Imagine a place that is so beautiful you will feel awestruck from sunup to sundown. Add to that some activities and attractions that make it so special and you have Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan β about 2.5 hours of drive away from Manila.
My friends and I planned to go to this place a few months back. In exchange of PHp 1000 per person c/o Deal Grocer, we had earned a meritorious experience exploring this heritage resort and staying at its executive suite for 2D1N (November 22-23, 2013). The deal included breakfast, usage of the swimming pool and the beach area, and the one-hour heritage walking tour.
Top 10 Things We Did in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Bagac, Bataan)
1. Heritage Historical Tour
Once we arrived at 9:30AM, the front-desk receptionist dressed in colonial garb gave us a map and a quick overview of the places we can visit and facilities we can use inside Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. We were given welcome drinks and vouchers for breakfast the next morning.
The one-hour walking historical tour by Dexter Manansala started right after the briefing. We learned many untold histories from this guy beaming with character. For those who plan to visit this place for a day tour, I advise you to wear slippers or slip-ons (with socks for hygienic purposes), as you will be required to remove your footwear when entering the house.
Owned by Jerry Acuzar and managed by Genesis Hotels and Resorts (the same group who manages Bella Roca, Misibi sBay, Astoria and Midas Hotel), Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar has 27 heritage architectures full with memories of the past. It is described as “a living museum of Philippine customs and traditions that are reborn in a community typical of the 18th to early 20th century Philippines.”Β The houses here were reconstructed from different parts of the country, βbrick by brickβ andΒ βplank by plank.” Every part in the house from exterior to interior is like a piece of puzzle, assembled from pieces inspired by paintings and pictures in old houses.
2. Biking
Biking along village cobblestone streets commands a feeling of nostalgia, wonder, romance and appreciation of simple living at its best. However, for people like me who don’t know how to ride a bike and keep balance, seeing friends enjoy is enough. I’m not eager to learn and I just don’t want to be injured during the trip. π Bike rental is PHp 150 per hour and the bicycle usage is transferable among the group so everyone may have a turn.
3. Kite-flying
One of the houses in Las Casas allowed us to borrow kites made out of newspaper. We got two of them and my friends held the kites with the wind and ran on the wide, open field. When it was my turn, “technical difficulties” caused by the lousy and unstable wind came in the way. Who knew it was so hard to fly a kite! I guess sending a kite to soar takes practice and skill I’m not lucky to have.
4. Throwing Darts
Like kite-flying, throwing darts is something I have not tried before (not counting balloon-shooting in carnivals). Its mechanics and scoring system are out of my world. As I watched how the dart moved to the target and traveled along a parabolic curve, I thought that the aiming position and the throwing technique are critical. Being a newbie in this game, I held the dart like a pencil and didn’t worry about scoring points. In the end, the dart landed right on the target and our team won! π
5. Billiards
In the same entertainment facility, we played a different form of billiards. The balls were not sphere-shaped; they were flat rounds made of wood, so hitting them to the holes was extra hard. Yet again, our team won! Chamba. 
6. Picture Taking
Las Casas is a great destination for those of us who love taking pictures. It is a visual feast of stunning architecture, from colonial houses with ornate wood carvings, to beautiful bridges patterned after the famous Jones bridge. If you’re in to photographing structures, be ready to endure painful heat of the sun as every backdrop shot makes the trip all worth it.
7. Eating
It can be easy to get caught up in the seeing of sights, but taking a break to eat and enjoy Spanish, Filipino and Italian cuisines offered at two restaurants inside Las Casas can be just as rewarding. We dined in at both restaurants and you can read the review here: CafΓ© Marivent in Casa Unisan and La Bella Teodoro in Casa Binan. I hope youβre hungry. π
8. Staying In
We stayed at a super spacious Executive Suite: loft-type room for six in Paseo de Escolta. Although the exterior design looked outdated, the interior felt like a home away from home, with a luxury twist and modern conveniences. Room rate per night is PHp 8,075 during Fridays, Saturdays, Long Weekend and Holidays; PHp 9,500 during Christmas, New Year and Holy Week; and PHp 7225 during weekdays (Sundays to Thursdays). See blue house below:
The first floor consisted of a sofa set, dining set, a television, electric fan and bathroom; the second floor, a queen-sized bed, study area, telephone, toilet, air conditioner and dining set; and the third floor, two queen-sized beds,Β air conditioner and a cabinet. The toilet was spacious and with hot running water, sink and toiletries.
You can view more room rates here.
9. Enjoying Scenery
Before setting foot on Bagac, Bataan soil, I had certain preconceptions about what to do and see. Our original itinerary was to tour around even outside Las Casas:Β Death March Marker: Historical Landmarks β Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shine of Valor), Filipino-Japanese Friendship Marker, St. Catherine of Alexandria Church (one of the oldest churches in Bataan), Surrender Site Marker, the 18th century St. Joseph Cathedral, the Fall of Bataan Marker or La Puerta al Paraiso (Yasa beach) βGateway to Paradise”. However because of lack of time (and energy), we just enjoyed each other’s company and the scenery inside the village. The views looked splendid especially at night when lights were on.
10. Playing at the Beach Area
At the beach area, we stopped by momentarily to feel sands between our feet and run through tires like in an obstacle course.
Wrap Up
This trip was no adventure travel; extreme activities like skydiving, mountain hikes and bungee jumping were nowhere in the it. Nonetheless, we cherished every bit of our stay at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar with these activities putting us in the middle of an unforgettable experience.
To conclude, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar delivered all of this in spades. At the end of the day, I see it as a real, tangible fairy tale heritage resort having an appeal that conveys something hard to resist β simple living at its best. Do yourself a favor and explore this incredible place!
How to Go to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Bagac, Bataan)
1. Drive through North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and exit through San Fernando.
2. Drive to Dinalupihan Road or take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) but still exit to Dinalupihan Road.
3. Continue driving until you see the Philippine-Japan friendship tower. There are many road signs that will lead to the location so stay vigilant.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Barangay Pag-Asa, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
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For reservations/inquiries, contact Manila Reservation Office: call (02) 546-9123, (02) 332-5338, (02) 335-3032 and (02) 332-5286 or email reserve@lascasasfilipinas.com
Mezzanine Floor Victoria Towers, Timog Avenue, Quezon City
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
SO much has changed from the last time I visited this. nice blog.
http://www.ann-d-explorer.com/2011/08/las-casas-filipinas-de-acuzar.html
Yeah. They are even developing three hectares of land to build a church, more houses for hotel accommodations and function rooms and more facilities. Dexter said that estimated time of completion is 2015. So we have something to watch out for and reason to come back again. π
What I usually admire from heritage buildings, places and events on how the past historical influenced the lifestyles and culture of every people. As I see and read the background of these things I am imagining as if I was physically there.
Wow. I feel the same way with some destinations I really want to land on – imagining as if I were physically in the place heightens visualization. Thoughts and things, right? I believe this thought process can just make my dreams come true. π
I have heard about Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar from friends who have gone there in the past. But I didn’t expect that it would be beautiful. Thanks for posting pictures together with your experience. Looks like a place worth seeing.
I’m glad you also see the beauty of the place. π The mansions here are truly catered for sight-seeing and picture-taking, suited for the tourist with a classic taste!
My hometown is close to Bataan, but I’ve never been to this place. Bagac is such a picturesque site.
I’ve always known Bataan as a province with several wonderful tourist spots. One weekend is definitely not enough to explore all those places. And yeah, even if my hometown is Manila, I have not been to a lot of places here either. π
sounds like my kind of vacation.. chill and you can just take your time to really enjoy the place.
Yeah. There’s no Wi-Fi connection here and no computers – unless you bring your own gadget and Internet / 3G connection. Mobile phone signal is also weak, so this kind of vacation house is good for those who don’t want to be bothered by anyone or any matter from outside! π
Nice of you spending your precious time with those beautiful designs in Bataan. Actually, interesting indeed, if I have much time and money to stay in places I like most.
Sure. When I become super rich, I want to live my life out of travel. *sigh* I know someday that would happen. π
Wow, I would love to play at those billiard tables and try my luck.
I don’t know but I felt slightly bored during the game. Perhaps it’s not for me, or I have to try it one more time?? π
Nice review! This post is so timely, we’re planning to go there with the kids.
Thanks! It’s good to plan for a trip this holiday season. π
One of my friends visited this place a year ago and they really had fun. We thought of visiting this too with my husband and would love to try to sleep overnight but with the room rates I guess its nicer to have a day trip only. lol!
Haha. To each his own. π I mean, to my view at least, sleeping for one night in even the cheapest hotel inside Las Casas is more worth the cost than just the day-tour. Weigh in the total experience you’d get. The tour is for free when you stay in. I suggest you go with a large group so you can well divide the expenses. Extra beds can be borrowed for minimal fee anyway.
Well, that’s a really good idea. I think I’ll ask my college friends about this and maybe we can have a mini reunion next then. π
Yup, there are many activities you can do and facilities you can use. π
Heard so much about this place and looking at your photos LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR is a place to visit indeed. I am amazed with the heritage houses you’ve posted here, have many original antiques which are fascinating to watch. A great place to relax and at the same time very educational! It’s a must see destination for every Filipino and tourist.
There are more pictures in my Facebook album. π Yeah, day tour per person is PHp 650 so I think a stay-in complete with breakfast and accommodation is a better choice.
leisure and education combined, our family loves to visit heritage places, enjoying the good things and services offered by the place while at the same time enriching the mind through learning more about its history π
The last time I visited a heritage house was way back when I was in high school – Bahay Tsino in Intramuros as part of our outbound educational tour. I had not appreciate the visitation back then. Now that I’m more aware of history, I am open to going to this kind of place more often.
You had enjoyed a lot in your stay at Las Casas de Acuzar heritage place in Bagac, Bataan. I know you will be inviting your friends too to visit this wonderful place.
Yes. But more than friends, I would love to bring my family here next time. They are the greatest of the greatest friends to me. π
I guess your day is well spent touring the historical village of Las Casas de Filipinas de Acuzar. Though it may not be as authentic but the feel of looking back the past through this creations is worth exploring. We’ll keep this place in mind when visiting Bataan.
Yes, it’s a must-visit in Bataan. You can take advantage of the ongoing deals in Deal Grocer to book now.
I will look back at this list if I ever get the chance to visit Las Casas in Bataan. Great list by the way!
Thanks, Joshua. π In a few years, there will be more houses to visit. I just hope that they also build cheaper / more affordable restaurants hehe.
[…] from long hours of picture-taking under the scorching heat of the sun around Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, we quickly recognized the value of a fine meal as we enthusiastically embraced this “splurge […]
I love heritage tours! It’s like you’re walking on the past and experience what was like a hundred years back.
You’re right. Guests here can also rent costumes for PHp 1,500 and bring home the picture taken. But if you’re much wiser, you’d bring your own and pose for several shots here. π
Since I am not into extreme adventures, touring a heritage site and indulging simple yet fun activities is something I’ll definitely enjoy. Yung eating ang pinakagusto ko. LOL
Apir. Same tayo, Papa Leng. Hahaha.
Just by looking at the pictures, I’m already in love! I love everything in Las Casas Filipinas! I’d love to learn more about the place and its architecture. I could spend like a week staying at the whole compound and just take pictures, visit every house and restos… Haaaay! π
I think one week is enough to get all the right angles in the right exposures as you get to take pictures at any time when you feel the best frame is to come. π
wow sis, this is one of the good options to freshen the mind to vintage, old, and getting in touch with nature places. You know every city girl deserves this, and I want to go there too!!!
Yes, once in a while, we have to take respite from the hustle and bustle in the city. π
Been wanting to see Las Casas for the longest time and seeing you have a grand time makes me want to see the place sooner.
Where you also able to visit Mt. Samat? It’s also on the same way going to Las Casas.
No, unfortunately, although we might have passed by it and saw its peak. Maybe next time!
Hehe. Me, I never knew about the place until one of my friends invited us to join their vacation for six people. I researched about Las Casas and saw pictures online, then become excited to visit the place at once! π
And you were even to visit the place before I have been there. It has it all, heritage, activities and the beach.
It is amazing how large this property is.If you are seeking an alternative to the more whimsical Disney-esque accommodations you will appreciate Las Casas. π
By the way, how big was the bike trail in Las Casas?
To me, it was quite big – the entire area of Las Casas is “bike-able” – from the entrance to the bridge at the back and the beach area.
I would absolutely recommend this resort to anyone wishing for a quiet retreat. Plenty of rest and relaxation here. π
I’m actually lobbying that we have our Company outing at Las casas.
Hope they approve! π It will surely be a fun team building experience for you guys.
what a journey! it look so much fun i wish i can experience the same thing:) i’d go for food tripping, staying and picture taking:) the beach will have to entice me more hihi
Yes, it’s fun. Those three things to do are my favorites as well.
[…] only reason we discovered CafΓ© Marivent was we were touring inside Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and we had to take lunch half for nourishment and the other, for bliss. CafΓ© Marivent takes a […]
I found a deal for las Casas de Acuzar and I’m still thinking about buying it. Thanks for the tip in what we can do there should I decide to buy it.
I would bet on it-it’s a great buy! π
there was a deal in deal grocer for Las Casas, nagdadalawang isip ako kung bibili ako.. but this post made me regret not buying! sayang!
I think the deal has not ended yet! There’s still one more so you can check it out. π
did you actually stay at the house?
Yes, we did. We spent the night there and left after lunch the next morning. Everything was well-provided.
Revisiting, sure you have fun there. Biking for me is a good way to flex my muscles, and pwede rin maka-side tour sa place.
Medyo nainggit naman ako with the thought of you biking. π Touring and biking at the same time is a perfect mix β the magnificence of nature with a touch of adventure.
I like historical places. I am even more impress because the whole place is clean. I just hope they will really preserve this. I hate to see historical places ruined by karaoke, modern bars, or what not.
Right. The management must be careful not so much to infuse modern aesthetics and facilities to the area. Historical establishments serve as reminders of the past.
Wow I wanna go to that place. Thanks for the infos!
You’re welcome! π
I enjoyed my time here too. I love the way they dress up and it’s like you’re transported into time.
I have friends who have been in the same place just recently and they loved their experience. π It’s especially recommended for those who are into photography.
This seems like a perfect place for a holiday vacation,nice review.
Yup. Now that Holy Week is upcoming, you may want to reserve a room here and just spend time with your family. π
Your trip in Bataan looks fun. I hope my summer vacation will also be fun like this. I should add this on my “Places to visit” list. The place looks so vintage.
I’m actually planning to spend my summer vacation at a resort in Tagaytay but after seeing this, I changed my mind and I suddenly want to visit this place instead. π
Tagaytay has many featured spots but if you want something really different, go for Las Casas. However, if you’re looking for cool air then this is not for you.
I saw a good deal in one of the coupon sites months ago and was really interested to go. Las Casa Filipinas De Acuzar is one of the must visit when you are planning on taking a heritage tour. The room/s are big. Great deal! π
Yes yes yes! You should have purchase the deal online! π
Oh, how I would love to visit! I am so jealous! Everything looks so beautiful and serene, I’m not so sure I’d ever come back to work lol
Haha yeah me too. Being in a sound and safe place likes me makes me want to turn it into home. π
Will definitely bookmark this! I like it that the activities here are the good old simple ones that we don’t get to do anymore. π
Thanks, Meikah! This only made me realize that I’m so used to the present lifestyle that it’s hard for me to let them go even if in just a few days.
I would love to take Heritage Historical Tour, I love history!
I don’t love history because my history classes have always been boring, but I love this place. π
Very charming. Bataan is indeed a scenic place that gives Pinoys a sentimental cultural feeling when visiting there. I haven’t been to Bataan yet, but I plan to do so soon.
Hey, Deal Grocer has a deal now open for Las Casas. Go and take a look. π
Hello,
I’m about to visit Las Casas and reading your blog is very helpful indeed that’s because I enjoy doing itineraries for every trip π
We also have 2D,1N Groupon Deal, it says check is at 2PM, but in your blog, you said, upon arriving at 9:30 AM, you were already entertained/accommodated. So is it okay to arrive earlier than the check in time in Las Casas?
Thanks in advance for answering =)
Hi Sunnie! Yes, it’s okay to arrive earlier but you can’t check in yet. Upon arrival, we were first entertained by the tour that lasted about an hour and took photos everywhere. π We left our luggage in the car until 2PM. You’re welcome!
Hi Roch,
I just started blogging and one of my first few blogs was also about Las Casa Filipinas. Here’s my blog. http://chasingwondersss.blogspot.com/ hope you can read and comment about my writing.
Thanks.
Kiac
Hi Kiac. Thanks for sharing. I also left a comment. Enjoy blogging to help people find information! π
isn’t that this hotel needs membership?
Hi Ra. You don’t need to be a member to come here.
How much for the day tour?
From what I remember, day tour per person is PHp 650. Please check by contacting them to be sure. π
I would like to inquire per day rate for our family outing
So glad I bumped into your blog. After reading your review, I immediately booked a 3d2n stay. I’m super excited na.
Hope you had a great time in your vacation at Las Casas! π
If we will not be staying in the resort can we still visit the place and take pictures?
Yes, that’s a day tour. You may call them to inquire about the latest rates per person. π
Pag po ba nagpabook for overnight stay, hiwalay na babayran padin ung entrance fee? π
No, it’s the same. π
[…] Activities We Did in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Bagac, Bataan) […]
good day! we are planning to have our company outing in your place. is it possible for us to have an ocular visitation on Wednesday since we will visit sinagtala. thank you.