Away from Manila’s capricious hustle and bustle, Taal Vista Hotel evokes a soothing sense of being enveloped by tradition and something palpably festive in the air. I can’t help but feel as though my time here will be special.
Recently, I was lucky enough to join members of the media in Taal Vista Hotel’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a Night of Music and Wine to welcome the festive season. The annual celebration held the theme “A Season of Lights.”
Despite the sudden, heavy downpour, warm smiles from the hotel staff instantly dispelled the nippy atmosphere. We were ushered into the dining tables of Café Veranda and treated to a variety of local dishes and international food items. Being a vegetarian posed no issue; I had a lot of options to choose from. I particularly enjoyed their house blend Crazy Basil drink.
The skies cleared after lunch, so we took the opportunity to explore.
The Ridge overlooking the Taal lake and volcano form a breathtaking setting. Lush greens make it an ideal place to connect with pristine nature and a perfect backdrop for taking holiday shots! A popular destination among nature lovers, the incredible panoramic view is one of the reasons why it’s worth visiting. Sweet, enticing aroma of bibingka and puto bumbong at the veranda patio transported me to a Christmas nostalgia like no other.
The celebration officially commenced with Welcome Cocktails at the Main Lobby.
Regional Director OIC Marites Castro of Department of Tourism IV-A, graced the event and led the Christmas tree lighting ceremony together with Elizabeth Sy, President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, and Ramon Makilan, General Manager of Taal Vista Hotel. The tree lighting showcased a handcrafted Christmas tree uniquely produced for Taal Vista Hotel by skilled Pampanga artisans.
There was a heart-warming touch of philanthropy through a formal gift giving ceremony for the children of Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary, the beneficiaries of the celebration.
Guests were treated to a superb five-course dinner paired with exquisite wines from Don Revy. The menu was ingeniously put together by the culinary team led by Executive Jayme Natividad.
The menu includes amuse-bouche, a Trio of Tagaytay mushroom crepes with parmigiano cream with caviar paired with Hahn Estate Chardonnay 2020,USA; Cinnamon-roasted squash with arugula, romaine, and barley salad with citrus vinaigrette partnered with Hahn Estate Chardonnay 2020, USA; Ginger, chamomile, and mint sorbet; deuxieme entrée, a fillet of beef roulade sous vide, gratin potatoes, sauce au poivre matched with Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz 2018, Australia; and Panna cotta with Don Papa rum and pineapple-mango compote paired with La Gioiosa Moscato NV, Italy.
The vegetarian version was an indulgence of mouth-watering starter and intermediate courses, consisting amuse-bouche, a Trio of Tagaytay mushroom crepes with cashew-parmigiano cream paired with Hahn Estate Chardonnay 2020,USA; Cinnamon-roasted squash with arugula, romaine, and barley salad with citrus vinaigrette together with Hahn Estate Chardonnay 2020, USA; Roasted cauliflower soup; Ginger, chamomile, and mint sorbet; followed by deuxieme entrée, a vegetable lasagna Ratatouille, homemade gluten free pasta with Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz 2018, Australia; and fresh sliced fruits for dessert paired with La Gioiosa Moscato NV, Italy.
Among the highlights of the event were Christmas favorite renditions performed by the DLSU—Dasmariñas Chorale under the direction of John Angelo Diamos; performance by vocal powerhouses, Bianca Lopez-Aguila and Keiko Cressida Cayanga of The Nightingales. Exceptional solo pianist Jon Joe Ayala Mercado’s beautiful tunes set a welcoming tone for conversation and eating.
Peggy Angeles, President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, Maritess Castro, Regional Director OIC of the Department of Tourism IV-A and Jojo Vega, President and Managing Director of Don Revy Philippines were keynote speakers.
“Taal Vista is akin to a beacon of light that sits atop the hills of Tagaytay, watching over the community that it has served with gracious hospitality, “said Ms. Angeles.
With their spectacular view, festive air, cheerful lights, excellent food, comfortable accommodation and holiday activities, there’s no better place to enjoy the season than with Taal Vista Hotel.