best deal for your item, or else, if you go to another shop and look for the same item, it might cause some trouble. (a possibility)

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I always like to drop by this shop while in Iligan City. They have good selection of malongs, sarongs, batik stuff, etc -- great items for pasalubong. :) If you buy a lot of items, you can ask for a discount.

See the pics for a sampling of their merchandise.

What to buy: Sarong
Malong
Kumbong/Scarf
Etc.

What to pay: Sarong at ~P130
Malong at ~P300. There are cheaper ones depending on the material.