Up high on the ridge overlooking the lake, the holiday season begins with the lighting of a festive Christmas tree shining bright in the cool December breeze. One of the country's enduring institutions down south in scenic Tagaytay celebrates 80 years of memorable moments made even more special with the coming holidays...
Taal Vista Hotel celebrates a corporate and historic milestone as it marks 80 years of tradition and hospitality up high on the iconic ridge overlooking the picturesque lake. The nostalgic past and heritage of Taal Vista Hotel keeps in step with the times as it celebrates its 80th anniversary. It is, as it was before, here, for always...
The timeless elegance of the mountain hideaway continues to shine inspired by its rustic lodge architecture facing the pristine lake. It was back in 1935 when Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon expressed interest in developing Tagaytay as a premier tourist attraction. In 1939, the original structure was built along "Ilong Kastila", a stretch of land overlooking the lake. One of the regular visitors included Henry Sy of SM Investments Corporation, who would later acquire the property and transform it be one of the country's leading tourism destinations. Today, the addition of a new wing completes the modernization of the celebrated hillside property.
A few steps down the slope leads you to the ridge with its panoramic view of the lake. For more than 80 years, this is the view that continues to captivate tourists and visitors. The lush gardens immerses you in the natural beauty of the property...
...with the lake serving as a dramatic backdrop to complete your experience at Taal Vista Hotel.
The clean modern lines of the new wing blends seamlessly with the classic architecture of the lodge design for an enduring landmark high up on the ridge. The expansive property never fails to impress, and losing one's self in the serene surroundings of Taal Vista Hotel is always part of any itinerary.
My Premier Room along the famed ridge features all the modern amenities to complete your weekend getaway including a flat screen TV, safety deposit box, mini-bar and ref, flat iron with board and access to free wi-fi. The satin-smooth linens will make it a challenge getting up, but just a few steps away is a sight that makes it all worth it.
It's the view from your own balcony that truly makes your stay special at Taal Vista Hotel as it always has been for over 80 years. And when your drive down south culminates with a view like this, it really just doesn't get any better than that. A sight like this can work up an appetite...
And it's time for lunch at the Veranda...
Close to the source of the finest produce, the Veranda offers garden-fresh and crisp salad greens to start your hearty feast with clean and natural flavors. An advocate of The Sustainable Diner initiative, Taal Vista Hotel follows best practices with the environment in mind. 
The use of the freshest locally-sourced ingredients highlight the extensive selection of salads at the Veranda...
...as you start your feast on the right track (for more on Taal Vista Hotel's culinary offerings, see my previous posts, Global Flavors with the Freshest Local Produce at Taza Fresh Table and Culinary Gems at Taal Vista Hotel).
At the Veranda's lavish lunch buffet spread that day, diners enjoyed a flavorful medley of comforting local favorites including the savory Spicy Eggplant (L) dish with just the right level of heat and the traditional Pinaputok na Bangus (R) wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal...
...the mildly sweet and juicy Chicken Barbecue (L) and tender Pork Inasal (R) for more local flavors guaranteed to satisfy any craving...
...and the Beef Caldereta (L) with fork-tender beef draped in a rich tomato-based sauce and the light yet tasty Fish ala Pobre (R) topped with crunchy garlic. But there's more at the Veranda's Carving Station...
...with the tempting Porchetta with juicy roasted pork capped by a layer of crisp crackling. Delicately roasted, the porchetta is seasoned just right bringing out the natural sweetness of the juicy pork.
If you still can't have enough pork, the crisp Bagnet should do the trick. Extra rice? Absolutely. The thick slabs of pork release a savory richness followed by that lightly crisp finish for that perfect blend of flavor and texture.
At the Pasta Station, enjoy a bowl of comforting noodles prepared a la minute by the station chefs. Not to be missed is the Veranda's Pancit Palabok made fresh as you order with shrimps topped with chicharon. I honestly never thought I'd be excited over palabok, but this one's a winner. Taal Vista Hotel continues to surprise and amaze. The dishes at the Veranda deliver real, uncomplicated and honest flavors, each skillfully prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Cultural presentations add to the local vibe at the Veranda...
...and as you go for seconds and thirds at the buffet, a live performance of traditional local dances keeps in step with your appetite for even more helpings of Filipino flavors.
End your feast with a sinful array of decadent desserts, from cakes to intricate pastries and fresh fruits. Why not make your own Halo-Halo and enjoy the view? Diners and guests can enjoy a sumptuous feast at the Veranda for Lunch from December 1 to 31, 2019 for only P 1,500 net per person and P 1,550 net per person on January 1, 2020. You can also enjoy a lavish Dinner from December 16 to 23 and 26, 2019 for only P 1,550 net per person, December 24 and 25 and January 1, 2020 for P 1,800 net person. For more information and table reservations, simply call 02-7917-8219 and 02-7917-8220 or email foodandbeverage@taalvistahotel.com and veranda@taalvistahotel.com for that holiday feast down south in scenic Tagaytay.
Or why not make it a grand feast to welcome the new year at Taal Vista Hotel's New Year's Eve Grand Party at the Grand Ballroom with an upgraded New Year's eve buffet spread, open bar from 7 pm until midnight, sparkling wine for a New Year's Eve toast, party favors and a live band with games and prizes for only P 3,800 net per person.
After a hearty lunch, step outside for a leisurely walk...
...and you'll soon realize that you just can't get enough of the magnificent views. It's just another perfect but typical day at Taal Vista Hotel.
Taal Vista Hotel commissioned some of Pampanga's acclaimed Christmas lantern makers for their Christmas Tree, and you can expect an awesome light show as the hotel's staff make some final adjustments before the evening's ceremony.
Later that evening, Taal Vista Hotel's General Manager, Mr. Richard Gamlin, welcomed guests for the tree lighting ceremony. And to highlight Taal Vista Hotel's 80th anniversary, a special surprise was about to be revealed behind the velvet satin curtains...
Taal Vista Hotel General Manager Richard Gamlin and SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation President, Ms. Elizabeth Sy, unveiled the History Mural to mark 80 memorable years tracing the rich heritage of the property. The mural highlights the longevity of the property that it is, here, for always. 
The panoramic mural goes all the way back to the first recorded eruption of Taal Volcano in 1572. A lake with a volcano within a lake, it's one of the country's unique geographic features. In 1939, the Taal Vista Lodge was opened to the public becoming a landmark for generations. Tagaytay's proximity to Manila and the cool climate made it a popular destination with the hotel as the top-of-mind choice. In 2008, the property's acquisition by the SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation marked another exciting chapter in its long history, renovated and modernized with new wing for additional rooms. Taal Vista Hotel now boasts an impressive inventory of 264 rooms including conference facilities and a grand ballroom. The history and heritage of the country's second oldest hotel remains closely intertwined with Tagaytay, and the future looks good.
The cool mountain breeze greeted guests at Taal Vista Hotel's tree lighting ceremony led by General Manager Richard Gamlin...
...and with one touch of a button, the sprawling garden was illuminated by the towering Christmas tree along with the soulful voices of the Imuscapella Chamber Choir with their cheerful renditions of local Christmas carols.
That evening, the children of Taal Vista Hotel's beneficiary from the Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary Formation House (L) shared the spotlight at the tree lighting ceremony as Mr. Richard Gamlin and Ms. Elizabeth Sy handed out special gifts (R) under the towering and vibrant Christmas Tree. 
Later that evening, the Imuscapella Chamber Choir entertained guests with inspired musical performances...
...joined by the metro's popular male quartet, Opus One, with their interpretations of the classics...
...culminating in a grand finale with the Imuscapella Chamber Choir for another memorable evening at Taal Vista Hotel.
Taal Vista Hotel then laid out another sumptuous spread for guests...
...including savory holiday favorites like Roast Turkey and more. The stunning views of the property are perfectly matched by its wide and diverse culinary offerings.
Wine and cocktails flowed that evening for that festive holiday vibe. You can never have one too many with the new Martini 0.0, a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. But what's the point with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine? That simply means you can enjoy the evening without worrying about the drive home. 
But no one's driving tonight. Before heading back to my Premier Room, the shimmering lights at the garden draws you...
...as the vibrant Christmas tree puts on a dazzling colored light show. Guests lingered at the garden, admiring the spectacle with the cool mountain breeze.
Early the next day, the tranquil lake is gently kissed by the rising sun...
...and it's another perfect day at Taal Vista Hotel.
The sunrise attracts a crowd of early risers along the famed ridge on the hotel property...
...before draping Taal Vista Hotel with an ethereal golden glow. It's this image of the hotel that still resonates after 80 long and memorable years.
Back inside, the festive Christmas spirit comes to life with the hotel's holiday displays including a collection of gingerbread houses at the Veranda. It's time for breakfast...
Freshly brewed coffee, fresh fruit juices, salads, fruits, local and western breakfast favorites, it's all here at the Veranda for that perfect start to your day at Taal Vista Hotel.
And you can come back for seconds. Scrambled, sunny-side up or an omelet with your choice of filling, the station chefs will whip it up for you so you get it hot and fresh off the griddle.
It's not the time to hold back on the butter and maple syrup. It's the holidays, right?
The cool morning breeze lingers, perfect for another leisurely walk at the garden.
Far from the city's mad rush, Taal Vista Hotel allows you to recharge and refresh...
...and to pause and admire the flowers for that much needed change of pace.
The magnificent views by the ridge just ties it all together for that unique Taal Vista Hotel experience.
Eighty years and counting, Taal Vista Hotel continues to be one of the country's premier destinations. And it's ready for the next generation of visitors.
This Christmas, here, for always...at Taal Vista Hotel.
Taal Vista Hotel is located at Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway, Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City, 4120 Cavite or call 02 7917-8219 and 02 7917-8220 for inquiries. You can also check out their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/taalvistahotel/ for more updates.
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