Grand dame of Tagaytay

MANILA, Philippines - It can never be too soon to prepare for a party. More so, if the reason for the affair is a diamond anniversary – the Taal Vista Hotel, the Grand Dame of Tagaytay’s getaways, is turning 75.    

She has, for example, unveiled an enhanced version of her History Mural, the 26 feet by eight feet 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 art crafted by artist Felix Mago and city planner-cum-researcher and STAR columnist Paulo Alcazaren, it depicts, among others, 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 Tagaytay.

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. In the lobby, a palette of natural colors, chocolate and chartreuse, plus highlights of gold have been applied for a feeling of elegant comfort. The walls are painted in a delicious brown and everything is washed in a soft yellow light. A floor-to-ceiling panel upholstered in kiwi green and hay yellow fabric serves as the backdrop of the front desk.

Architectural details create a sense of ease in the surrounding public areas as well. High ceilings and full-length picture windows, which provide not only a flood of natural light but also unparalleled views of Taal lake and volcano, reinforce the spaciousness of the hotel. The iconic stone fireplace speaks of cozy afternoons lost in one of the property’s club chairs, while the Lobby Bar evokes charm with curved bar stools that feature metallic brown hints on its wood frame. The bar comes alive at sundown 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. The 196-square-meter room features historic pictures of the hotel alongside floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which offer an enviable outdoor view.

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

To assist her in the ongoing renovations and current operations on site, she has recently appointed Walid Wafik as the property’s new general manager. An Egyptian national, Wafik has more than two decades of hospitality management experience, having worked for international hotel chains. The hotelier, who has logged many seasons in city and resort hotels in the US, Africa, South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East, will continue to take both the guests’ and the employees’ satisfaction to greater heights on top of overseeing the daily operations and many special programs.

One of these completed projects is the recently concluded Photo Memories Competition, where the public was invited to submit snapshots of their fondest memory spent with the Grand Dame. Of the over 100 pre-selected entries, seven were awarded prizes last month. Selected images will embark on a mall tour around the islands soon. There are also discussions regarding memorabilia merchandise and a coffee table book. These are something to look forward to since the items and the commemorative publication are like time capsules, mirrors of days gone by and reminders of the way things were.

There are indeed many beautiful 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 started building a property on Ilong Kastila, a stretch of flat land on an incline that people claimed resembled a nose.

On Oct. 7, 1939, Taal Vista Lodge opened its doors amid great fanfare, the very first hotel in Tagaytay. Perched on a covetable strip of the Tagaytay Ridge, the Tudor-style lodge featured a splendid view of Taal lake and volcano. 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 hard-to-please government officials, important business leaders, tough industry magnates, and the discerning Manila society.

After World War II, Tagaytay itself emerged as a major tourist hot spot and Taal Vista Lodge grew to be the most desired place to visit and stay in. In 1956, to accommodate the influx of guests, she added cottages, cabanas, a tea lounge, dining rooms, a children’s playground, and horseback riding and sports facilities.

In the ‘70s, Taal Vista Lodge was classified as a three-star hotel, the highest-rated accommodations in the area. She had become popular 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.

Shopping mall 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. The Lake Wing was built, adding 133 more guest rooms and suites, much needed conference facilities, and other business amenities.

On March 27, 2003, she reopened her doors under her current name, the Taal Vista Hotel. 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 can not wait for more pleasant surprises leading to the diamond anniversary of the historic hotel that we can truly call our very own. We have fallen in love with her all these years. I can not imagine what the Grand Dame will be like at 75!