Dubbed as “Timeless Christmas,” Taal Vista Hotel kicks off a joyous occasion with the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony held last week.
The ceremony was led by Elizabeth Sy, President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC); Peggy Angeles, EVP of SMHCC, and Ramon Makilan, General Manager of Taal Vista Hotel.
A ceremonial gift-giving for the children of Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary, beneficiaries of the celebration, followed immediately after.
“On our 85th anniversary, we are grateful to have been part of everyone’s lives, big or small, and we are thankful for always making us your home,” Makilan said.
As a cultural landmark in the heart of Tagaytay, Taal Vista Hotel remains committed to elevating its service and adapt to the changing needs of guests, all while preserving the warmth and friendliness of its staff.
Prior to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Taal Vista Hotel relaunched it’s A Walk Through Time exhibit through a short program and guided tour.
This exhibit, which was first launched in 2022, immerses guests in an educational journey to gain deeper appreciation of the history of the hotel, Tagaytay, and the Taal Volcano over the past 85 years.
A curated six-coure wine pairing dinner capped the occasion.
The collaborative expertise of Chef Leah Magallanes, VP for Quality and Sustainability of SM Hotels & Conventions Corp., Executive Chef Jayme Natividad, and renowned chocolatier and pastry chef, Chef Ely Salar, and Treena Tecson created a menu which was inspired by the milestones of Filipino history.
Some of these dishes include Homemade Chocolate Ravioli, Paella Marisco Soccarat, Kitayama striploin with trio of Tagaytay mushrooms, and Chocolate Eruption featuring 60 percent Aton cacao dark chocolate. Each course is paired with Italian wines from Wine Hub.
Guests were then treated to a musical showcase with timeless classics of the 1930s – the decade where Taal Vista Hotel, which was first named Taal Vista Lodge opened to the public.
Performances from television, musical theater singer and actress Kayla Rivera, television, film, and musical theater actor and singer Vien King, one of the country’s leading saxophone artists Josh Espinosa, and young and talented pianist Kim Dominik Sarmiento brought nostalgia to the grand ballroom with their musical revue called “As Time Goes By.”
The ballrooms were elegantly adorned with Christmas lights and fresh flower centerpieces by Julius Villamante of Amante Fleurs, while Artuz provided professional lights and sounds for the event.
