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A Little Backgrounder: Historic Vista Hermosa
On this historic site atop the first Carmen Hill crest.
It was in the mid-60's. And the place was as pristine and untouched as an unutilized place could get. It was owned by a first cousin, Engr. Edgardo N. Marfori. Truant kids around the area would wander thereabouts picking up wild fruits like guavas during idle and hot summer days. As forgettable a place as any during those idyllic days of the city. But one redeeming factor was the spectacular view of the city on its crest. The old poblacion shone in great light and glory from that vantage point. None like it in the city.
But the Christmas holidays were approaching, days when the lazy city would get festive and lively. Organizations woke up from slumber and started preparations for the coming holidays.
I was president of the Commerce fraternity and Ms. Rose Chan was president of the sorority of XU. Bro. Paulino Santos was adviser. We wanted some thing novel and startling for our festivities, especially for the dance and program as culmination for the celebrations. Good idea. But where? So it could be really novel and a first.
That lonely undeveloped hilltop came to our collective minds. Once decided we realized the monumental task involved. At least monumental during that time. There was no road going to the top, though we knew a jeep could negotiate it with 4-wheel drive if necessary. No electricity. No structure of any kind. It was literally in the jungle!
Getting my cousin to say yes for the use of the place was no problem. Bro. Santos was a close friend of wife Nang Lili. But the other issues were challenging to say the least.
But somehow all sticky challenges were met and overtaken. Bro Santos with the help of school resources was able to bring a generator for our lights, and many wooden pallets as dance floor and stage. Prior trips to the top with jeeps and trucks established the paths for vehicles on their ascent.
And our members had a most memorable time during that happy festive night. It was a First, indeed.
Inspired no doubt by our very positive feedbacks, It was not long afterward that my cousin broached his idea of creating a hotel on this historic hilltop. The first of its kind! It became Vista Hermosa Hotel.
And no doubt, the view was beautiful! But It had since then been converted into the Pryce Plaza Hotel which has to his day been shuttered.
