BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ
In rediscovering the familiar, we found a pleasant surprise at Taal Vista Hotel, which remains as stunning as ever, even after 85 years.
Let’s admit it, being near and accessible — whether in life or in lifestyle — may come with some disadvantages. And as more exotic destinations from faraway places pop up left and right, we sometimes lose sight of what’s right before our eyes. Well, until it’s right before our eyes again, at least!
One such beauty that re-captured this writer’s attention is the Taal Lake in Tagaytay City. And as far as vantage points are concerned, our spacious and well-appointed room at Taal Vista’s lake wing is one of the best seats in the house. Almost instantly though, the room vanished from sight as our eyes were drawn to the picture-perfect vista in full display through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
In this room, the iconic and, at times, violent Taal volcano is the star, perched confidently on the serene waters against a backdrop of clear blue skies. She was ever-present, commanding attention all through our entire stay, as we kept on glancing at the volcano and the surrounding body of water even as we worked out way through our itinerary.
We took glimpses of it while we explored the beautiful gardens. We looked at it while we had coffee on our porch. We gazed at it over breakfast. Seriously, it was almost like seeing a long-lost crush, minus the possible heartache. And we weren’t the first ones to fall in love with this view for sure.
A walk through time
Among the most striking images in the recently re-launched “A walk through time” exhibit, is that of one of the lake’s more prominent “lovers,” the late SM founder, tycoon and philanthropist Henry Sy. As a young man, he would visit Tagaytay Ridge and sit there for hours on end, enthralled by the beauty of the lake.
Tatang, as many call him, isn’t the only man you’ll find enamored in the educational display, which immerses guests in Taal Vista’s rich history. From the Marcoses to their VIP guests from all over the world, and even American soldiers who called it home during World War II, many men and women have been enamored by this once rustic lodge on the ridge.
There’s also an abundance of trivia to be picked up. From how the former saltwater lake lost its salinity to how the tawilis (small endemic fish that’s mostly known these days as a delicacy) found its home in the lake, both the curious and serious abound in these panels.
It is therefore unsurprising that the hotel’s holiday celebrations, kicked off by a beautiful tree lighting ceremony and anniversary dinner, were dubbed as “Timeless Christmas.”
“On our 85th anniversary, we are grateful to have been part of your lives, big or small, and we are thankful to each and every one of you for always making us your home,” said general manager Ramon Makilan during the ceremony, which lit up a simple yet elegant Christmas tree made by local artisans from Pampanga.
Also present were SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) president Elizabeth Sy and executive vice president Peggy Angeles. A ceremonial gift-giving for the children of Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary, beneficiaries of the celebration, followed immediately after.
Be their guest
The evening culminated in a curated six-course wine pairing dinner, which showcased the talents of SMHCC vice president for quality and sustainability Chef Leah Magallanes, Executive Chef Jayme Natividad, and renowned chocolatiers and pastry chefs Ely Salar and Treena Tecson.
Among the most notable dishes were the Homemade Chocolate Ravioli, Paella Marisco Soccarat, Kitayama striploin with trio of Tagaytay mushrooms, and Chocolate Eruption featuring 60 percent Aton cacao dark chocolate. Each course is paired with Italian wines from Wine Hub.
Guests were then treated to a musical showcase with timeless classics of the 1930s – the decade when Taal Vista Hotel, which was first named Taal Vista Lodge opened to the public. Performances from television, musical theater singer and actress Kayla Rivera, television, film, and musical theater actor and singer Vien King, one of the country’s leading saxophone artists Josh Espinosa, and young and talented pianist Kim Dominik Sarmiento brought nostalgia to the grand ballroom with their musical revue called “As Time Goes By.”
Well, all good things come to an end. And while we had to pack our bags to bid adieu to our room with a view, one thing was clear. We will be back soon.
