We chose a place with a picturesque volcano to rest and relax after a volcanic week, which began with the elections and culminated with the do-or die game between the UP Fighting Maroons and the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
How is it that the vista of a volcano that can and does wear a crown of fire be the most relaxing view ever when it abdicates its fiery throne? When it visibly just chills.
Thus, my husband Ed and I chose a “volcanic” view for a weekend of serenity. How cool is that?
We took a comfortable drive up to Tagaytay City to the iconic Taal Vista Hotel (TVH), the second oldest hotel property in the country, next only to the legendary The Manila Hotel. Taal Vista retains the look of the original structure (whose architect was probably Andres Luna de San Pedro, son of Juan Luna), but has been modernized and expanded to include more wings and a stand-alone restaurant called “Taza.”
After checking-in and stealing a moment to admire the view of the Taal Volcano in the middle of Taal Lake from our balcony, we took a walk across the ridge behind the main lobby for a late lunch at Taza, where a healthy feast prepared by chef Jayme R. Natividad awaited.
We had a summer salad with greens especially picked from Taal Vista’s gardens, which included edible flower petals! Then a main course consisting of pork Tomahawk, talakitok cooked Mediterranean style and fettucini in truffle sauce. Now, the dessert was volcanic, I kid thee not — chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream cascading from its crown.
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Later that afternoon, I indulged in some pampering with a two-hour massage at TVH’s spa. My therapist Sienna gracefully unknotted all the stresses on my back and feet.
The piece de resistance of any evening spent at Taal Vista is “Dining under the stars” on the ridge.
A brainchild of Taal Vista GM Ramon T. Makilan, the dinner is set up inside one of four igloo-shaped canopies on the ridge. (Reserve early!) Ordered from Cebu, the canopies have a solihiya weave’s criss-cross pattern, so that you see the moon and the stars and yet have privacy in your own little world. A bucket with champagne and a bouquet of roses for me awaited us inside our own little world.
It was written in our stars that the skies would be clear that night, with a full moon like a luminous pearl against the velvet sky. It was magical. A live band played beautiful music about 100 meters down the ridge for those who wanted to enjoy a barbecue.
I would suggest you come very, very hungry. We had another garden salad as starters (a healthy indulgence), then risotto and rib-eye steak. Triple chocolate cake was another triple treat.
With the moonlight, the food, the champagne, the fresh air, and great company (of two), we were in a different galaxy that night.
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Because of its history, TVH has a “history wall,” and for those who want to know more about the iconic hotel, there is a “history walk” as well capped by a “Glam picnic.” The walk is refreshing and welcome — especially after all the delightful meals.
This is what I’ve learned about Tagaytay and TVH, which is 83 years old.
• In the 1920s, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo often rode through Tagaytay on horseback. To him is attributed the creation of the legend of how Tagaytay got its name. According to the legend, a soldier, a foreigner, approached a boy and his father asking about the name of the place. The frightened son then shouted to his father, “Taga, Itay!” The foreigner thus thought it was the name of the place.
But the most probable origin of the name of the place is the Tagalog word, “tagaytay,” which means “ridge.”
• In early 1935, then Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon expressed interest in developing Tagaytay as a tourist destination. It was he who suggested that Manila Hotel build a lodge and golf course in the area. Because of his fascination with Tagaytay, he held Cabinet meetings on the premises of Taal Vista Lodge when it was finally built.
• In 1938, the Manila Hotel Company started construction of the Taal Vista Lodge on a six-hectare property along Tagaytay Ridge purchased from American Hammond Buck.
• During the Second World War, from 1942 to 1944, Taal Vista Lodge was converted to an officers’ quarters for the Japanese. In February 1945, the 11th Airborne Division of the US Army parachuted down onto the Tagaytay Ridge to assist in the liberation of Manila. Between 1956 and 1964, Tagaytay began to be promoted as a major tourist destination in the Philippines with Taal Vista Lodge as one of the leading attractions in the city. One of the many regular visitors to the hotel was a young man who often chose one spot on the grounds from which to gaze out and dream. He was SM founder Henry Sy, whose SM Investments Corp would later acquire Taal Vista Hotel.
• In 2002, Taal Vista Hotel was reconstructed in the style of the original lodge. In 2004, after its renovation, the hotel welcomed back its guests and visitors.
After refreshing the past from the history walk came the best of the present: A glam picnic on the ridge!
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For breakfast while at Taal Vista, I suggest an unhurried breakfast on your balcony, especially on a clear day. Just sitting there, sipping your Batangas coffee and drinking in the intoxicating view as well, is breakfast for the gods. Ed had tapa, with its secret marinade, which, to me, included a hint of herbs. I stuck to my perennial breakfast favorite, croissants, which chef Jayme’s bakers do perfectly: buttery and flaky. Then it was time to momentarily draw the curtains on the view and head back for Manila.
It is hard to unfasten one’s eyes from a riveting view. Thank God for places like Taal Vista Hotel that give a ringside vista to a thrill. And the thrill never ends.
(You may e-mail me at joanneraeramirez@yahoo.com. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.)