Grand dame of Tagaytay

CEBU, Philippines - The Taal Vista Hotel is turning 75 in a couple of years. And yet, as early as today, the Grand Dame of Tagaytay’s getaways, is deep in preparation for the momentous occasion, her diamond anniversary.

For starters, she has unveiled an enhanced version of her History Mural, the 26 feet long and eight feet high picture wall that chronicles the interlocking stories of the resort town of Tagaytay City, the Taal Lake and Volcano, and the Taal Vista Lodge. Through a collage of traditional and digital arts crafted by artist Felix Mago and Cebu-born city planner-cum-researcher Paulo Alcazaren, it illustrates the volcanic tempests that created the area, the forest-like atmosphere of Tagaytay of yore, and the early city settlers and traditional country life. Today, the iconic marker has become a must-see attraction not only for the visitors of the hotel but also for the tourists of the area.

Naturally, marching to the tune of active preparation, of upgrades and overhauls, of renovations and refurbishments, the interiors of the heritage hotel have also been refreshed. The lobby exudes a feeling of elegant comfort as the walls are painted in a delicious brown and everything is washed in a soft yellow light.

Architectural details create a sense of ease in the surrounding public areas with high ceilings and full-length picture windows that provide unparalleled views of the Taal Lake and Volcano and the postcard-perfect gardens. The iconic stone fireplace speaks of cozy afternoons lost in one of the property’s club chairs, while the Lobby Bar comes alive at sun down when patrons gather for a night of drinks and live entertainment.

At the Mountain Wing, the deluxe rooms are redone in a palette of golds, creams, and blues complemented by wood accents. Similarly, the Tagaytay Suite has been remade in satin creams and soothing blues, and features historic pictures of the hotel alongside floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which offer an enviable outdoor view.

Elizabeth T. Sy, President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, shares that several improvements are underway and other refurbishment plans will soon be executed according to the scheduled timeframe. These include the expansion of the spa facilities, the addition of more resort activities, and, most important, the development of hotel staff through seminars and workshops, both here and abroad.

To assist her in the ongoing programs, the recently appointed General Manager Walid Wafik, who has more than two decades of hospitality management experience around the globe, oversees the daily operations and other special projects, bringing the guests’ and the employees’ satisfactions to greater heights.

One of these completed activities is the recently concluded Photo Memories Competition of snapshots focusing on the fondest memories spent with the Grand Dame. Selected images will soon embark on a countrywide mall tour. There are ongoing discussions regarding the finalization of memorabilia merchandise and the publishing a coffee table book—time capsules of days gone by and reminders of the way things were.

There are indeed many beautiful memorable memories of the destination and the property, and it is certainly worthwhile to recall how she started: In the ‘30s, when Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon envisioned Tagaytay as a new destination for leisure, the Manila Hotel Company built a property on a stretch of flat land on an incline.

On October 7, 1939, Taal Vista Lodge opened its doors amid great fanfare, becoming the very first hotel in Tagaytay. Perched on a covetable strip of the Tagaytay Ridge, the Tudor-style lodge with all its amenities featured a splendid view of the Taal Lake and Volcano. President Quezon, who was so enamored with the newest jewel outside of Manila, even held Cabinet Meetings at the lodge.

In the ‘40s, the Taal Vista Lodge became a favorite of top-ranking government officials, industry magnates, important business leaders, and the discerning Manila society.

After World War II, Tagaytay itself emerged as major tourist hot spot in the country and Taal Vista Lodge grew to be the most desired place to visit and stay in. In the years that followed, cottages, cabanas, a tea lounge, dining rooms, a children’s playground, and horseback riding and sports facilities were added.

By this time, she had become popular, most especially for her large pavilion, where guests dined and mingled, and the veranda, the most ideal place to be, to be seen, and, even in those days, to take precious family photos.

Formidable tycoon Henry Sy was known to contemplate the dipping of the sun into the placid lake—there is a photograph to prove it—in this spot.

At the turn of the new millennium, the Taal Vista Lodge was faithfully reconstructed, in the style of the original lodge, with the addition of the Lake Wing, featuring 133 more guestrooms and suites, much needed conference facilities, and other business amenities.

On March 27, 2003, the Taal Vista Hotel reopened its doors under her current name, And though much has changed—and will continue to change in the months leading to its 75th year—she remains a favorite destination for many generations who seek joyous commemorations or serene holidays.

I, myself, cannot wait for more pleasant surprises leading to the celebration of a milestone of the historic hotel that we can truly call our very own. We have fallen in love with her all these years and will continue to do so when the Grand Dame turns 75.

Taal Vista Hotel is at Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City. Call +632 886 43 25, +6346 413 100 or +63917 809 12 54 or visit www.taalvistahotel.com  (FREEMAN)