Photos by Victoria Mortel Flores
Two weeks passed my second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, I packed my bags and headed south to Tagaytay with my sister in tow. At first I was a bit wary of the antigen test that would poke my virgin nostrils, however, days before our trip, the protocols were lowered to having vaccinated cards presented before the hotel check-in. Lucky me.
More than a year into the pandemic, my routine that kept me safe and sound had begun to feel dull as I began to grow weary of meeting the seemingly endless deadlines. So, imagine my relief when Taal Vista Hotel invited me to spend a weekend respite. The timing couldn’t have been perfect.
As soon as we arrived at the hotel lobby, we were greeted by Celine Arenillo, Cluster Marketing Communications Manager, who joined us for lunch at the Veranda for our first taste of their heirloom dishes, a must try fare when in Tagaytay, prepared by Chef Jayme Natividad.
In the words of my sister, Victoria Mortel Flores, “the Bulalo is true to the distinct Batangas beef savor, while the deep-fried Salinas is crispy and flavorful, the best alternative to Tawilis. Pinakbet is cooked just right with the freshest of ingredients, retaining its semi-sweet juices mixed with a savory sauce. Dessert comes in fashion, the classic halo-halo with shaved ice in a coconut shell is laced with coconut milk. Leche flan is topped with macapuno, not too sweet but very creamy.”
With full tummies, we needed to move about, so we gladly accepted the invitation to a history walk around the hotel premises. Marketing Communications Coordinator Sheena Maria Pelaez served as our guide, who talked confidently about Taal Volcano and how it is tied to the hotel’s own story as one of Tagaytay’s iconic destinations.
The tour was nostalgic since it brought back some childhood memory from our very first visit to Taal Vista Lodge, as it was still called back then. That brief moment stayed with us and it was endearing to be able to return to the same spot now that we are older and hopefully wiser from our life’s travel.
Our guide then took us to the hotel’s garden patch of herbs and vegetables, some of which are harvested and served fresh to guests in that garden-to-table manner they are so proud of.
Later in the afternoon we found ourselves enjoying the majestic view of the Taal lake and volcano while having a “Glam Picnic at the Lawn” treat. Under the white latticed, dome-like gazebo, we had a clear view of the Binitiang Maliit. The expansive lake view is very calming that makes you forget how powerful that small volcano can be once it starts acting up again. At a distance, it calls out to you to leave your worries and be in the moment.
The set up was lovely and refreshing thanks to the weather and the cool breeze. The clear sky and cool temperature brought the right ambiance for al fresco dining, as we said goodbye to our feeble attempt to diet in the face of two family size pizzas (Margherita and Hawaiian), a cheese and cold cut platter, and pastries. We just couldn’t resist the famed Pan de Coco from The Cakeshop, too.
As the dusk turned into a blanket of starry night, we settled ourselves at the viewing deck for some “Grill at the Ridge” and chill moments. We tried the Meat Lover Plus menu that had beef, chicken, pork skewers, sausages, Java rice, mashed potato, bread, mixed greens, salad, and soup. It was the perfect food fare while hanging out with friends and family. As we exchanged lively banter with other media guests, the fun meter turned up a notch after drinking some cocktails. Needless to say, we went to our assigned rooms fully satisfied both tummy and soul and tucked in for restful slumber.
The next morning we woke up and saw Taal Volcano puffing a white plume of smoke, interspersing with the clouds. To wake up with such a scene right from our Premier Room Lake View is such a privilege and a welcome break from my cabin fever as I switched roles from home to work.
With a stunning view of rolling hills and fog, our breakfast was served in the Covered Terrace buffet-style, complete with barriers, a sore reminder that we’re not out of the woods yet.
This was our no-plan day; content to camp inside our cozy room and enjoy its amenities. We felt very secure and safe because our room is sanitized and complete with a safety kit. It also came with boxes filled with succulents, pots, pebbles, plant care instructions, and cute scoopers, just like any guest would receive with the Plantastic Escape room package.
Our lunch came from the Taza Fresh Table menu and as Victoria would put it, “the fresh garden salad is the top grade in freshness and crispness, with a fun sprinkle of quinoa that adds a certain oat taste to the sweet-tangy dressing. The Tomahawk Pork Chop is an exciting taste of savory-sweet and tender grilled pork that you will not be able to resist. The Spinach, Mushroom, and Truffle pasta is by far my favorite with the creamy white truffle sauce that melts flavor with every spoonful. The Choco Lava cake is indulgent and heavy with chocolate taste, moist with a rich chocolate center, while the surprising Olive ice cream with Don Papa Rum-glaze is subtle with its taste, a clean sweet flavor.”
After this, we skipped the afternoon snacks and looked forward to “Dine under the Stars” fare. Unfortunately, the weather was wet with a chance of a drizzle, so dinner for two was ushered inside our room. From start to finish the meal lived up to expectations. “Starters are flavorful, salads are as expected fresh and with balance of flavors. The Calamansi Sherbert cleanses the palate enough to make you indulge some more. Steaks are perfectly seasoned done to satisfy a hefty appetite. For dessert, the Chocolate Mousse is whipped to a soft cottony bounce that melts rich chocolate in your mouth, making you want to finish the whole serving. The food experience is one for the books, a singular most gastronomic wonder,” says Victoria.
With full hearts and souls, our Tagaytay respite wound up and worked its wonders. For a couple of days, we were able to escape from our day-to-day stressors and that was just a relief! Fully recharged, we now once more dare to dream of a life beyond the pandemic.
Image courtesy of Victoria Mortel Flores
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