Just three hours away from Manila, you can see the country’s colorful past and majestic architectural pieces from the bygone era of 18th century Philippines at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.
Las Casas is the only Philippine destination that showcases the best of Filipino heritage and culture through the colorful stories as retold by Jose Acuzar’s collection of restored Spanish colonial-era houses that started in the year 2003. These heritage houses were dismantled like lego pieces and painstakingly transferred from their original locations in different parts of the country and carefully restored by the resort’s in-house skilled artisans. Nestled by the shores of Bagac, Bataan is Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar–a 400-hectare open-air museum and heritage resort that celebrates the country’s Hispanic-Filipino history.
To fully appreciate the beauty of the country’s Hispanic heritage, we highly recommend joining the immersive tour of the various centuries-old heritage houses and relics with interesting stories being foretold during the walking tour. It offers you a different perspective of these momentous structures that would pique your interest in history. Consider the story of each building as puzzle pieces, that when put together, reveals a larger picture of what the Philippines was.
While in this tour, the guest will also be greeted with an abundance of Filipino customs and traditions through performances, games, and even horse-drawn carriage rides.
Here’s a fun fact:
Did you know that Lola Basyang is originally male? “Lola Basyang” is the pen name of Severino Reyes, founder and editor of the Tagalog magazine Liwayway.
Workshop Tour
I was so amazed to learn that Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is self-sustaining. When you avail their Workshop Tour, you’ll be able to see how they make their materials used in restoring the houses, create the paintings, make the period pieces of furniture and other decors to supply the needs of their facilities.
Accomodation
Sleep like a wealthy ilustrado in one of many heritage houses available that can be rented ranging from Php 22,000 (published rates) for Casa Bonita and can go as high as Php 166,000 per night for the premier accommodation, Casa Byzantina (complete with luxurious Hermes amenities, 24/7 butler service, and free cocktails, this casa is located at the plaza and can accommodate up to 16 guests). You can also stay at the resort hotel known as “accessoria” (rooms for rent) during the Spanish era located along Estero de Binondo that can be rented ranging from Php 12,000 up. Combining elegant and traditional elements of 18th-century Philippines with modern luxury. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is definitely a bucket list destination for you and your family. One night’s stay in this hotel is sure to elevate the experience for any heritage enthusiast.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar: Estero de Binondo
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar: Casa Byzantina
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar: Casa Jaen II
I stayed at one of the rooms in Casa Jaen II. The room was super clean and very comfortable.
Resort Transportation
You can go around the resort by taking the iconic Jeepney or take the tramvia (electric train) for free. The resort also lets you rent a golf cart or a bicycle at Casa Lubao and savor the time as you digest the history and culture within the resort. Or complete the Las Casas experience by renting a kalesa to go around the property just like the good ol’ days and experience how people used to go around places.
Activities
Mirroring the rich culture of the Philippines, guests can engage in various activities such as cultural shows that depict important aspects of Filipino culture and history; revisiting your childhood with traditional Filipino games at Casa Lubao; visiting the resort’s music shop at Paseo de Escolta and brush up on those old kundiman songs; taking a dip at the resort’s batis inspired swimming pool and such. They also have many water sports activities like jet ski, wakeboarding, banana boat, and a lot more. Guests can also schedule a photoshoot with their in-house photography studio “Fotografia de Escolta” and pose as one of the illustrados using their traditional costumes.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is also a popular movie location. Among the movies filmed there were Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, General Luna, Quezon’s Game, El Presidente, Bonifacio, Felix Manalo, and Kingpin.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar: Casa Biñan
Casa Biñan was where the film Heneral Luna was filmed. If you were able to see this movie this is where General Luna was shot dead by the President’s Aguinaldo’s soldiers in the last scene of the movie.
What’s New at Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar?
Starting this August, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar brings to life iconic Filipino characters that played huge and nostalgic pieces of history through “History Land”. Travel back in time and witness the fight of our Filipino ancestors against the Spanish conquerors during the Battle of Mactan and see the glorious triumph of Lapu-Lapu and the defeat of Magellan. Be one of the Katipuneros and join them as they tear up their Cedulas in resistance of their allegiance against Spain. Witness how Jose Rizal lived his entire life to ignite change and inspire his countrymen. Take pictures with Katipuneros, Sisa, General Luna, Maria Clara, and Friars (priest), and learn a thing or two from these icons in our history.
Read More: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar breathes life to history with History Land
History Land
The Battle of Mactan Travel back in 1521 where Filipinos first fought against the Spaniards, one of the world’s most powerful at that time. Mighty Lapu Lapu, Mactan Island’s chieftain, believed in sovereignty and he ultimately defended it to the colonizers. Expect to see the death of Ferdinand Magellan and feel the nationality through our blood and veins.
Execution of Jose Rizal Philippine national hero Jose Rizal lived his entire life to ignite change and inspire his countrymen. Though he lived his life quite short, his efforts to spark revolution and compassion towards the Filipino people and the country transpired to the freedom we enjoy today. Realize the contribution of our National Hero to the society and its impacts to the future by rediscovering the past.
The Cry of Pugad Lawin The tearing of cedulas is, more often than not, overlooked as far as our history is concerned. Know the significance of this action, from what encouraged Filipinos to finally fight for their country and the future battles that occurred.
Making of Philippine Flag Learning the depth of every symbolism in our flag requires thorough understanding. Each color represents a Filipino trait, creating a momentous design, which greatly speaks the collective stories of our ancestors. In fact, the Philippine flag we have today underwent a lot of revisions and HistoryLand will give us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the making of this authentic Filipino symbol.
Fight for Philippine Independence A long and arduous battle, our forefathers’ fight for the country’s ultimate independence is a part of history we are all very eager to unravel. Experience this live and in flesh at the first ever history amusement park.
How to go to Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar
The resort can be accessed in multiple ways. How to find Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar? Refer below for detailed directions based on your preferred method of transport:
By Private Vehicles:
Bataan is accessible via the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX). There are buses running directly to Balanga town proper, which is about 125 km northwest of Manila. From Olongapo City, you may take the Victory Liner Buses. Tricycles and jeepneys are the primary modes of transport around Bataan.
Tip: Best to use navigational apps like Waze or Google Maps.
By Air:
You may go through the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga or through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals in Manila and make the necessary land transfers. Las Casas Filipinas is located 20 km away from Mt. Samat Shrine. From the Japanese Friendship Tower in Bagac, turn left and the resort is 2 km away.
By Public Vehicle:
From Pasay Rotonda along EDSA (below MRT station) – approx. PHP 300+/pax
- Take the Genesis Bus to Balanga Bus Station (trip starts at 4:00 AM; bus arrives every 30 minutes).
- From the bus station, take the jeepney going to Bagac or Morong (Bagac-bound has a limited time while Morong-bound has a longer time).
- Upon reaching Bagac, get down at the Filipino-Japanese Friendship Tower and go to the tricycle station.
- Take tricycle going to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Gate 5 entrance)
From Cubao along EDSA (below MRT station) – approx. PHP 270+/pax
- Take the Genesis Bus or Bataan Transit along EDSA Cubao to Balanga Bus Station (trip starts at 4:00 AM; bus arrives every 30 minutes).
- From the bus station, take the jeepney going to Bagac or Morong (Bagac-bound has a limited time while Morong-bound has a longer time).
- Upon reaching Bagac, get down at the Filipino-Japanese Friendship Tower and go to the tricycle station.
- Take tricycle going to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Gate 5 entrance)
By Sea: [SM Mall of Asia]
- Proceed to SM Mall of Asia (MOA) at Pasay City. The ferry going to Orion, Bataan is located at the seaside terminal.
- From Pasay City Esplanade Seaside Terminal (behind Mall of Asia and beside Vikings Luxury Buffet). Take the M/V XGC Express Ferry Boat to Capinpin port in Orion, Bataan.
- From Orion Port, ride a bus going to Mariveles and get off at Alauli. Then, ride a jeep going to Bagac or a bus going to Morong and get off at the main entrance of Las Casas. You may ride a tricycle from there or you may also get a tricycle at Filipino Japanese Friendship.
- Note: Free Shuttle bus going to Alauli.
- The regular fare ticket is P799 and senior discounts are applicable. Tickets booked online it costs P450 per way per head.
Source: https://www.lascasasfilipinas.com/location/
With the continuous pursuit of empowering Filipino heritage, Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar will give guests the necessary wave of nostalgia that encourages them to appreciate Filipino culture through an immersive experience.
Witness as history unfolds once again at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar’s History Land.
Maligayang paglalakbay sa Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar! 🙂
Contact Details
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Barrio Pag-asa, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
Contact Numbers: (02) 833.3333 loc 141-42 and 145
Mobile No.: 0917.872.9361
Email: reserve@lascasasfilipinas.com
