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 โ€” 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.”ย The houses here were reconstructed from different parts of the country, โ€œbrick by brickโ€ andย  โ€œplank 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. ๐Ÿ˜› 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! ๐Ÿ˜€

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. :mrgreen:

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: Cafรฉ Marivent in Casa Unisan and La Bella Teodoro in Casa Binan. I hope youโ€™re hungry. ๐Ÿ˜‰

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,ย 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:ย Death March Marker: Historical Landmarks โ€“ 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) โ€œGateway 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 โ€” 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
Facebook

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 

Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.

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98 Responses

    • Rochkirstin Santos

      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. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  1. Gil Camporazo

    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.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      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. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  2. Kathy Lacuna

    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.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      I’m glad you also see the beauty of the place. ๐Ÿ™‚ The mansions here are truly catered for sight-seeing and picture-taking, suited for the tourist with a classic taste!

      Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      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. ๐Ÿ˜€

      Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      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! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  3. Fernando Lachica

    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.

    Reply
  4. E.F. nanquil

    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!

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Haha. To each his own. ๐Ÿ˜› 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.

      Reply
  5. Pal Raine

    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.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      There are more pictures in my Facebook album. ๐Ÿ™‚ Yeah, day tour per person is PHp 650 so I think a stay-in complete with breakfast and accommodation is a better choice.

      Reply
  6. Joy

    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 ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      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.

      Reply
  7. Gil Camporazo

    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.

    Reply
  8. Sky | Boundfortwo.com

    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.

    Reply
  9. Wanderer Juan

    I will look back at this list if I ever get the chance to visit Las Casas in Bataan. Great list by the way!

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      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. ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  10. papaleng

    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

    Reply
  11. Jonas Labagala

    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! ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      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. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  12. Jam

    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!!!

    Reply
  13. caroleen ileto

    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

    Reply
  14. Mommy Pehpot

    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!

    Reply
  15. papaleng

    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.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Medyo nainggit naman ako with the thought of you biking. ๐Ÿ˜› Touring and biking at the same time is a perfect mix โ€” the magnificence of nature with a touch of adventure.

      Reply
  16. Mitch Ryan

    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.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      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.

      Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      I have friends who have been in the same place just recently and they loved their experience. ๐Ÿ™‚ It’s especially recommended for those who are into photography.

      Reply
  17. Shekinah

    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. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      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.

      Reply
  18. Sol Felice

    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! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  19. Grim

    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

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      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.

      Reply
  20. Josh Makalintal

    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.

    Reply
  21. Sunnie

    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 ๐Ÿ™‚
    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 =)

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      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. ๐Ÿ˜€ We left our luggage in the car until 2PM. You’re welcome!

      Reply
  22. Kimberly pajaro

    If we will not be staying in the resort can we still visit the place and take pictures?

    Reply
  23. Niki Dabu

    Pag po ba nagpabook for overnight stay, hiwalay na babayran padin ung entrance fee? ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  24. gio vino

    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.

    Reply

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