There are only a handful of hotels in the country that seamlessly integrate their business with the history of the localities they are situated in, with foundations deeply intertwined with the communities they serve. One such example is the Taal Vista Hotel, whose history is closely linked to that of Tagaytay City.
In 1935, then-President Manuel L. Quezon initiated the development of Tagaytay as a tourism destination. The economic plan included building a lodge and a golf course along the Tagaytay Ridge. Under the supervision of The Manila Hotel, a property managed by the Manila Railroad Company, Taal Vista Lodge, the predecessor of Taal Vista Hotel, was established on Oct. 7, 1939. Designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro, the son of renowned Filipino painter Juan Luna, the lodge quickly became a favorite lodging and dining destination for both local and foreign tourists.
During World War II, it served as a vacation spot for American servicemen. When the Japanese occupied the country from 1942 to 1945, Taal Vista Lodge was converted into officers’ quarters for the Japanese. After the war, the Philippine government reclaimed the lodge and renovated it to include new cottages, dining outlets, and other facilities.
As Tagaytay became a popular destination for local tourists in the 1950s, Taal Vista Lodge became a must-visit location. One of its frequent visitors was the late chairman of SM Investments Corporation (SMIC), Henry Sy, Sr. The hotel went through several changes in ownership until Henry Sy, Sr. finally acquired it in 1988, and SMIC remains its owner to this day. It was later renamed Taal Vista Hotel.
I’ve visited Taal Vista a few times, but it was only recently, during the hotel’s 85th-anniversary celebration, that I learned of its colorful history. As part of the commemoration, the hotel relaunched its A Walk Through Time Exhibit.
First introduced in 2022, the exhibit offers guests an immersive and educational journey to appreciate the history of the hotel, Tagaytay, and the Taal Volcano over the past 85 years.
“On our 85th anniversary, we are grateful to have been part of your lives, big or small, and we are thankful to every one of you for always making us your home,” said Taal Vista Hotel General Manager Ramon Makilan.
The luxurious hotel also kicked off its “Timeless Christmas” celebration with its annual tree-lighting ceremony. The event was led by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation president Elizabeth Sy, executive vice president Peggy Angeles, and GM Makilan. A ceremonial gift-giving for the children of the Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary, beneficiaries of the celebration, followed the ceremony.
Guests enjoyed a curated six-course wine pairing dinner prepared by SMHCC vice president for Quality and Sustainability chef Leah Magallanes, executive chef Jayme Natividad, renowned chocolatier-pastry chef Ely Salar, and Treena Tecson.
Inspired by milestones in Filipino history, the menu featured dishes such as Homemade Chocolate Ravioli, Paella Marisco Soccarat, Kitayama Striploin with a trio of Tagaytay mushrooms, and Chocolate Eruption made with 60 percent Aton cacao dark chocolate. Each course was paired with Italian wines from Wine Hub.
The dinner was complemented by a musical showcase featuring timeless classics of the 1930s, the decade Taal Vista Hotel first opened to the public. Performances by singer-actress Kayla Rivera, actor-singer Vien King, saxophonist Josh Espinosa, and pianist Kim Dominik Sarmiento brought nostalgia to the grand ballroom with their musical revue, “As Time Goes By.”
As a cultural land-mark in the heart of Tagaytay, Taal Vista Hotel continues to elevate its service and adapt to the changing needs of guests, all while preserving the warmth and friendliness of its staff.
