Views from the Ridge and from readers

In the 1950s a young man sat on the Taal Vista Lodge lawn and contemplated the majesty of the volcano and lake below.
He loved the view and the inspiration those summer visits to Tagaytay brought him. He was an astute fellow despite his age and noticed how commercialization, even then, was already creeping in. He thought to himself "…someday I’ll make sure that this view is preserved." Fifty years later, he made good on that promise. The young man was Henry Sy.

Today, one of his companies owns and runs the Taal Vista Hotel. The property was acquired in the late 1990s. Despite the fears of some, the historic lodge was conserved and resurrected to its pre-war glory. The new hotel, efficiently run by general manager Alex Groizard of the Fuego Hotels Group, is one of the best conserved heritage structures in the country. It offers 128 luxurious rooms – all with that wonderful view of our world wonder. It was recently rated first-class by the Department of Tourism and has expanded with a new wing, swimming pool and spa.

The lodge was the brainchild of President Manuel L. Quezon. The commonwealth icon thought it was a great idea to develop Tagaytay as an alternative to Baguio so that the ordinary tao could find respite from the summer heat. He ordered a road built up to the ridge and later even had the city planned by an American planner named Harry Frost (who also planned Quezon City). A golf course was built to complement the lodge, which was designed probably by Andres Luna de San Pedro in Tudor style. The Pines Hotel in Baguio was similarly configured.

To commemorate all the history in the 70-year-old hotel and Tagaytay itself, a mural was commissioned. The fascinating history of Tagaytay City, Taal Volcano, and the Taal Vista Hotel are depicted in a wonderful mural done in sepia and now prominently displayed at the lobby of the hotel. The masterpiece consists of eight panels in a collage of images. Measuring 8x28 feet, it was designed by renowned graphic artist Felix Mago Miguel. Yours truly assisted by researcher Peach Gonzales did the historic research that covers significant events, from the first known eruption of Taal Volcano in 1572.

The unveiling ceremony was held recently and was attended by Felicidad and Henry Sy Sr., daughter Elizabeth (the driving force behind the mural) and son Henry Jr. Special guests of honor were Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano, former First Lady Amelita Ramos, CCP president Nes Jardin, Fuego Hotels VP & COO Alfredo Roca, former Tourism Secretary Gemma Cruz Araneta, and representatives from the National Historical Institute and the National Museum. In a short speech, hotel GM Groizard scored the role of culture, history and heritage in attracting tourists to the hotel and the region.

The Philippines will surely benefit if more developers appreciate the heritage that surrounds us.

Reader’s Views

The series on landmarks drew a great many e-mails. Here is a sampling.

Good day Mr. Alcazaren, first let me tell you that I really like your column in The Philippine STAR. I look forward to it every Saturday. It really makes me sad seeing the comparison between "then and now," seeing all those old photos of Manila and the squalor it is in now. How I wish we could bring back those glory days. – Arnel A.

We can bring back the glory. Let’s save everything that remains!

I read the article regarding Manila Landmarks 1900’s and enjoyed it very much. I hope we, as a nation, can bring back the beauty of our country. I always pray that God would save the Philippines from more trouble. Sayang and ganda ng bayan natin! – Lyndon C.

We can bring back the beauty. Lets save everything that remains and replant our forests and parks!

Thanks for your "Landmarks" series.  I am very fond of old photographs, and I have enjoyed your articles very much.  There are a couple of photos which I think a mistake may have been made. Under 1900s landmarks, the picture which shows Escolta appears to be Rosario Street (now Quintin Paredes) right near Binondo Church.  While under ‘60s landmarks, the picture with the Filipinas Hotel caption is Aurelio Hotel. Filipinas Hotel was next to it, and it burnt down in the early ‘80s, or late ‘70s during a typhoon with a considerable loss of lives.

Again, thanks for your articles.  I look forward to seeing more of them. – Jeric C.

You are right on both counts, Jeric. But it seems that the Filipinas and Aurelio were merged for a short while in the early ‘60s.

I would just like to say what a delight it was following your column on the landmark architecture/ structures over the years. It was a series I enjoyed very much and found to be very enlightening. I do hope that it would not end with this. – KL

Finally a request for information:

Sir, I’m wondering if you have any idea why is it that the place called "round table" near Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila is called as such. The place is not round but triangular. I hope you can clear this cloud in my mind. Thanks. – Rederick

According to Lifestyle sub-editor Joseph Cortes, the reason is because there used to be a restaurant there, near the Manila Aquarium, called Round Table Restaurant, which disappeared in the 1980s. I guess the name just stuck, the way Buendia corner Ayala Ave. is still called "Crispa" by older bus riders because there used to be a Crispa store there, which was a major stop in the ‘70s.

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Feedback is welcome. Please e-mail the writer at paulo.alcazaren@gmail.com.