Bataan: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

There are only a handful of places which show an appreciation for the richness of Filipino history and culture. In Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (or Filipino House of Acuzar), Filipino culture is not only showcased, but celebrated in every way possible from the grand and meticulously decorated Filipino houses of the olden times to its vast cobble stone streets.

 

Each of the twelve Filipino houses in Las Casas were painstakenly reconstructed from old houses of prestigious families. Materials from these houses were transported to Bataan and everything was rebuilt from the ground up. Pictured below is Casa Jaen, which was the first residence of the Mayor of Jaen.

 

Las Casas is not only a museum for historic houses, but also a heritage resort. There are restaurants which people can eat Filipino food (but of course) and some the houses are open for reservations for people to stay in. These houses are equipped with modern day amenities such as hot and cold shower and bath, flat screen TVs, mini-fridge and air-conditioning. It was a good thing  we did not have to use bathroom facilities of the olden times as well. ;)  

 

Pictured below is a table from Cafe Marivent, one of the restaurants in Las Casas. Along with our overnight stay, we were also entitled to a free breakfast with this restaurant which serves Spanish and Filipino cuisine. Food was very good, my only complaint would be it took awhile for our orders to be served.

 Couldn't get enough of these cute rustic serving dishes and cups, they compliment the overall ambiance of the place. 

 

Aside from the houses, bronze statues and fountains have also been put up all throughout the compound. The statues are quite reminiscent countries in Europe which have bronze statues scattered across the city as decor. Below is a majestic fountain of three girls drawing water, this fountain is found at the heart of Las Casas and is a focal point in its grandeur and workmanship.

 

Details are were not overlooked as seen in the cement walls which have also been decorated with symbols of Philippine culture.

 

 

Quaint bronze statues of children playing in the plaza.

 Can you do this backbend without falling over? ;)

 

 Case Mexico used to be place which housed boutiques and transients during the early 1900's. Now it is a place to stay for guests of Las Casas. One suite has three floors and can easily fit 5-7 people.

Casa Mexico at night, spectacular isn't it? Las Casas at night takes on a very relaxed vibe with the lamp lights along the streets turned, the cool ocean breeze and the sound of cicadas. It is indeed a sweet escape from the bustle of the city and a reminder of older, simpler times.

  

At night, guests can gather in the plaza to eat dinner and be entertained by singers singing Filipino folk songs such as Bahay Kubo and Paru-parong Bukid. There also also dancers who showed their skill at folk dances such as the Tinikling and Pandango sa Ilaw.

 

 

 

The pool overlooking the beach. Beside the pool are cabanas where one can have a relaxing massage or enjoy some drinks.

  

I still prefer lazing around at the beach rather than the pool though. Nothing like sun, sea and the sound of waves crashing beneath your feet. The beach is outside the Las Casas Filipinas compound, but requires only a 15 minute walk getting there.

  

In a time where there is an abundance of modern resorts with contemporary decor, Las Casas de Acuzar looks to the past and offers a unique experience that both rich and meaningful. 

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Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar
Bo Pag-asa, Bagac, Bataan
 

Manila Sales Office:
Mezzanine Floor Victoria Towers
Timog Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

Las Casas Sales & Reservations Office:
Telephone Nos.: (+63 2) 332.5338, (+632) 335.3032
Fax No.: (+63 2) 332.5286

For reservations please email:
reserve@lascasasfilipinas