I've always had a soft spot for heritage sites. There's something so special about being surrounded by structures built in bygone eras; it gives me a nostalgic feeling and a deeper understanding of our journey to the present.
Living abroad for quite some time, I’m always eager to discover new tourist spots or developments to visit when I return home in Philippines. Plus, with my American husband, it’s a wonderful way to showcase my heritage. We found ourselves torn between the allure of a beachfront resort and the charm of a historical heritage site.
One development that truly caught my eye, is Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. As an architect, I find such projects inherently fascinating. It also resonates deeply with me because the concept mirrors the thesis project I worked on in college with my thesis partner. What makes Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar particularly special is its stunning location. Located in Bagac, Bataan, graced by the West Philippine Sea to the west and embraced by the serene Umangol and Limutan rivers.
The Journey and Arrival
Coming from Manila, we stopped at Mount Samat before our 2 PM check-in. Mount Samat is home to the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor), built to honor the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. The shrine features a towering memorial cross and an underground museum.
Then it's time to check in. Vehicles aren't allowed inside Las Casas, so we parked outside and were welcomed by the guards dressed in "Guwardiya Sibil" costume and refreshing drinks at Casa New Manila. We were lucky to be upgraded to Casa Irosin, a villa with a pool. A Philippine Jeepney took us to our villa.
The Vision Behind Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Before I take you to our experience, let us discuss a brief background about the resort. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the brainchild of José "Jerry" Acuzar, who is passionate about preserving Filipino heritage. His mission is to save old, decaying Spanish-Filipino houses from being destroyed and restore them to their former glory. Today, the resort is a wonderful place where history comes alive for everyone to enjoy.
A Walk Through History
Spanning over 400 hectares, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar features more than 60 heritage houses and structures. Each building has its own unique story, coming from different parts of the Philippines, and they are arranged to recreate a typical Spanish-Filipino colonial village.
The Iconic Philippine Jeepney
So, we took the jeepney towards our villa. The Philippine Jeepney is a symbol of Filipino ingenuity and culture. Originally made from surplus military jeeps left by the Americans after World War II, these vehicles are transformed into colorful, uniquely decorated public transport. Known for their crowded seating and vibrant decorations, jeepneys are a common sight in the Philippines, showcasing Filipino creativity.
Casa Irosin
The upgrade took us to Casa Irosin, it is one of the premium villas. It's a lovely bahay na bato, the only one saved in its neighborhood during World War II. The villa features a wide living room and four bedrooms (both floors), accommodating up to 12 guests. A pool overlooks the lake, and the villa has beautiful Spanish balustrades, Capiz windows, and murals depicting Bicol’s Mayon Volcano. The spacious bathroom includes two bathtubs, and the elegant interiors with intricate moldings add to the house's grandeur.
Other Notable Villas & key Highlights
The resort offers a variety of villas & structures, each with its own story and charm. Here are a few:
Casa Lubao: This charming house from Lubao, Pampanga, is a perfect example of the traditional bahay na bato, with its stone lower floor and wooden upper floor.
Casa Candaba: Known for its beautiful woodwork and grand staircase, this house from Candaba, Pampanga, is a true architectural gem.
Casa Biñan: The childhood home of Teodora Alonso, the mother of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, adds a touch of historical significance.
Hotel de Oriente: A replica of the first luxury hotel in the Philippines, offering guests a luxurious feel in a historical setting.
Paseo de Escolta: Modeled after a famous street in Manila, this area features commercial buildings that provide a glimpse into the bustling trade and commerce of the past.
Casa Maranao: Not all houses are Spanish-influenced. Casa Maranao reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Maranao people from Mindanao, featuring the torogan, a traditional house for Maranao royalty known for its ornate carvings.
Church Replica: A replica of St. Joseph Cathedral from Balanga, Bataan.
Cultural Immersion and Activities
Beyond its stunning architecture, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar offers a variety of activities that immerse visitors in Filipino culture and history:
Heritage Tours: Guided tours provide fascinating stories and historical context for each house and structure.
Workshops and Demonstrations: Traditional crafts like pottery, woodcarving, and weaving are showcased, and visitors can even participate.
Cultural Performances: Folk dances, music, and theatrical performances bring the vibrant Filipino culture to life.
Filipino games and activities, we witnessed Palayok and Sabong which is a traditional cockfight, deeply rooted in Filipino culture.
Dining at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
One of the many delights of staying at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the variety of dining options available within the resort. We had a wonderful dinner at La Bella, a cozy Italian restaurant offering a delicious array of pasta, pizza, and other Italian classics. For those craving Filipino flavors, there are several fantastic choices: Kusina ni Nanay Maria serves traditional Filipino dishes, La Parilla offers grilled specialties, and Pica Pica provides a delightful selection of Filipino street food.
For a more relaxed dining experience, the resort features a tapas bar called Café Del Rio, where you can enjoy small plates and refreshing drinks, and a Beach Bar named Dapitan Bar, perfect for enjoying cocktails by the sea.
Included in our overnight stay was a sumptuous buffet breakfast, featuring an array of Filipino breakfast cuisine. We indulged in comforting arroz caldo(rice congee), flavorful pansit (stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables), sweet champorado (chocolate rice porridge), savory chicken adobo (chicken marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic), and many more delicious options.
Each meal was a celebration of Filipino culinary heritage, adding another layer of enjoyment to our stay at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.
Heritage Tour
The free heritage tour starts at Casa Biñan, where the guided explained the vision of José Acuzar and the restoration process. The tour showcases various architectural styles and features like Capiz windows, ventanillas, almarios (cabinets), banggeras (kitchen shelves), and calados (wooden lace-like carvings).
The tour also highlights areas for servants, known as alipin sagigilid (servants restricted to narrow corridors) and alipin namamahay (higher-ranking servants with more freedom and property).
Sustainable Development
Walking around Plaza Mayor de Tobias, I was reminded of New Urbanism principles, a topic in my thesis. Las Casas embodies these principles:
- Walkability: Everything is within a short distance, promoting a pedestrian-friendly environment.
- Mixed-Use & Diversity: The resort integrates residential villas, commercial spaces, and public amenities.
- Quality Urban Design: Beautifully preserved heritage houses and landscaped public spaces.
- Mixed Housing: Various accommodations cater to different preferences and budgets.
- Traditional Neighborhood Structure: A clear center with a plaza and surrounding structures.
- Sustainability: Preserving and restoring heritage houses promotes sustainable development.
- Quality of Life: Beautiful surroundings, cultural activities, and modern amenities.
- Public Spaces: Numerous public spaces foster community interaction.
- Transportation Choices: Alternative transportation options like jeepneys and walking paths, kalesa ride and a small train.
- Increased Density: A compact layout creates a vibrant community.
- Connectivity: Well-connected pathways and transportation options ensure easy movement.
- Human Scale: Buildings and spaces are comfortable and accessible for pedestrians.
- Smart Growth: Focusing on sustainability, cultural preservation, and community building.
- Green Building: Traditional building techniques are environmentally friendly.
- Participatory Planning: Collaboration with historians, architects, and the community.
Unmatched Charm
Two days were not enough to experience all the activities and offerings at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. This development is a wonderful showcase of Filipino heritage and provides insight into the Spanish colonization period. It’s more than just a resort; it’s a living museum blending history, culture, and modern comforts.
As José "Jerry" Acuzar, the owner of Las Casas, said, "There is impact and love when they put them together, it gets beautiful if being taken care of, but it gets ugly when being neglected. Every house has its own feelings and characters, there is money in trash, in protecting our surroundings and environment."
We made the right choice. Rather than just visiting a beach resort, we explored our rich heritage while enjoying a beautiful beach setting.
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