As part of our office's annual retreat and Christmas celebration, we were treated to a day tour in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan. Visiting the place seems surreal, let me tell you. It helps you visualize what the Philippines looked like in the past.
The place is home to Jose Acuzar's collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses. It was recognized as part of Historic Hotels Worldwide and awarded as Asia's most excellent destination in 2017.
What the past looks like
After checking in for day tour registration, we were ushered to the waiting area where we were given "gulaman" as a welcome drink. The waiting area resembles Dr. Jose Rizal's abode in Calamba, Laguna.
Then we entered a very spacious ancestral house and noticed how well-ventilated their homes are. The windows are very wide, adorned with capiz mostly, and welcomes the fresh breeze throughout the day. Since air conditioners were not yet a thing back then, ancestral homes have a lot of spaces for air to flow freely.
Even the comfort rooms can double as a bedroom because of space!
The Philippines during the Spanish era is a time when the caste system is prevalent. Ancient homes have narrow provisions in the perimeters of every room for the "aliping saguiguilid" or lower-caste slaves to walk into. These slaves were not allowed to roam around the house, thus the narrow provision given to them. Imagine a rat walking in the walls and corners. "Aliping namamahay" is the higher-caste equivalent. They were allowed to roam around the house to do their errands.
We were also introduced to antique tools our ancestors used during their time. There were old typewriters, old telephones, old speakers, sewing machines, and what amazed me most is their old way of ironing clothes using their feet! Even their traveling bags made from weaved straw is awesome.
The old version of CCTV, as our tour guide said, is boring a hole in the ceiling/floor above the main door and peeking through it. If the visitor is unwelcome or poses a threat, our ancestors will just throw in water through that hole to shoo away the visitor. Pretty neat, right?
Other sights to behold
The place is too picturesque, too instagrammable if I may say. My favorite spot is La Casa dela Fotografia. Though I am not into selfies, I did not let the opportunity pass without me taking one.
There was also a replica of a tram or a mini train that runs on the road. In other countries, trams are still a thing, unfortunately in the Philippines, it is just a memory of the past. Good thing, Las Casas offers a trip down memory lane, especially for the younger generations.
The place has been featured in many movies, TV programs, and magazines. If you have watched the Heneral Luna, his iconic death scene was shot in one of the spots in the area.
Las Casas also offers the following:
Private Hotel Rooms – private hotel rooms with 18th Century ambiance but with all the comforts of modern living.
Private Casas – you may experience a staycation in their private casas and get to know the heritage houses.
Restaurants – There are 3 restaurants in Las Casas, offering authentic Filipino, Spanish and Italian cuisines.
Other Tour Options - aside from the Heritage Tour, they also have River Tour, Hotel de Oriente Tour and Art Tour
Museums - some heritage houses showcases antique items for visitors to appreciate
Spa and Swimming Pool – I have seen Napia Spa and the swimming pool for relaxation.
Beach – Of course, the beach where you can enjoy the sun and the sand. Too bad we weren't able to swim while we were there.
Souvenir Shop – Bring home memories with you through souvenirs.
Professional Photo Shoot – I have seen numerous photoshoot sessions in the vicinity, perfect for Filipino-inspired pre-nuptial shoots.
Heritage Tour – Every hour, there is a heritage tour for the tourists to appreciate Las Casas more and experience the heritage houses up close.
Calesa Ride - Top your heritage tour with a calesa ride, of course with a uniformed cuchero!
Should you wish to visit the place, you may reach them through their official site at https://www.lascasasfilipinas.com/.
Hi, I am Marts! I am a writer, and aside from my stint here in read.cash, I also have my own blog - martsvalenzuela.com. I appreciate it if you pay me a visit! I plan on growing my readership as I learn to improve my craft and journey towards my passion to write and publish books that add value to people.
Let's rock!
