One of the grand dames of the Philippine tourism industry is turning 80 this year and you are invited to the year-long party.
Considered one of the pioneering hotels in the country, Taal Vista Hotel is celebrating its 80th anniversary dubbed “Here, For Always.” Its long history is as colorful as that of Tagaytay, shaped by the geography of the place and the political history of the region.
Taal Vista Hotel’s interesting story began in 1936 when then newly-elected Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon expressed his desire to develop Tagaytay as a tourism destination. The town’s cool climate, plus the awe-inspiring views of the Taal Lake and Volcano made a winning combination to draw tourists.
Three years later, on Oct. 7, 1939, Taal Vista Lodge opened its doors to the public as the prime lodging and recreational establishment in Tagaytay.
The hotel holds a special place in the heart of the late Henry Sy Sr. who liked sitting on the ridge overlooking the lake whenever he would visit. In 1998, the tycoon acquired Taal Vista Lodge through SM Investments Corp. (SMIC).
In 1999, to meet the growing need for hotel rooms in Tagaytay, Taal Vista Lodge underwent an extensive upgrade and expansion. It reopened on March 27, 2003 as Taal Vista Hotel, with a new wing to accommodate more conference facilities and amenities for business and leisure activities.
Today, the 80-year-old grand dame of Tagaytay features freshly renovated Ridge and Mountain Wing guest rooms, Instagramable attractions, family-friendly activities and promotions that appeal to all genres from the Baby Boomers to Generation Z.
“Taal Vista Hotel remains as the premier place to stay in Tagaytay due to the unraveled views of the lake, location of the hotel and the beautiful grounds and surrounds,” said Taal Vista Hotel general manager Richard Gamlin.
“We have so much to offer to kids and the young at heart. With an excellent mix of room types and views, including our newly renovated guest rooms, facilities and quality of service,” he added.
The hotel boasts of two excellent restaurants offering the best in Filipino food: the all-day dinning Veranda restaurant and Taza Fresh Table, which offers great seasonal, locally-sourced and organic dishes.
“We are also very much aware of how much Taal Vista Hotel has become a part of Filipino families’ tradition that is why as part of our 80th anniversary ‘Here, For Always’ celebration, we are preparing to host several events and promotions throughout the year,” Gamlin explained.
Guests can expect to be treated to an art fair featuring both up-and-coming and well-known local artists, a music festival with some outstanding
local talents and outdoor film showing featuring top charting classic films from 1930s to modern times at the Ridge.
“Also, we will be returning to the roots of Filipino cuisine by having some guest chefs recreate historical dishes with a modern twist,” Gamlin continued.
Tagaytay art locale exhibit
The esteemed local hotel brand believes in celebrating arts and honoring local talents. On June 15, Saturday, at 6 p.m. Taal Vista Hotel, in partnership with Sorrell Publishing Company, will be launching its art
exhibit featuring both top and upcoming artists from the provinces of Batangas, Laguna and Cavite.
The exhibit will run for two months at the hotel’s Lake Wing area. Featured artists include Camille Chua Lawton, Tanya Gaisano-Lee, Ronald Castrillo, Wilfredo Calderon, Michael Anthony Sagaran and more. Admission to the exhibit is free.
‘Super Weekdays’
As its way of giving back to its patrons, Taal Vista Hotel recently launched its 80th anniversary room promo, “Super Weekdays,” which offers a 25 percent discount on room accommodations on all weekdays of June until September 2019. “Super Weekdays” also includes discounts on buffets, food and beverage outlets and spa treatments.
So mark your calendars and make sure to celebrate with Tagaytay’s first and only deluxe hotel as it marks a special milestone this 2019. Bask in Taal Vista Hotel’s refreshing gardens and spacious viewing deck overlooking the awe-inspiring Taal Volcano.
For inquiries and reservations, please call +63 (2) 917 8225, +63 (46) 413 1000, +63 (917) 8091254 or email reservations@taalvistahotel.com.