It was a delightful experience as if meeting with Jose and Andres over warm cups of coffee and enjoying the view of the sea.
In all honesty, we are not big on history, perhaps the least excited students during the afternoon history classes. But what interested us to pack our bags for Bataan are the epic photos of the property posted all over the internet. We made our roughly three-hour commute from Manila to Brgy. Ibaba, Bagac to see in real life the beauty that is Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. As soon as we stepped foot on this heritage resort, we already got the feeling of what we expected from our visit – a trip down memory lane where we time-travelled to the bygone Spanish colonial era.
Perhaps it was rather not fitting to use pop culture’s expressions such as SHOOKT and LIT to describe a classic setting like the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, especially during our actual visit. But nothing explains the sights of the buildings and attractions in and across the architectural project. From the sweeping staircases to the meticulous attention to details of the decorations, each piece tells the story of the Filipinos, truly offering a one-of-a-kind hotel experience.
Hotel Rooms
We opted for the Executive Suite to fit us all in but we were lucky enough to take a peek at the different accommodations of the resort upon joining the heritage tour. As with all other rooms, a full granite bathroom with separate bathtub and shower is an offering that allows guests to enjoy modern amenities while staying in a place influenced by the Spanish-Filipino culture. But perhaps the best feature the rooms offer is the different views you can choose to wake up to.
Deluxe Room
The Deluxe Room makes a humble retreat because of its size of 36 sqm equipped with one queen-sized bed. It also features one full granite bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower. Located in either the Estero de Binondo (accesoria) or Paseo de Escolta (heritage), the Deluxe Room is befitting solo travellers or couples who want intimacy in a charming, cosy space.
Large Superior
Deluxe
At 42 sqm, the Large Superior Deluxe is an upgraded version of the Deluxe Room. It has two queen beds perfect for a small family or barkada (circle of friends) of four. Here, you still get to enjoy basic hotel amenities with more space to relax in.
Studio
with Loft
The Studio Loft is an alternative to the Large Superior Deluxe for groups of four persons. Compared to the Deluxe and Large Superior Deluxe Rooms, the space here looks more majestic because of a staircase connecting to the second queen bed. You’ll surely be mesmerised by the beauty of the wood furniture and the floor design, making you feel like you are living in your own grand abode.
Family Suite
Las Casas also offers a warm welcome to relive old culture to tourist families with the Family Suite. It has two to three queen-sized beds which can accommodate up to six guests, the most fitting choice for those with children companions. Where the chandelier is already the highlight of the room, the Family Suite has plenty of windows to access a view of the plaza and the unobstructed sight of the beach front.
Executive Suite
We thought of how to best enjoy the visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. We agreed in unison that getting the most popular room of the hotel is the best way to do it! The most favoured among others, the Executive Suite has an occupancy of six adults who can enjoy three separate queen beds. It is 120 sqm in size and also has a loft. The suite should give a VIP treatment-like feeling for an overnight or a longer stay, especially with the excellent vantage point of the plaza and gazebo. It was the most unforgettable experience to retreat to a room that combines the look and feel of the Spanish and the modern era.
Private Casas
More of the glory of the heritage park is manifested through their private casas (Spanish word for houses), all of which have distinct characteristics and history of their own. Naturally, a stay in one of the private casas will add to the experience of appreciating tradition and culture. We promise ourselves to rent one on our next visit in this 18th-century Filipino settlement.
Casa Baliuag
The house, highly floral in motif, was first built in 1898 in front of the famous Baliuag Church in the province of Bulacan. History tells that the lower part of the house served as a passageway for the locals waiting for trips going to Manila, thus encouraging the house owner to set up businesses including a post office. The Casa Baliuag was acquired by the heritage park in 2007. Today, this 124 sqm casa serves as a charming accommodation for big families or groups wanting to escape the bustling city life.
Casa Binondo I
Across the Casa Baliuag at the plaza is a private house called the Casa Binondo I, which hints what was the life like during the earlier days in Binondo, a Chinese district in Manila which is one of the world's oldest Chinatowns. At 322 sqm, it can accommodate up to eight adults and has four queen beds. Perhaps the highlight of the house is the balcony on the second floor where you can enjoy a more panoramic view of the surroundings. For art enthusiasts, you’d be happy to know that this casa also features Noveau art paintings.
Casa Binondo II
A smaller house to have a more intimate stay compared to its prequel, the Casa Binondo II can accept a maximum of six guests. Not to fall short from expectations, a great view of the horizon can also be enjoyed from this 214 sqm property. Anybody who knows even a small piece of Chinese-Filipino history should be able to identify with the design of the house.
Casa Jaen II
One of the private houses that give off the aura of a history museum is Casa Jaen II. It is a two-storey building with two guest rooms on the ground floor and adjoining rooms on the second floor. The structure can accommodate a total of 10 guests, which definitely gives you a good run for your money.
Casa Meycauayan
It is refreshing a view to see a house with a pineapple motif on its ceiling as its main attraction. The Casa Meycauayan initially stood in San Fernando, Pampanga in 1913, then purchased and transferred in Bulacan in 1950, and finally to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in 2005. Today, this 316 sqm house can accept up to 10 guests with two guest rooms on the ground floor and three guest rooms on the second floor. This is ideal for huge families who want to experience a close-knit family living in the olden times.
Casa San Miguel
The house with arguably the most intricate Spanish architectural designs, Casa San Miguel is a 260 sqm time portal to the 18th century. With a dozen of queen beds, a living room, a game room and a full dining area, it is truly a luxurious accommodation for families and large groups. Maximum occupancy here is 12 guests.
Casa Bonita
Bonita may translate to ‘small’ in Spanish language but this house offers just as grand of a stay-in experience. The 46 sqm structure is a studio-like setup wherein access to the one king bed for two guests and the granite bathroom is a breeze.
Casa Terraza
The Casa Terraza is lovely a getaway for two guests. A king-sized bed, beachfront location and a sweet view of the ocean – what more can you ask for in a private room? Oh, the four-poster bed here will certainly make your stay even more dramatic and special. We recommend this casa for lovers out there!
Casa Esquina
Find solace and comfort in this 130 sqm Casa Esquina at the plaza. Arguably the most enticing about the house is its offering of a glimpse into the life of a Spanish royal couple with its kingly design of furniture and intricate details from the ceiling down to the floor. And, the bathtub is oh-so-romantic, you’d want to soak in until your hands get pruney.
Casa Lemery
Many señor and señoras lived in peace in the kind of houses like the Casa Lemery. The quality of a stay is reminiscent of those times and should be the same for four guests who can cosy up on the two separate king-sized beds. The room is completely of authentic Spanish motif, one of the many things that add up to the experience to relive history.
Casa Ladrillo
From afar, it looks like more of a mansion during the old times but the ambience is nothing but homey. The Spanish artistry and architecture are written all over Casa Ladrillo. Moreover, it can be occupied by a maximum of six guests who can enjoy not only a refreshing beach view but also an open bathtub and shower in the upper master bedroom.
Casa Byzantina
The 381 sqm “bahay na bato” represents the proliferation of three-storey-high structures in commercial downtown areas such as Binondo, and serves as a testament to the floral period for Philippine ancestral houses that flourished during the 1880s to 1930s. After the Second World War, the house was leased to various tenants, and by 2009, it became home to 50 urban poor families. It was then demolished and transferred to Bagac, Bataan. Today, it serves as a grand, dazzling accommodation where a private butler is available round the clock to attend to the guests’ needs, even to serve for an hour of cocktails.
Casa Tondo
A state of the art residence located in the plaza is the Casa Tondo, built in the 1900s. It is uniquely looking with the rather complex design of its roof which is like a canopy. This quaint casa is a spacious retreat for a maximum of six adults and boasts of a lovely view of the lush greenery around the property.
While there is already so much to learn and enjoy from the amenities and attractions at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, visitors can spend more time of their immersion to old culture by engaging in different activities around the heritage park and convention centre.
Join any of the interesting cultural excursions
The park is true to its ambition to introduce the wonder of Philippine history by offering different walking heritage and workshop tours. The reason we were able to explore the casas in the resort is the Walking Heritage Tour. Never mind the scorching heat of the sun, it was a memorable experience to take a stroll and engross in the colourful history and art of the Filipinos, especially for people like us whose enthusiasm for tradition and culture are just finding its way back to our lives.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar offers more of these kinds of adventures with a river cruise and calesa ride. Visitors can also opt for a balsa tour in the Umangol River or a visit to the park’s convention centre, the Hotel de Oriente. It is a replica of the maiden luxury hotel in the world’s oldest Chinatown, Binondo in Manila. Its lobby is rightfully the main highlight of the hotel where sculptures and crafts bearing the most intricate Spanish details can be seen. In-house workshops of woodcarvings and bricks are also available everyday for guests to enjoy.
Have your own photo op at Fotografia de la Escolta
Guests who fancy photo shoots are in for a treat with the Fotografia de la Escolta. The historic Escolta back in its heyday was dubbed as the “Queen of Streets’’ especially since becoming the commercial centre of old Manila. As modernization found its place, Fotografia de la Escolta aims to bring back the nostalgia of the Escolta attractions and sights with photo sessions where images can be printed with the signature sepia effect.
Indulge in a wide array of dining options
Delicious food is a MUST, a staple in every resort and hotel. And Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar does not disappoint with their wide array of local and international specialty restaurants. You can chow down on Filipino favourites like sisig and fresh gambas at the Cafe del Rio, or satisfy your cravings for Italian cuisine like risotto and pizza at the La Bella Teodora. Remember that the resort is fronting the West Philippine Sea so you can take advantage of the perfect view of the sunset while sipping on your choice of drink at the Beach Bar. The heritage park’s flagship restaurant is the Cafe Marivent which serves up to 180 guests with authentic Filipino-Spanish cuisines like the chicken binakol and their famous gabi ice cream.
Just this 2017, the theme resort has officially joined the prestigious Historic Hotels Worldwide, a project of U.S.’ National Trust for Historic Preservation which advocates heritage and cultural promotions by historic lodging across the globe. Las Casas is the first resort in the country to make the feat, becoming part of the elite group of old built hotels like the renaissance-style El Castillo Hotel in Argentina and the iconic Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Turkey. To be selected in the list, a lodging property must be at least 75 years old, relevant as a place of a historic event, a historic city centre and adhere to other criteria.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and its attractions have gone through dramatic development since its formal opening in 2010. The centrepieces of the heritage are the private houses, most of which were neglected properties that were transferred to the park to be restored and reassembled. The casas are named after the provinces they originated from, showcasing traditional Filipino craftsmanship through the Spanish occupation. The tour guides, who speak fluent Filipino and English, tell the unique stories of each casa during the heritage tours.
The 400-acre seaside property combines an open-air museum, heritage park and beach resort which is a first in the local hospitality scene. It is all thanks to Bataan native Jose “Jerry” Acuzar, an art collector and a construction magnate who is famous for his passion for historical architecture. He also owns and is the chairman of the board of the building firm New San Jose Builders Incorporated, the company which, together with the consultancy of Asian Grand Legacy Hotels, built the heritage resort.
Just this 2017, the theme resort has officially joined the prestigious Historic Hotels Worldwide, a project of U.S.’ National Trust for Historic Preservation which advocates heritage and cultural promotions by historic lodging across the globe. Las Casas is the first resort in the country to make the feat, becoming part of the elite group of old built hotels like the renaissance-style El Castillo Hotel in Argentina and the iconic Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Turkey. To be selected in the list, a lodging property must be at least 75 years old, relevant as a place of a historic event, a historic city centre and adhere to other criteria.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and its attractions have gone through dramatic development since its formal opening in 2010. The centrepieces of the heritage are the private houses, most of which were neglected properties that were transferred to the park to be restored and reassembled. The casas are named after the provinces they originated from, showcasing traditional Filipino craftsmanship through the Spanish occupation. The tour guides, who speak fluent Filipino and English, tell the unique stories of each casa during the heritage tours.
The 400-acre seaside property combines an open-air museum, heritage park and beach resort which is a first in the local hospitality scene. It is all thanks to Bataan native Jose “Jerry” Acuzar, an art collector and a construction magnate who is famous for his passion for historical architecture. He also owns and is the chairman of the board of the building firm New San Jose Builders Incorporated, the company which, together with the consultancy of Asian Grand Legacy Hotels, built the heritage resort.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is located Brgy. Ibaba, Bagac, Bataan. You can reach it through various transportation options. By private car, access via Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX) for a three-hour drive to Bagac and exit through San Fernando. For commutes from Manila, take provincial buses bound for Balanga City. When you reach the Bataan Transport Terminal in Balanga, take a jeepney or bus to Bagac proper. Just tell the conductor that you’re heading towards Las Casas so you will be dropped off at the corner going to the resort. At the corner of Las Casas, you may take the tricycle.
Alternatively, the resort offers shuttle services from Manila. Just give the staff a heads up about your stay dates.
As if the Las Casas is not enough to keep you occupied during your stay, you may detour to some historical excursions to maximise your exploration in the province of Bataan.
Mount Samat National Shrine
Also known as Dambana ng Kagitingan, the 1,787 ft tall cross is the world’s second tallest cross built in 1970. The steel cross stands atop Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan and is the landmark of the national shrine to commemorate the heroism of Filipino soldiers who fought and surrendered during the World War II. Also an adventure park, the historical tourist spot makes a great venue for picnic and activities like zipline.
Philippine-Japanese Friendship Tower
Bataan is one of the Philippine provinces to host the vicious battle against the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942. To symbolize the renewed friendship between the Phillippines and Japan, the Bagac Friendship Bell Tower was inaugurated in 1975. The peace monument, consisted of three pillars encircled by rings, is located at the intersection of the Gov. Linao National Road and the road to Bagac town proper.
Pawikan Sea Turtle Conservation Center
A few kilometres away from the heritage park is the Pawikan Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan. The facility is located in the nesting coasts of Bagac and Morong and was built as an effort to save highly-threatened for extinction marine turtles. The highlight of the trip is the night patrol where volunteers and tourists walk along the coast to wait for the turtles to lay their eggs. The Pawikan Festival is held in November every year.