MANILA, Philippines - As with any popular tourist destination, a shot in the arm is needed after a couple of decades or so to revitalize and re-energize the market. The SM group has recognized this need in the renowned leisure city of Tagaytay, south of Metro Manila.
After the conglomerate secured Taal Vista Hotel a few years ago under its SM Hotels and Conventions arm, SM Development Corp. has also recently bared its vision for residential leisure living with Wind Residences. The SM group is also helping shape the future development of the landmark Tagaytay Highlands through Highlands Prime Inc.
SM Land now enters mixed-use commercial development in the area with Sky Ranch, a unique project dubbed as a leisure park that is set to be one of the definitive Tagaytay experiences for families and groups of friends.
Sky Ranch, developed by SM Land under its Commercial Properties Group, will rise on the vacant five-hectare lot beside the famed Taal Vista Hotel. For years, this site has been informally known to Tagaytay visitors and tourists as a place to enjoy a few minutes of scenic horseback riding.
SM Land raises the bar and formalizes the vision for a leisure and entertainment complex with a complete masterplan. “Sky Ranch will enhance the overall image and atmosphere of Tagaytay City as a tourist destination,” says David Rafael, SM Land senior vice president and head of the commercial properties group. “This is made possible of course in synergy with our existing resources and developments in the area.”
A complete entertainment experience
Sky Ranch’s masterplan retains the horseback riding experience, but elevated into a more comfortable, safe and systematic facility.
Since the basic market of such horseback riding activities are children, SM Land widens the variety for them by adding a mini-amusement park as well.
Kids will be able to enjoy the usual rides with a different twist – high above Tagaytay, amid its cool atmosphere and with priceless views of Taal volcano.
Weekenders and travelers will be able to enjoy an additional variety of restaurants, which Tagaytay has become steadily known for in the past couple of years.
Carefully selected tenants will offer options from casual fast food to family-style and even fine dining.
Spacious gazebos will be strategically placed along the ridge to provide a comfortable vantage point to enjoy the views.
A unique offering in Sky Ranch will be an expansive 2,000sqm-plus events tent, which can be rented out as a venue for social gatherings and corporate functions.
SM Land eyes a market for such activities in Tagaytay and from nearby areas such as Cavite, Batangas and Laguna.
The event tent will also complement the existing venue offerings at nearby Taal Vista Hotel, already a preferred choice for wedding receptions and other social functions, as well as corporate events like seminars.
Conveniences and amenities such as parking are amply provided and well-planned for all Sky Ranch visitors.
“We envision a hassle-free and unhurried entertainment experience at Sky Ranch,” explains Rafael. Visitors and weekenders can check in at the nearby Taal Vista Hotel and spend the entire day at Sky Ranch, without worrying about the trip home.
For more information, visit www.sm-land.com/CPG