lucky horse Taal Vista: 85-yr legacy of Tagaytay hospitality

PREWAR ICON Taal Vista Hotel, which opened in 1939, offers a stunning view of Taal Volcano —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

For many of its employees, the iconic Taal Vista Hotel— which marks its 85th anniversary this year—is more than just a workplace; it is a source of life-changing opportunity.

Joel Tubig, a pool attendant, recalls how his life was transformed after he had been awarded a technical-vocational scholarship by SM Foundation, which allowed him to gain new skills and build a career at Taal Vista.

From doing construction work and driving tricycles, he secured a stable career as attendant at the hotel, which offers picturesque views of Taal Volcano.

“Taal Vista is not just a hotel, it’s part of my family’s journey. Thanks to the scholarship and a steady job, I’ve been able to send my children to private school, buy a car, and even invest in property,” says Tubig. “Without the opportunities here, I honestly don’t know where I’d be today.”

Jeric Tenorio, a room attendant who celebrated his 13th year at the hotel, was likewise a graduate of SM Foundation. He started as an on-the-job trainee and worked his way up within the organization.

“Taal Vista invests in its people. I was able to pursue my degree while working, and the training I received here gave me the confidence to grow both professionally and personally,” says Tenorio, who now mentors new employees.

As one of the largest employers in Tagaytay, Taal Vista Hotel employs a significant number of locals, with 79 percent of its staff coming from nearby communities. This focus on local employment has had a profound impact on the community, helping residents secure steady incomes, support their families and improve their quality of life.

Taal Vista’s impact extends beyond its employees. The hotel is deeply committed to supporting local businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises. Through its Green Procurement Program, Taal Vista partners with 255 local suppliers, sourcing everything from food and beverages to goods and services, ensuring that the economic benefits of the hotel’s operations are felt throughout the community.

The hotel also collaborates with local artisans to promote sustainable, community-based practices. In partnership with local designer Zarah Juan and Bahay Kalingap Casa de Suenos, Taal Vista launched Tela Tales, a project that repurposes old hotel linens into eco-friendly bags, providing work for local volunteers, mostly women, while helping to reduce waste. The hotel also promotes farm-to-table practices by sourcing fresh, organic produce directly from its own vegetable garden.

“Taal Vista’s commitment to sustainability and local businesses helps boost the local economy and promote a more environmentally conscious way of doing business,” says Ramon Makilan, general manager at Taal Vista. “By supporting local suppliers, we’re not just building relationships—we’re building a stronger, more resilient community.”

Taal Vista Hotel’s legacy is grounded in its dedication to giving back to the community and ensuring that its operations benefit all stakeholders. From empowering employees through career opportunities and scholarships to supporting local suppliers and promoting sustainable practices, the impact of the hotel is felt throughout Tagaytay and beyond.

As Makilan reflects on the hotel’s 85-year journey, he emphasizes the importance of continuing to invest in the community and its people. “Our commitment to providing career opportunities, supporting sustainable practices, and giving back to the community is unwavering,” he says. “We look forward to many more years of service, creating lasting positive change for generations to come.”

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Taal Vista Hotel’s 85-year legacy is seen standing as a testament to the power of community-centered business practiceslucky horse, proving that true success is measured not just by the quality of service but by the positive impact made on the lives of employees, suppliers and the local community. —Contributed INQ

• Legacy
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• Taal
• Vista
• 85-yr