There are only two contenders each in the mayoral and vice mayoral race in Tagaytay City, a third-class city in Cavite, which is one of the country’s premier tourist destinations.

It will be a virtual race between the Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) and Nacionalista Party (NP) as most of the candidates running for the city’s top positions are from the two political groups.

Lawyer Winston M. Gaffud, newly-designated Tagaytay-Commission on Elections (Comelec) officer, said the candidates for the top local executive position are incumbent Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino of Lakas-Kampi-CMD) and Arnel “GM” Taruc of NP.

The contenders for the vice mayoral slot are incumbent Vice Mayor Celso P. de Castro, running mate of Tolentino and Ronald C. Tan, Taruc’s partner.

Tolentino is seeking reelection for third term and De Castro for second term.

Taruc will try his mettle and luck in the mayoral race for the first time and so with Tan in the vice mayoral slot.

The office of Gaffud said that Tagaytay has 37,650 registered voters as of last November. The city has 32 barangays and a population of 61,623, based on a 2007 census report. Tagaytay City is a popular summer tourist destination because of its sceneries and cool climate. The city lies on top of a ridge which, at 640 meters (2,100 feet) above sea level, is the highest point in Cavite.

The ridge provides a panoramic view of the Taal volcano and lake in Batangas and climate that is ideal for sports, picnics, conferences, honeymoons, country homes, and spiritual retreats. Its tranquility and cleanliness have made the city famous among local and foreign tourists.

Lawyer Juanito V. Ravanzo Jr., Provincial Comelec officer, said the elections in Tagaytay are expected to be peaceful and orderly just like in the past. “Tagaytay has been peaceful and orderly every election period,” said Ravanzo. Ravanzo, 57, has been the provincial Comelec supervisor since 1995.