Christmas tree before the ceremony

Christmas is one of the best times at Taal Vista Hotel. Last November 19, the hotel celebrated the beginning of the Holiday season with their annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. The event was attended by approximately 150 guests from media, corporate partners and clients, regular guests and affiliates of SMHCC.

SMHCC SVP for Finance Angelo Calma and wife, Taal Vista Hotel Manager Rorie Ylagan, SMHCC VP for Marketing Neil Rumbaoa

Atasaka and DLSU D Chorale

GM James Bevans with clients

Neil Rumbaoa, Mrs. Calma, SMHCC VP for HR Merce Santos, Wilma Estaura, Mr. Calma

Guests were treated to cocktails at the newly renovated Veranda restaurant patio which showcased the linear fireplace and the majestic views of the Taal lake and volcano. The enormous Christmas tree was lit up by Ms. Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. and Mr. James Bevans, General Manager of Taal Vista Hotel. Children from the Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary received an advance Yuletide treat from the hotel. The celebration was highlighted with musical performances by Ataska Mercado and the DLSU Dasmariñas Chorale under the direction of Maestro Vell Luis Litan.

Czech guests showing off their Pasalubong giveaways

Internationally acclaimed artist Ramon Orlina (third from left) with visiting friends from Czech Republic headed by Czech glass artist Jirí Pacinek (rightmost)

SMHCC EVP Peggy Angeles, Taal Vista GM James Bevans and children from the Augustinian Sisters Servants of Jesus and Mary

Towards the end of the program, the hotel spread the Christmas cheer by distributing best-selling items from the hotel’s Pasalubong gift collection. It was a simple yet meaningful gesture to show appreciation to valued guests and patrons for 77 years and counting.