It's another trip to North! Before we finally headed to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, we first stopped by at Bataan Tourism Center to get some information and know more of the tourists spot. It was my first time to see Bataan and the only thing I knew about the place concerns with the death march and the monument that the late President Marcos built to honor the heroes of the battle. We want to maximize the travel and made a quick visit to Mt. Samat, Dunsulan Falls and Pawikan Conservation Center. The Mendiola Family is really so awesome and that I consider every travel with them an amazing and memorable trip. Thanks to Joy who prepared the itinerary for the day and to her husband John who pushed the travel all the way to Pawikan.
Behold Bataan! That welcomes us at the Tourism Center. Unfortunately, the office was still closed when we dropped by at around 7:45am. The Communication Rescue and Security Division inside the Tourism compound however operates 24/7 and gave us a brochure of "It's more fun in Bataan."
After a quick glimpse to some tourist spots, we went straight to our final destination, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. I already had enough information from the internet about the heritage place but I was still very much surprised when I stepped my foot inside Las Casas. I felt like I traveled back in Spanish Era. Staff and the workers wear traditional clothes including the guards who also act like Guardia Civil. We were welcomed with Filipino drink, a very Pinoy
sago gulaman.
This heritage view welcomed us. It's like walking back to 19th century. It was not quite long ago when I watched on TV about the old house in Binan. Now I knew where that house went. Anyways, I will leave and end the story and controversy here. These heritage houses were transported into this village and restored. The owner's intention and passion to preserve and rebuild old houses now produce a heritage resort but the history and design remain.
Don't be deceived with this old door for behind this is a wonderful sight. It has all the amenities of a five star hotel. I could compare the furniture and design to a world class hotel in Manila with modern facilities.
One of the rooms of the Casas
There is also a
kalesa that will tour you around for a minimum of P50 per person.
The Calesa Ride
Souvenir items and hats are also available at the store.
Quick pose at
La Panaderia. You can buy your refreshment,
pasalubong and light snack in this area.
If you love old houses and history, then visit the place and walk back to old times.
Accommodation:
We stayed in one of the rooms of Paseo de Escolta with a loft. It's a big room with a comfortable couch. It's a combination of old and new. The house has old furniture but with modern amenities such as LCD, telephone, ref and spacious bath room with shower and bath tub.
It was quite big enough for us. There's no wifi inside the room but you can proceed to reception area should you need to connect to the online world.
The view from the window to our rented room looks like this. The place is very picturesque. There is no angle that you need to find to have a good shot. Amazing!
My children weren't really prepared to go on swimming that day. They told me they're not gonna swim but when they saw the pool, they quickly changed their mind.
The beach was not ideal to swim that day because of the windy weather that creates big waves. The lifeguard on duty told us to just stay in a shallow area. It wasn't safe anymore to swim so we headed back to the pool.
The spring inspired pool will give you a soothing and refreshing feeling.
Here's more of the photo at the pool. I find it very peaceful with the sky that's about to turn gray at 6pm.
If you walk towards this view, you'll reach an open sea with equally beautiful sight. If you are a romantic person and just want to have quiet time, then this place is for you to relax with only the sound of the waves to hear.
Sunset view at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
It was a beautiful sky although the sun hardly appears. The gold and gray color seemed to blend perfectly that gave us a very beautiful sunset.
We went there on Monday while the rest of the world and travelers are busy for the work week. We almost own the heritage village, ours for the meantime.
Las Casas de Filipinas de Acuzar by night
Paseo de Escolta
We stayed in one of the rooms here at Paseo de Escolta. Another amazing view at night.
Breath taking view in the morning
Cafe Marivent
We choose to stay near the window facing the sea during our breakfast at Cafe Marivent and captured this beautiful morning sight. How lovely!
After breakfast, we headed towards the pool before our guided tour started. I could smell the sea and hear the waves from this pool.
The Heritage Tour
We're supposed to have an 8:30am tour but we woke up very late to catch up and ended up to 11:30am schedule. It was really hot for that activity. The hats given to us served as a shade walking from one house to another.. We could have enjoyed a lot more if the tour's done earlier or late afternoon.
Our friendly tour guide brought us back to the 19th century through her scripted stories. I remember only a few of them because I was half focused, hearing old stories of the past and taking photos. We were asked to leave our slippers and shoes to some of the houses to give respect to the original owner. Some of them were used for location shooting of movies like Zorro, Asiong Salonga, Jose Rizal and more.
See more photos below.
The Bridge
Amazing sight everywhere!
Old House. Rich History.
Undergoing construction of a new church. I don't how much it would cost to have a wedding here once done. If you want a set up like that of Spanish era, then start planning now for that theme wedding.
Can you guess what this is?
Among the stories that have been told to us by our tour guide, this, I clearly remembered. This is the room where Jose Rizal's grandmother was detained and at the same house, Rizal's grandma asked some help from the guard by throwing secretly a letter right outside the window.
The gazebo where the ladies spent their siesta time, catching up with their talks during those era, There seemed to be no shortage of time, no pressures to think about, but just wait for the sunset to fall.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar made us feel were actually living in the old times. In 24 hours of stay, we were able to discover more of the history and the way of life back in the 18th to 19th century. There are currently 27 architectures in the heritage village. You may want to know the stories behind each of the houses, day tour is welcome but I suggest to stay overnight to enjoy more of the heritage resort. All the staff we've met were all polite with ready smiles and greetings like
"Magandang Umaga, Gabi po."
A quick pose before leaving Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar with our tour guide Joyce. How come we're not wearing themed shirts here? We're Pinoys inside our sleeves anyway. :)
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Bo. Pagasa, Bagac, Bataan.
Manila Sales Office:
Mezzanine Floor Victoria Towers
Timog Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines
Website:
http://www.lascasasfilipinas.com/
